3.34. Regulatory Norms (NRs) for Occupational Safety: NR 35 - Work at Heights

Occupational Safety is an area of ​​study that aims to prevent accidents and occupational diseases. In Brazil, Regulatory Norms (NRs) are responsible for establishing procedures and guidelines to ensure worker health and safety. In this context, NR 35, which deals with Work at Height, is one of the most important and comprehensive.

Work at heights is all work carried out above 2.00 m from the lower level, where there is a risk of falling. NR 35 establishes the requirements and protection measures for work at height, involving planning, organization and execution, in order to guarantee the safety and health of workers directly or indirectly involved in this activity.

The NR 35 addresses several aspects of work at height, starting with planning and organization. All activities involving work at height must be planned in detail, including choosing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), carrying out a risk analysis and implementing collective protection measures. In addition, the rule establishes that the employer must ensure the implementation of protective measures through a Workplace Safety Management System.

Regarding execution, NR 35 establishes that work at height can only be carried out by workers who are in adequate health conditions to perform this type of activity, and who have received theoretical and practical training, with a minimum workload of 08 hours. In addition, the worker must be able to identify the impeding conditions for carrying out work at height, to understand the execution, rescue and first aid procedures, and to use protective equipment correctly.

NR 35 also establishes requirements for individual and collective protection equipment. PPE must be suitable for each type of work to be carried out, and must be inspected regularly to ensure that they are in perfect conditions of use. Collective protection equipment, on the other hand, must be installed in places where there is a risk of workers or materials falling.

Another important aspect of NR 35 is the need to carry out a risk analysis before carrying out any work at height. This analysis must consider the risks associated with the type of work to be carried out, the place where it will be carried out and the equipment that will be used. The risk analysis must be carried out by a professional legally qualified in work safety.

Finally, NR 35 establishes that the employer must ensure that specific medical examinations are carried out for workers who perform activities at height, in order to assess their physical and mental aptitude for this type of work. In addition, the employer must ensure that fall protection measures are in place, including the installation of anchorage systems and the use of safety harnesses.

In summary, NR 35 is an extensive and detailed standard, which addresses all aspects related to work at height, from planning and organization, to the execution and use of protective equipment. Its objective is to guarantee the safety and health of workers who carry out activities at height, preventing the occurrence of accidents and occupational diseases.

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