What is the foot candle standard for stairways in healthcare facilities?

In healthcare facilities, proper lighting is crucial for safety, particularly in areas like stairways where falls can occur. The standard of 20 foot-candles for stairways is established to ensure that individuals have adequate visibility to navigate safely. This lighting level helps to prevent accidents by providing enough illumination for people as they ascend or descend, particularly in potentially hazardous areas that may not receive natural light.

Understanding this standard is essential for health facility administrators, as it impacts building design and compliance with safety regulations. Adequate lighting not only promotes safety but also contributes to the overall well-being of residents, staff, and visitors by reducing the risk of injuries related to slips, trips, and falls. Compliance with these standards is also a part of maintaining the operational license for health facilities, reflecting the importance of safety in regulatory oversight and facility management.