The proper maintenance of equipment for both natural and artificial lighting is essential. Systems which are adequate when first installed will soon deteriorate unless properly maintained. For continued effectiveness and economy in lighting, the factory owner shall establish a regular definite system of maintenance so that skylights, side windows, lamps, and accessories are at all times kept clean, in proper adjustment, and in good repair. Means for easy access to all lighting units shall be provided for employees in charge of their maintenance. Walls and ceilings shall be repainted at regular intervals and preferably in light tones. This is especially true where systems of indirect lighting are used.
Especially in connection with the maintenance of lighting systems, attention is called to the desirability of having available in the factory an instrument with which the footcandles of illumination received at any point can be measured. One instrument, the footcandle meter, while not designed for precise measurement, has a wide field of usefulness because, with a little practice, determinations are easily made and are accurate enough for most practical purposes. The footcandle meter is small, light in weight, and entirely self-contained. Illumination is read directly from the scale without computation or manipulation.
By measuring light actually delivered to the work, the footcandle meter automatically reveals the combined effect of all possible causes of deterioration. Ignorance of the magnitude of deterioration has often been the cause of inadequate maintenance.
Minn. R. agency 151, ch. 5205, ILLUMINATION, pt. 5205.0150
Statutory Authority: MS s 182.657