BOP Program Statement 1614.01 § 46

a. Inmate Rooms/Cells. A lighting survey of inmate rooms/cells must be conducted by a

qualified source at least once per three years.

Lighting levels in inmate rooms/cells must be at least 20-foot-candles at desk level and in

personal grooming areas. If applicable, education, recreation, leisure centers, and multipurpose

areas designated as primary or secondary reading/writing areas should be included in lighting

surveys.

1614.01 6/22/2026 PROPERTY OF US GOVERNMENT 50

b. Institution-Wide Lighting Survey. The Occupational Safety and Health Department must

assess light levels throughout the facility to determine if sufficient lighting is available based on

the tasks performed. Since lighting levels generally vary throughout the room/area, the lighting

survey should reflect the average level over the area where tasks are performed. Lighting sources

may also be a combination of task lighting and ceiling lighting.

The following chart can be used as a guide for recommended illumination levels:

Minimum Recommended Illumination

Area Foot Candles Area Foot Candles

General Areas: UNICOR Areas:

Offices 30 Production Areas (Additional task 30

Control Room 30 lighting may be needed depending

Conference Rooms 30 on type of production)

Training Rooms 30 Warehouse Areas 10

Lobby Areas 20 Maintenance Areas 20

Service Areas: Education/Recreation:

Stairwells 5 Classrooms 30

Elevators 5 Libraries 20

Corridors 5 Gymnasium 20

Restrooms 10 VT Shops 20

Food Service: Facilities Areas:

Dining Room 15 Maintenance Shops 20

Kitchen 50 Electrical/Generator Rooms 20

Dish Room 20 Mechanical Rooms 20

Trust Fund Areas: Health Service Areas:

Warehouse Areas 10 Exam Rooms 50

Commissary 20 Laboratory 50

Laundry 30 Pharmacy 75

Inmate Living Units:

Desk Level (Writing) 20

Grooming Areas 20

c. Records Retention. Records for current lighting surveys must be maintained in the

Occupational Safety and Health Department.