Workplace duties and state requirements
NR-23 requires fire-prevention measures in accordance with state legislation and, where applicable, complementary official technical standards. An organisation operating across several states must therefore identify the requirements for each establishment. The fire risk entry explains the general hazard; this article focuses on how the Brazilian duty connects information, equipment and evacuation. Citing NR-23 alone does not provide one equipment schedule suitable for every workplace, building use or occupancy level.
Information workers need
The organisation must provide information about use of firefighting equipment, response to emergency scenarios, safe evacuation and the alarm devices present. Information should match the actual equipment and arrangements at the workplace. Demonstrating a different extinguisher or describing an alarm signal that does not exist can hinder response. Communication needs to cover people on each shift and be updated when the layout or systems change, rather than remaining tied to an earlier configuration.
Exits available during working hours
The standard requires sufficient exits arranged to allow people to leave quickly and safely. Openings, exits and emergency passageways must be identified and signposted under the applicable framework, as well as kept clear. They must not remain locked or secured during working hours. Locking devices allowing easy opening from inside are permitted; this does not justify a blocked door whose key is held by another person elsewhere in the establishment.
Example: temporary storage
A facility receives more goods than usual and uses a corridor as a holding area. Even if its fire-protection design has been approved, the actual condition may prevent evacuation. Review should identify the obstruction and organise another location compatible with protective arrangements. The same reasoning applies to construction work, new furniture or shift changes that affect occupancy and access to exits during normal operations or an emergency.
Checks without improvised intervention
A review can compare state requirements, the current plan, actual routes, signs, alarms and information supplied to workers. Occupancy calculations, dimensioning and selection of protection require appropriate technical expertise. NR-23 does not turn every worker into a firefighter: emergency roles and equipment use must reflect their preparation and the establishment’s procedures. Documentary approval and clear routes serve different purposes, and both need to match the workplace as it operates.
