What is ABNT NBR 8995 and why should your company follow it?

Illuminating industrial warehouses, where work activities require precision, attention, and productivity, is a meticulous task that demands technical knowledge and skill to adapt the lighting to different scenarios and existing interferences, such as machinery, pallet racks, and fixed equipment.

In general, factories, industries, and large production complexes are spacious buildings with ceiling heights that can exceed 8 meters. The overhead lighting may be insufficient to illuminate the floor, creating poorly lit and inefficient areas for proper activities, which can result in workplace accidents and labor fines.

The purchase of inefficient lighting that does not meet minimum standards is more common than imagined. As requisitions and purchases are often made by professionals without technical knowledge, who may not frequently visit the production environment, regulatory bodies have established guidelines for adequate lighting in work environments.

The replacement of one standard with another

Initially, the technical standard established by ABNT (Brazilian Association of Technical Standards) was NBR 5413. However, this standard was replaced by NBR 8995-1 in 2013.

Due to the excessive supply of imported lighting equipment without any technical reports or tests that ensure their lifespan and luminous flux, the creation and updating of the standard benefit humans who spend a significant amount of time exposed to artificial lighting during work.

What does NBR 8995 define?

NBR 8995 is a brazilian standard that defines criteria for artificial lighting, meaning lighting derived from lamps and luminaires, in different types of work environments such as offices, industries, hospitals, factories, and schools. It establishes minimum illuminance values, which represent the amount of light required for activities to be performed adequately.

Proper lighting in work environments is essential to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of employees. Inadequate lighting can lead to vision problems, eye fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even accidents.

The standard also considers factors such as the type of task performed in the environment, the age and visual ability of workers, as well as the distribution of light in the space. It defines illuminance classes for different types of activities, taking into account the specific visual requirements of each one.

If your company does not yet have adequate lighting or does not have a prepared plan for implementation in the near future, SX Lighting can assist you with this important step in your organization.

From feasibility studies to the implementation of the lighting project, we will provide support and accompany each step of this process.

Relationship with NR-17

Another important point is understanding the Regulatory Standard NR-17 in the workplace. It refers to ergonomics and the adaptation of the work environment to the employee. Like NBR 8995-1, our engineering team carries out projects in compliance with the parameters of NR-17, ensuring compliance with the current standards.

Adopting the guidelines of NBR 8995-1 and NR-17 is crucial to guarantee a healthy and productive work environment. Both standards address various aspects related to occupational health.

By following the guidelines of these standards, companies not only fulfill their legal obligations but also enjoy significant benefits. Healthier and more comfortable employees are more motivated and productive, resulting in better outcomes for the company. In addition, implementing measures to optimize work reduces the risk of accidents and absences due to occupational diseases, resulting in savings on medical treatments, leaves, and employee replacements.

How to implement?

So, what is necessary to implement LED lighting that complies with technical standards? It is necessary to assess the location where the lighting will be installed, from the ceiling height to the total area, from the layout of the equipment to the activities performed in the area. This information will contribute to the distribution of luminaires and reflectors in the illuminated environment. With this information, our designers will adjust the required lux level and distribute the necessary lighting points, thus complying with the established criteria and avoiding unnecessary or insufficient purchases.

Acquiring LED lighting from a company committed to the success of its clients is an investment. Click here to speak with an LED lighting specialist from SX Lighting.