Occupational safety is an area of activity that aims to protect workers in their work environment, with a view to preventing accidents and diseases resulting from work. Within this context, the Regulatory Norms (NRs) are of paramount importance, as they establish the minimum parameters and instructions on occupational health and safety.
Among the NRs, NR 6, which deals with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), is of great relevance. PPE is any device or product for individual use used by the worker, intended to protect against risks capable of threatening their safety and health. The use of this equipment is fundamental to guarantee the physical integrity of the worker, especially in activities that involve risks.
NR 6 establishes the obligation of the employer to provide PPE, at no cost to the employee, whenever collective protection measures are technically unfeasible or do not offer complete protection against the risks of accidents and/or diseases professionals and work. In addition, the standard also determines that the PPE must be suitable for the risk and in perfect condition and functioning.
PPE can be classified into: head protection (helmets), eye and face protection (goggles and visors), hearing protection (ear protectors), respiratory protection (masks and respirators), trunk protection ( clothing), protection for the upper limbs (gloves and sleeves), protection for the lower limbs (boots and shoes), protection against falls (belts and lanyards), among others.
NR 6 also establishes that the employer must train the worker on the proper use, storage and conservation of PPE. The training must be carried out when the worker is hired and whenever necessary. In addition, the employer must require the use of PPE and replace it when damaged or lost.
On the other hand, it is up to the employee to use the PPE only for the purpose for which they are intended, to be responsible for the safekeeping and conservation, to communicate to the employer any alteration that makes its use improper, and to comply with the employer's determinations on the proper use.
NR 6 also establishes that PPE must have the Certificate of Approval (CA), issued by the competent national body in matters of safety and health at work of the Ministry of Labor and Employment. The CA ensures that the PPE meets the safety requirements established by technical standards.
Therefore, NR 6 is extremely important for work safety, as it establishes the guidelines for the use of PPE, thus ensuring the protection of workers against the risks present in the work environment. Failure to observe this rule may result in work accidents, occupational diseases and legal penalties for the employer.
In conclusion, job security is a right for all workers and an obligation for employers. The NRs, especially NR 6, are essential tools to guarantee the health and physical integrity of workers. Therefore, it is essential that all those involved know and correctly apply these standards.
