SextouComNR – Tudo sobre a NR-35 Trabalho em Altura

One of the main causes of serious and fatal workplace accidents is due to events involving workers falling from different levels. The risks of falls from height exist in various branches of activity and in diverse types of tasks. The creation of a comprehensive Regulatory Standard that covers all branches of activity is an important reference instrument for ensuring that these tasks are performed safely. The principle adopted in the standard addresses work at height as an activity that should be planned and, if possible, the worker's exposure to risk should be avoided, either by performing the work in another way, by measures that eliminate the risk of falling, or by measures that minimize its consequences when the risk of falling cannot be avoided. NR-35 was published in 2012 through Ordinance No. 313. In 2018, it was classified as a special standard by Ordinance 787. When is it "Work at Height"? Its text establishes the minimum requirements and protection measures for work at height. The standard itself defines the term: "work at height is considered any activity performed above two meters from the lower level, where there is a risk of falling." Rights and Duties NR-35 outlines several responsibilities for both employers and employees. Regarding the employer, their responsibilities include, for example, ensuring the issuance of the PT (Work Permit) and ensuring the suspension of work at height when there is an unforeseen risk condition with no possibility of neutralization. These are two examples of employer responsibilities, but the standard presents several others. Regarding the responsibility of workers, the standard includes, among other guidelines, ensuring their own safety and that of other people involved in the activities. Training and Qualification One issue that raises some questions in work at height activities concerns the training and qualification of workers. According to the standard, a worker will be qualified to work at height if they have passed theoretical and practical training, with a minimum workload of eight hours and content specified by the NR itself. In addition to this initial training, periodic training is also required, which must be carried out every two years, with a minimum duration of eight hours. Proficiency and Qualified Professional The training must be given by instructors with proven proficiency in the subject, under the responsibility of a qualified Occupational Safety professional. Here we have two terms that usually cause confusion. Proficiency: knowledge and experience, both theoretical and practical. Simple as that. Qualified Occupational Safety professional: according to the manual for assisting in the interpretation and application of NR-35, this professional can be an Occupational Safety engineer or an Occupational Safety technician. NR-35 x PCMSO Another important point of the standard is the relationship it establishes with the PCMSO (Occupational Health Medical Control Program). Item 35.4.1.2 instructs the employer to assess the health status of workers who perform work at height. This assessment corresponds to the performance of medical examinations focused on diseases that can cause sudden illness and falls from height. These examinations should be an integral part of the PCMSO (Occupational Health Medical Control Program) and should also consider psychosocial factors. Fitness for work at height must be recorded in the worker's Occupational Health Certificate (ASO), and complementary examinations may be requested by the coordinating physician of the PCMSO. Annexes to the standard In addition to its normative text, NR-35 also includes some annexes, namely: Annex I: provides guidelines for rope access activities. Annex II: a very complete approach regarding anchoring systems. NR-35 also includes a glossary, with definitions of some terms used throughout the normative text, such as "fall factor," "Work Permit," and "inert suspension," for example. Therefore, if the standard includes a term you don't know, its definition will most likely be described in the glossary. In conclusion... NR-35 is perhaps one of the most consulted standards, given that work at height is present in various sectors of our market. If you have any questions, whether about something mentioned in this text or something not covered here but in the standard, leave them in the comments and we'll try our best to answer them. Meanwhile, I'll be preparing the next episode of our web series #SextouComNR. A big hug to everyone and SEX TOU! To access our content, visit our website http://www.sstonline.com.br/ Follow us on social media: Instagram:   / sstonline_   Facebook:   / sstonline.co.  . LinkedIn:   / 6503.  . #NR35 #SextoucomNR #WorkAtHeight #SST #NR