Chapter 3.13: Occupational Safety Regulatory Standards (NRs): NR 13 - Boilers, Pressure Vessels and Pipes

Regulatory Standard 13, known as NR 13, is one of the most important workplace safety guidelines in Brazil. It establishes the safety procedures that must be followed by companies and workers who deal with boilers, pressure vessels and piping. NR 13 is fundamental to prevent accidents at work and guarantee the physical integrity of workers.

Boilers

NR 13 establishes that all boilers must be installed in specific locations, known as Casa de Boilers. These places must be easily accessible, well ventilated and must have safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers. Furthermore, boilers must only be operated by qualified professionals trained for this function.

According to NR 13, boilers must undergo regular inspections to verify their condition and functioning. These inspections must be carried out by qualified professionals and must be registered in a specific book, called Boiler Inspection Book.

Pressure Vessels

Pressure vessels are devices that contain fluids under pressure. They are commonly used in chemical, petrochemical, food and other industries. NR 13 establishes that pressure vessels must be designed, built, installed and operated in order to guarantee the safety of workers.

Like boilers, pressure vessels must undergo regular inspections to verify their condition and functioning. These inspections must be carried out by qualified professionals and must be recorded in a specific book, called the Pressure Vessel Inspection Book.

Pipes

NR 13 also addresses the safety of industrial piping. It establishes that pipelines must be designed, constructed, installed and operated in order to guarantee the safety of workers. In addition, the pipes must be identified with specific colors, according to the type of fluid they transport.

Pipes must also undergo regular inspections to verify their condition and functioning. These inspections must be carried out by qualified professionals and must be registered in a specific book, called Piping Inspection Book.

Conclusion

NR 13 is a regulatory standard of extreme importance for work safety. It establishes safety procedures that must be followed by companies and workers who deal with boilers, pressure vessels and piping. Following the guidelines of NR 13 is essential to prevent accidents at work and guarantee the physical integrity of workers.

Therefore, it is essential that professionals in the field of work safety know NR 13 in detail, so that they can correctly apply it in their daily activities. In addition, it is important that workers are constantly trained and updated on NR 13 guidelines, so that they can carry out their activities safely and efficiently.