Cornell University

Environment, Health and Safety

16.3 Lighting

16.3 Lighting

Having a properly lighted work area is essential to working safely. A couple of key points to remember about proper lighting:

  • Lighting should be adequate for safe illumination of all work areas (100-200 lumens for laboratories). For more information, see the CU Design and Construction Standard 26500 – Interior Lighting. 
  • Light bulbs that are mounted low and susceptible to contact should be guarded. 
  • If the risk of electrocution exists when changing light bulbs, practice lock-out tag-out. 
  • For proper disposal of "universal waste" fluorescent bulbs, see light bulb recycling. 
  • As an energy conservation measure, please remember to turn off your lights when you leave your lab.