12061 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230-6219
| The requirements for Reflectivity can be found.under The California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law and is excerpted from The California Health and Safety Code. | ||||||||
| Contained therein (of which I have included copy) Section 114155. (27632) entitled Walls and Ceilings, it states (edited) "Walls and ceilings shall be of a durable, smooth, nonabsorbent, light colored, and washable surface. Light colored shall mean having a light reflectance value of 70 percent or greater." | ||||||||
| Unfortunately, the document does not identify the test method (usually ASTM) by which light reflectance can be quantified. After several calls to various state agencies, I was finally told by a Mr. Jim Miller of the County of Orange Health Care Agency, that reflectance is determined by ASTM D2805-88, of which Mr Miller sent me a copy. Upon reviewing the ASTM D2805-88, it became clear that this test method was for paints and the actual portion of the test (E97 Directional Reflectance Factor) to determine reflectivity, could not be done with ceramic tile unless modified. | ||||||||
| I contacted Mr. Miller again, expressing my concerns, and was given the following recommendation. Go down to your local paint dealer and obtain a color fan (spectrum) of paint colors. These colors, I was told, have posted their reflectance values. Compare the color of the ceramic tile in question, with that of the paint color that most closely matches it. If the paint color passes the reflectivity test, then it follows that the ceramic tile will also pass. I should also point out to you that the ASTM D2805-88 is a laboratory test and does not mention modification for field use. | ||||||||