Agricultural workers have been known to work long hours traditionally from sunrise to sunset. There is no denying that working at night presents unique hazards that would not typically exist during the day. Night work or “hours of darkness” is defined as agricultural work activity that takes place between sunset and sunrise.

Effective July 2020, GISO §3449, requires agricultural employers to evaluate each outdoor worksite to ensure that adequate lighting is available during hours of darkness, and operations taking place between sunset and sunrise are illuminated to ensure safe work and visibility.

The illumination levels are dependent on the operation and task being performed, which is outlined below in Table 1 – Illumination Levels. Cal/OSHA uses the reference to foot-candles and lumens which are both units of measuring light.

For example, Workers must have a minimum illumination of 10 foot-candles when working within 25 feet of operating tractors, trucks, self-propelled or towed equipment.

It is also required that safety meetings conducted at the beginning of each shift include how to safely access restrooms, drinking water, designated break areas, nearby bodies of water and high traffic areas. Class 2 high visibility garments must also be provided and worn by workers.

Table 1

Foot-Candles

Lux

 Operations Areas or Tasks

0.09-0.19

1-2

Poultry harvesting or catching operations.

3

32.29

Meeting area and meal/rest area.

5

53.82

Outdoor agricultural operations except where otherwise specified in this table.

Pathways leading to and around restrooms and drinking water.

Inside restroom facilities.

Storage areas accessed by employees.

10

107.64

Intermittently exposed or exposed point of operation equipment, covered under

Group 8. Points of Operation and Other Hazardous Parts of Machinery.

Operationally visible moving parts of machinery covered under Group 6.

Power Transmission, Prime Movers, and Machine Parts of the General Industry Safety Orders.

Task lighting for agricultural operations that involve the use of tools that can

Potentially cause cuts, lacerations, or punctures.

20

215.30

Task lighting for maintenance work on equipment.

For more information and to schedule an inspection with CSTC® call us at 661-377-8300 or email biv@cstcsafety.com.