Atlas · Occupational safety
Work at height starts above 2 meters and requires 8 hours of training
AnswerUnder Brazil's NR-35, work at height is any activity above 2.00 m from the lower level with a risk of falling. It requires theoretical and practical training of at least 8 hours, renewed every two years.
Reviewed on 2026-10-01 · next review 2027-04-01
Data
| Indicator | Value | Unit | Source | Data date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reference height for work at height | 2.00 | meters above the lower level | NR-35, item 35.1.2 | 2018 text |
| Minimum hours of initial training | 8 | hours, theoretical and practical | NR-35, item 35.3.2 | 2018 text |
| Frequency of periodic training | 2 | years (biennial) | NR-35, item 35.3.3 | 2018 text |
| Hours of periodic training | 8 | hours | Work at Height Booklet, Ministry of Labor | 27/07/2018 |
| Hours of event-driven training | not fixed | depends on the situation that triggered it | NR-35 Manual, Ministry of Labor | April 2018 |
Data consulted on 2026-10-01.
Basis
- Manual for interpreting and applying NR-35, 2nd edition (Ministry of Labor, in Portuguese): reproduces and comments items 35.1.2, 35.3.2 and 35.3.3 of NR-35.
- Work at Height Booklet (Ministry of Labor, in Portuguese): explains the scope of NR-35 and the hours of initial and periodic training.
How it applies
Before any job more than 2.00 m above the lower level with a risk of falling, the employer checks that each worker has the 8-hour initial training. Periodic training repeats every two years. Event-driven training applies when procedures, conditions or operations change, among other cases in item 35.3.3. Getting to and leaving the work position is also covered by the standard.
Limits
- The texts read date from 2018; the current wording of NR-35 must be checked with the Ministry of Labor before any decision.
- The booklet clarifies that work above 2.0 m in which collective protection measures remove the risk of falling, during the task and on access, is not covered by NR-35.
- This sheet does not replace the site risk analysis or the advice of the safety professional in charge.