Chances are you’ve heard of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). We even made a post here on our blog about the subject that you can check out here. But what about Collective Protection Equipment, EPC, have you heard of it? Do you know what they are and why they are important? Keep reading to learn more about it.
There are several work activities that expose workers to the risk of accidents or the development of diseases. That is why Brazilian law requires the implementation of means of prevention. Among them is the Collective Protection Equipment, or EPC.
The EPC is an important resource for Occupational Safety, since it is through this equipment that the health and well-being of workers are preserved. Whether in the implementation of fire extinguishers, protection networks, among others.
Collective Protection Equipment (CPE) is a category of devices that promote safety for workers in spaces that may pose risks to the health and physical safety of professionals.
Similar to PPE, EPC has the function of preventing accidents and occupational diseases, as well as mitigating risks in the work environment.
This means that even danger signs or the delimitation of hazardous areas are considered EPC. Consequently, the EPC also reduces the rates of labor problems.
The Collective Protection Equipment was formally established in Brazil in 1943, with the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT). However, even before the legal obligation, some companies already used protective equipment to preserve the health and safety of workers.
Types of Collective Protection Equipment
- When we talk about Collective Protection Equipment, there are several ways to apply it in a company. See some examples:
- Basic first aid items for accident cases.
- Emergency showers.
- Essential items for cleaning in case of biological, chemical or radioactive spills.
- Acoustic insulation to mitigate the incidence of deafness at work in noisy environments or on noisy machinery.
- Exhaust fans in high temperature environments and/or closed spaces.
- Safety nets, guardrails and handrails to prevent falls, especially in buildings.
- Smoke detectors.
- Signage to avoid possible risks, such as holes, slippery floors or dangerous and restricted areas.
- Non-slip floor.
Collective Protection Equipment is mandatory by law. Thus, every company must comply with the practices governed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security through two Regulatory Standards: NR 4 and NR 9.
The company must ensure that preventive measures are implemented and controlled in the long term. This means maintaining periodic maintenance of these instruments to ensure the effectiveness of these actions.
If the company does not comply with the guidelines contained in NR 4 and NR 9, it may be challenged in court. This means that both the Ministry of Labor and the competent unions can be called upon by employees to charge and fine the company that does not comply with the law.
In the event of an accident, the fine can be even higher, with the company being held responsible for all damage caused, since it did not guarantee the supply of EPC.
We hope this information is useful for your company! And speaking of the company, learn more about Geartech BR browsing our website here! And you are always welcome to read the news on our blog!