SECTION 295.164. Standards for Lighting and Ventilation

(a) Lighting. Where artificial lighting is necessary, employers shall provide lighting levels in such work areas that shall be not less than the levels of illumination summarized in Bulletin RP-15, titled "Recommended Levels of Illumination," and further described in the "IES Lighting Handbook," 5th Edition, both published by the Illumination Engineering Society of North America (IES).

(b) Ventilation.

(1) Employers shall provide proper ventilation for enclosed spaces which people may occupy in the course of temporary employment. This requires outside fresh air of acceptable quality. Whenever local building codes do not specify either ventilation rates or amounts, the provisions of paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection shall constitute the minimum ventilation standard.

(2) Ventilating systems shall provide outside fresh air by natural or mechanical means. When mechanical ventilation is used, provision for air-flow measurement should be included. When natural ventilation and infiltration are used the ventilation rate shall be measurable. When infiltration rates are not sufficient to meet ventilation air requirements, mechanical ventilation shall be provided.

(3) The minimum rate of ventilation, supplying outside fresh air of acceptable quality for any indoor or enclosed space, shall not be less than five cubic feet per minute per occupant, not less than 20 cubic feet per minute per occupant where smoking, or cooking, or open flames are permitted. Such ventilation shall be continuous during all working hours and any other periods of occupancy.

Source Note: The provisions of this §295.164 adopted to be effective February 22, 1993, 18 TexReg 848.