Regulating aerial platforms in Brazil

Annex 1 of the Regulatory Standard no. 18 of the Labor Ministry, which regulates the use of aerial work platforms in Brazil, was approved and published on 4 July 2007. It is a manual that lays out safety parameters for working at height and specifies who should be in charge of maintenance and operation.

Article 2 of NR-18 says “Lifting people using equipment not designed for such a purpose is not allowed.” Now dangerous improvisations on work sites will be prohibited and only suitable equipment with approved safety devices will be permitted.

Detailed descriptions of how to safely operate an AWP appear in the standard. The responsibilities of owners as to preventative maintenance are laid out,