NR-20: flammable liquids and fuels in quick reference

0Every number of NR-20 on one page

If you only take one sheet to the field, take this one

1Where NR-20 comes into the farm

This is where NR-31 sends fuel storage

NR-31 does not regulate fuel storage: it refers expressly to NR-20 (items 31.2.1.1, “f”, and 31.3.5, “f”). The farm diesel tank, the containment basin and training for anyone handling flammables are based here — and, as a technical reference, on ABNT NBR 17505.

Who it applies to (20.2)

NR-20 applies to the extraction, production, storage, transfer, handling and manipulation of flammables and combustible liquids. It does not apply to single-family residential buildings (20.2.2, “b”), nor to offshore oil and gas platforms and support installations (NR-37).

The three installation classes (20.4, Table 1)

The type of activity takes precedence over capacity (20.4.1.1) — except above 250,000 m³ of liquids or 3,000 t of gases (20.4.1.1.1). Where an installation fits two classes, the higher one applies (20.4.1.2).

2Definitions and flash point

The line between flammable and combustible

In practice: petrol and ethanol are flammable; diesel is a combustible liquid. The classification of the installation (Table 1) considers storage capacity, whether permanent or temporary.

3Tanks, containment and ignition sources

What to check in the fuelling area

Leak containment (20.14.4)

Tanks storing flammable and combustible liquids must have leak or spill containment systems, sized and built in accordance with national technical standards. Storing materials, containers and the like inside the containment basin is prohibited, except during maintenance and inspection (20.14.4.1).

Diesel or biodiesel tank inside a building (Annex III)

Inside buildings, a flammable liquid tank is only allowed if buried and intended for diesel or biodiesel. An above-ground tank is the exception: only to feed an emergency power generator, where burying it is shown to be impossible, with a design and a preliminary hazard/risk analysis by a qualified professional.

• ground floor, basement or open ground floor, in an exclusive area;
• leak containment system;
• room enclosed by walls fire-resistant for at least 2 h and a fire door;
• up to 5,000 L per tank and room, and 10,000 L per building;
• metal tanks, with fire detection and fighting and properly sized emergency exits;
• operators trained on the Intermediate Course (Annex III, 2.3).

Control of ignition sources (20.13)

• electrical installations and equipment in classified areas in accordance with NR-10;
• measures against the generation, build-up and discharge of static electricity;
• work permit for flames, heat or sparks in a flammable atmosphere;
• signs prohibiting ignition sources;
• suitable, well-maintained vehicles in areas with a flammable atmosphere.

4Worker training

Item 20.12 — what the standard sets by class

All training is the employer's responsibility and expense, during working hours (20.12.1). The type required depends on the activity, on the class of the installation and on whether the worker enters the area and has direct contact with the process (20.12.2).

The six types of course (20.12.3)

• Introductory Course on Flammables and Fuels — 3 h;
• Basic Course;
• Intermediate Course;
• Advanced Course I;
• Advanced Course II;
• Specific Course.

Hours by class (Annex I, Table 1)

Refresher training (Annex I, Table 2)

There are also triggers for refresher training (20.12.9.1): when the accident history requires it; within 30 days of a significant modification; within 45 days of a 2nd or 3rd degree burn with hospitalisation; and within 90 days of a worker's death. Moving up a level requires 8 h of additional training (20.12.6 to 20.12.8).

5Installation records

Installation file, risk analysis and emergency plan

Installation file (20.6)

• Installation design;
• Inspection and Maintenance Plan;
• Risk Analysis (20.7.1);
• Plan for preventing and controlling leaks, spills, fires and explosions;
• Emergency Response Plan.

The file must be available to the competent authorities and for consultation by workers and their representatives (20.6.3).

Risk analysis (20.7)

In Class I, a preliminary hazard/risk analysis is prepared. In Classes II and III, a defined methodology coordinated by a qualified professional, with a multidisciplinary team including a worker experienced in the installation. The analyses are reviewed within the periods they themselves recommend and at every significant modification (20.7.5).

Emergency response plan (20.15)

Drills at least once a year, during working hours, involving the workers (20.15.5). The response team undergoes specific medical examinations under NR-7 (20.15.6), and taking part is voluntary, except where the job requires it (20.15.7).

6Incidents and responsibilities

What to report and whose duty it is

Reporting incidents (20.16)

The employer reports to the labour inspectorate and to the workers' union any leak, fire or explosion resulting in death, in a 2nd or 3rd degree burn with hospitalisation, or in activation of the emergency plan with large-scale intervention. The report is made by the 2nd working day after the event (20.16.1.1), and the employer prepares an investigation report with causes and preventive measures (20.16.2).

Client company and contractors (20.17)

The client company and its contractors are responsible for complying with the standard. Safety requirements for contractors' employees must be at least equivalent to those of the client company, which informs them of the risks and assesses the safety performance of the contracted services.

7Ready answers

What to say, with the item at hand