3.23. Occupational Safety Regulatory Norms (NRs): NR 24 - Sanitary and Comfort Conditions in Workplaces

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Occupational Safety is a set of measures adopted to minimize accidents at work, occupational diseases, as well as to protect the integrity and capacity of the worker. Among the various tools used to ensure work safety, Regulatory Standards, also known as NRs, play a key role. In this context, NR 24, which deals with Sanitary and Comfort Conditions in Workplaces, is one of the most important.

NR 24 establishes the conditions of hygiene and comfort that must be observed in the workplace. It covers a number of aspects, such as sanitary facilities, changing rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, accommodation, among others. The objective is to ensure that workers have their basic needs met during the period they are at work, in addition to preventing illnesses and accidents related to lack of hygiene and comfort.

Sanitary installations are one of the main points covered by NR 24. The norm establishes that every establishment must have sanitary installations separated by sex, in an adequate number of workers. In addition, these facilities must be kept in a perfect state of repair and hygiene, with daily cleaning. NR 24 also establishes that sanitary facilities must be equipped with a washbasin, toilet and urinal, in isolated compartments for private use.

Another important aspect of NR 24 are the changing rooms. The norm determines that establishments with more than 30 workers must have changing rooms separated by sex, with individual lockers, benches and adequate conditions of hygiene and comfort. In addition, changing rooms should be located close to service or emergency exits to facilitate evacuation in the event of an accident.

Cafeterias are also subject to regulation by NR 24. The norm establishes that establishments with more than 300 workers must have cafeterias, with the capacity to serve all workers in the same shift. In addition, dining rooms must be equipped with tables and seats in sufficient numbers, as well as facilities for heating meals. NR 24 also provides that cafeterias must be kept in adequate hygiene conditions, with daily cleaning and periodic disinfection.

Finally, NR 24 also addresses housing conditions for workers residing in the workplace. The norm establishes that the lodgings must be kept in adequate conditions of hygiene and comfort, with sanitary and laundry facilities, in addition to dining rooms and kitchens. In addition, NR 24 provides that accommodation must be equipped with individual lockers for the storage of personal belongings and beds with mattresses in good condition.

In summary, NR 24 is an essential tool to ensure the health and well-being of workers. It establishes the minimum conditions of hygiene and comfort that must be observed in the workplace, contributing to the prevention of diseases and accidents related to lack of hygiene and comfort. Therefore, it is essential that all establishments strictly comply with the provisions of NR 24, not only to avoid legal penalties, but mainly to guarantee the health and well-being of their workers.

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273.24. Occupational Safety Regulatory Standards (NRs): NR 25 - Industrial Waste