MINISTRY OF LABOR NR-8

Brazilian Regulations

NR 8 - Edification

8.1. This Regulation NR establishes the minimum technical requirements to be used on buildings
and premises to ensure the safety and comfort of the workers.

8.2. Work places shall have a minimum of 3.0 meters ceiling height, defined as the free height
between floor and ceiling.

8.2.1. This minimum height may be reduced at the Work Safety and Health authority’s
discretion, provided the illumination and temperature conditions suitable for the type of work are
met.

8.3. Circulation areas.

8.3.1. Floor of work places shall not present imperfections that may difficult the circulation of
personnel or movement of materials.

8.3.2. Opening on floors and walls shall be protected to avoid fall of persons or objects.

8.3.3. Floors, stairs and ramps shall have sufficient resistance to hold fixed and movable loads
for what they were made.

8.3.4. Ramps and fixed stairs and ladders of any type shall be built in accordance with the
official technical standards and kept in perfect conditions.

8.3.5. Anti-skidding materials or process shall be used on slippery floors, stairs, ramps, hallways
and walkways in work places.

8.3.6. Floors above ground such as terraces, balconies, garage buildings and other compartments
without external walls shall be provided with handrail or body protection against falls, according
to the following requirements:
- height of 0.9 meters minimum from the floor level;
- handrails or body protection not made of solid wall, spacing between vertical elements of
handrail shall be maximum 0.12 meters.
- it shall be made of rigid material capable to resist to a horizontal load pressure of 80 kgf/m2
applied at the most critical point.

8.4. Weather protection.

8.4.1. External walls and walls separating independent units of a building, even if not structural,
shall compulsorily comply with the official technical standards regarding fire resistance, thermal
insulation, acoustic insulation and conditioning, structural resistance and tightness.

Free translation into English Language page 1 of 2

August 2001
MINISTRY OF LABOR NR-8
Brazilian Regulations

8.4.2. Floors and walls of work places shall receive, as necessary, waterproof treatment and shall
be protected against moisture.

8.4.3. Roof or covering of work places shall ensure protection against rainfall.

8.4.4. Buildings shall be designed and built in a way to avoid excessive or insufficient exposure
to the sunlight.

Free translation into English Language page 2 of 2

August 2001