15A NCAC 18A .3632      food service area lighting

(a)  In Resident Camps, all areas in which food is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be provided with at least 50 foot-candles of light on food preparation work levels and at utensil washing work levels. At least 10 foot-candles of light at 30 inches above the floor shall be provided in all other areas, including storage rooms and walk-in units. This shall not include dining areas except during cleaning operations. Fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair.

(b)  In determining whether the lighting at a particular location meets the requirements of this Rule, the Environmental Health Specialist shall take the measurement with the light meter at the level where work is performed or at 30 inches above the floor if not at a work station identified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule. The environmental health specialist shall place the meter on the surface where the measurement is to be taken and shall not obstruct the path of the light to the surface in question. Instruments used to measure lighting shall be maintained and operated by the Environmental Health Specialist in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as to ensure their accuracy.

(c)  Light bulbs in food preparation, storage and display areas shall be shatterproof or shielded to preclude the possibility of broken bulbs or lamps falling into food. Shatterproof or shielded bulbs need not be used in food storage areas where the integrity of the unopened packages will not be affected by broken glass falling onto them and the packages, prior to being opened, are capable of being cleaned.

(d)  Heat lamps shall be protected against breakage by a shield surrounding and extending beyond the bulb, leaving only the face of the bulb exposed.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 130A-235; 130A-248;

Eff. October 1, 2007;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. July 20, 2019.