OSHA rules
OSHA proposes ending construction lighting rules
OSHA proposed in July 2025 to rescind its construction illumination standard, 29 CFR 1926.26 and 1926.56, including the table of minimum foot-candles. Comments closed November 1, 2025. No final rule has been published, and it was not among OSHA's August 2026 hearings.
On your exam?
Not yet: the exam still tests the prior rule
Until a final rule removes it, 1926.56 and its foot-candle table are the rule a CHST or ASP lighting question would test.
Judged against CHST5 and ASP11, the outlines in effect on October 16, 2026.
- Status
- Proposed
- From
- OSHA
- Citation
- 90 FR 28366; RIN 1218-AD70
- Last checked
- October 16, 2026
Key dates
- July 1, 2025Proposed rule published
- November 1, 2025Extended comment period closes
What would go
- 1926.26, which requires construction areas, aisles, stairs, ramps, runways, corridors, offices, shops and storage areas where work is in progress to be lighted.
- 1926.56, which sets minimum illumination intensities in foot-candles by area and points to ANSI A11.1 for areas not in its table.
OSHA's stated reason is that the standard "does not reduce a significant risk to workers." The proposal keeps lighting rules that sit in other standards, such as permit-required confined spaces in construction.
Practice what's tested now
Sources
- Federal Register: Construction Illumination, proposed rule (July 1, 2025)
- Reginfo.gov: Unified Agenda entry, RIN 1218-AD70
- OSHA: deregulatory rulemaking
Published October 16, 2026. Last checked against these sources October 16, 2026. Something out of date? Email hello@passcited.com.