OSHA Lighting Requirements by Industry: Compliance Guide
OSHA minimum lighting requirements by workplace type. Foot-candle standards for warehouses, manufacturing, offices, construction, and more.
OSHA Workplace Lighting Requirements
OSHA's general industry standard (29 CFR 1926.56) establishes minimum lighting levels for workplace safety. Inadequate lighting is both a safety hazard and an OSHA violation.
OSHA Minimum Foot-Candle Requirements
| Area / Task | Minimum fc | OSHA Standard |
|---|---|---|
| General construction | 5 fc | 1926.56(a) |
| Warehouses, storage | 5 fc | General duty |
| Loading platforms | 10 fc | 1926.56(a) |
| General office | 30 fc | General duty |
| First aid stations | 30 fc | 1926.56(a) |
| Mechanical/electrical rooms | 10 fc | 1926.56(a) |
| Manufacturing (general) | 30 fc | IES recommendation |
| Manufacturing (detailed) | 50-100 fc | IES recommendation |
| Welding areas | 50 fc | 1926.56(a) |
| Exit routes & stairways | 5 fc | 1910.37(b) |
| Emergency lighting | 1 fc | 1910.37(b) |
IES Recommended Levels (Best Practice)
While OSHA sets minimums, the IES (Illuminating Engineering Society) provides recommended levels for productivity and safety:
| Space | OSHA Min | IES Recommended | Auvolar Fixture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse | 5 fc | 20-30 fc | [UFO High Bay 150W](/p/ufo-high-bay-light-hba-series) |
| Manufacturing | 30 fc | 50-75 fc | [UFO High Bay 200W](/p/ufo-high-bay-light-hba-series) |
| Office | 30 fc | 40-50 fc | [LED Troffer](/p/panel-light-a-sfpl) |
| Parking garage | 1 fc | 5-10 fc | [Garage Light](/p/garage-canopy-light-an-cn) |
| Exterior walkway | 1 fc | 2-5 fc | [Wall Pack](/p/small-wall-pack-scone-an-wsn-series) |
Emergency Lighting Requirements
OSHA requires emergency lighting along exit routes providing at least 1 foot-candle for a minimum of 90 minutes during power failure.
Our [LED Exit Signs & Emergency Lights](/products/indoor/exit-emergency) include:
- 90-minute battery backup (code minimum)
- LED lamp for 25+ year life
- Self-test models available
- UL 924 listed
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- OSHA citation: $15,625 per serious violation (2026)
- Willful violation: Up to $156,259 per violation
- Liability: Inadequate lighting cited in slip/fall and workplace injury lawsuits
How to Ensure Compliance
Need Help With Your Lighting Project?
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