There are optimal light levels that must be achieved to create a safe industrial work environment. Foot-candles is a unit of measurement that indicates light intensity. Industrial loading platforms must feature lighting that offers around 20 foot-candles of lighting, while active warehouses must have between 15 and 30 foot-candles of light. In areas where simple assembly is taking place, between 20 and 50 foot-candles of light must be provided.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has designed a classification system for certain types of industrial lighting. E-type metal halide lights are designed for suitably-rated luminaries that are enclosed. O-type and S-type metal halides are rated for open luminaries, but certain conditions must be met to make S-type lights appropriate for an open luminary.
All of these lighting types contain mercury, a toxic substance, and overexposure to the mercury found in industrial lighting can be fatal. Metal halide, high-pressure sodium and fluorescent bulbs can contain around 81 mg, 15 mg and 4 mg of mercury, respectively. As a result, care should be taken when handling industrial lighting.