OSHA Restaurant Lighting Levels

OSHA is concerned with the health and safety of workers.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) sets guidelines for workplace safety. Specific lighting requirements do not address restaurants in particular, but general OSHA rules regarding safe and healthy work environments apply.

ANSI Standards

OSHA lighting regulations specify certain intensities of light for general construction, loading and refueling platforms, tunnels and underground working areas, hallways and exits, first aid areas and construction plants and shops. For all other areas, OSHA defers to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A11.1-1965, R1970, Practices of Industrial Lighting. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), sells the guidelines for several hundred dollars (as of 2010). Engineers and architecture firms generally have copies of the guidelines.

Function

The purpose of the guidelines is to provide generally safe and healthy working conditions. Following this general guideline, food preparation areas of a restaurant should be brightly lit so any potentially dangerous activity is well-illuminated. Dining areas need to have enough light that employees can perform their jobs safely.

Considerations

If opening a restaurant, considering hiring an engineer with access to ANSI standards to examine all aspects of the structure for safety, including lighting. OSHA has specific requirements about electrical safety, so be sure all workers are protected from exposure to electrical components where lighting is involved.

References

• OSHA: Regulations
• OSHA: Letter of Interpretation
• OSHA: Illumination

Resources

• IESNA: Store