411-087-0430 Electrical Systems: Lighting (1) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to help ensure nursing facility lighting which provides the best visual acuity possible for nursing facility residents. Facility design should consider that, due to the normal aging process, the older person requires higher levels of illumination, is much more sensitive to glare, and requires greater time to adapt to changes in light levels. The older adult generally has reduced contrast sensitivity. Proper lighting is important in promoting personal independence, psychosocial well-being, minimizing need for staff intervention and preventing accidents. (2) Lighting Required: (a) All spaces occupied by people, machinery, equipment within buildings, approaches to buildings, and parking lots shall have lighting; (b) Light Fixtures. Light fixtures shall be designed to minimize direct glare; e.g., indirect or diffused lighting, and to minimize energy consumption. Bare light bulbs or tubes are not allowed in resident areas or food preparation areas; (c) Lighting Intensity. Lighting fixtures and circuitry shall have the capability of providing the lighting intensities shown in Table 4. (3) Natural Light. Windows and skylights shall be utilized to minimize the need for artificial light and to allow residents to experience the natural daylight cycle. The use of windows and skylights is especially important near entrances/exits, in order to avoid difficulty in adjusting to light levels when entering or leaving the facility. (4) Walls, Floors, Ceilings, Doors, Windows. Wall, floor and ceiling surfaces shall be designed/finished to minimize reflected glare. High contrast surfaces shall be used to assist residents with limited visual acuity to recognize the juncture between floor and wall, between wall and door, and between floor and other objects (e.g., toilet): (a) On or after January 1, 1994, new paint and other new finishes used on ceiling shall have a reflectance value of 80 percent or higher. Such paint/finishes shall have a low sheen or matte finish; (b) On or after January 1, 1994, new paint and other new finishes used on walls above 36 inches from the floor shall have a reflectance value of 60 percent or higher. Such paint/finishes shall have a low sheen or matte finish; (c) Floors shall have a low sheen or matte finish; (d) By January 1, 1997, all windows shall have coverings which minimize glare without blocking out all light. (5) Resident Rooms. Residents’ rooms shall have general lighting switchable at the doorway. Resident rooms shall also have lighting for each bed suitable for reading and indirect low level night illumination switchable at the bed. At least one light fixture for night lighting shall be switchable at the entrance to each resident room. All switches for control of lighting in resident areas shall be of the quiet operating type. (6) Exceptions: (a) Except as provided in OAR 411-087-0010, facilities continuously licensed since January 1, 1992, shall be exempt from section (3) of this rule; (b) Except as provided in OAR 411-087-0010, facilities continuously licensed since January 1, 1992, shall be required to have 20 percent of the resident rooms (including wardrobe, toilet room entry, toilet room and make-up/shaving area) in compliance with Table 4 by January 1, 1995. One year after January 1, 1995, and every year thereafter, such facility shall be required to have an additional 20 percent of the resident rooms in compliance with Table 4 until January 1, 1999, at which time all resident rooms shall comply; (c) Except as provided in OAR 411-087-0010, facilities continuously licensed since January 1, 1992, shall be required to meet task lighting requirements for medicine preparation area(s) and nurses station(s) as described in Table 4 by January 1, 1995; (d) Except as provided in OAR 411-087-0010, facilities continuously licensed since January 1, 1992, shall be required to meet task lighting requirements for food preparation areas, occupational therapy area and activity area(s) as described in Table 4 by January 1, 1996; (e) Except as provided in OAR 411-087-0010, facilities continuously licensed since January 1, 1992, shall be required to meet task lighting requirements for laundry, examination room(s), and physical therapy area as described in Table 4 by January 1, 1997; (f) Except as provided in OAR 411-087-0010, facilities continuously licensed since January 1, 1992, shall be required to meet task lighting requirements for staff toilet(s) and administrative offices as described in Table 4 by January 1, 1998; (g) Except as provided in OAR 411-087-0010, facilities continuously licensed since January 1, 1992, shall be required to have a minimum interior entry area ambient lighting of 50 foot candles instead of 100 foot candles as described in Table 4. [ED. NOTE: Tables referenced are available from the agency.] Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 410.070 & 441.055 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 441.055 & 441.615 History: SSD 8-1993, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-93 SSD 22-1991, f. 12-31-91, cert. ef. 1-1-92