Facility classification
NR-20 classifies facilities according to the type of activity and storage capacity, among other applicable criteria.
Safety, prevention and spill response
Guidance on NR-20
Understand how NR-20 relates to the prevention and control of leaks, spills, fires and emergencies in operations involving flammables and fuels.
Mantas Brasil supplies containment, absorption and environmental response solutions for companies that store, transfer, handle or transport combustible and flammable liquids and petroleum products.
Standard and operation
What is NR-20?
NR-20 is the Regulatory Standard establishing minimum occupational safety and health requirements for activities involving flammables and combustible liquids. It relates to extraction, production, storage, transfer, handling, processing, maintenance, inspection and decommissioning operations at facilities associated with these products.
The standard covers facilities, equipment and risk activities involving flammables, combustible liquids and flammable gases. In practice, it reinforces structured risk management, accident prevention and control, worker protection and emergency preparedness.
Regulatory reference: NR-20 - Occupational Safety and Health with Flammables and Fuels, published by the Ministry of Labor and Employment. The official page lists the latest amendment as MTE Ordinance No. 60, dated 21 January 2025. Always consult the current version at gov.br before making technical or legal decisions.
Leaks and spills
Why does NR-20 matter for leaks and spills?
Operations involving fuels, oils, solvents, petroleum products and other flammable or combustible liquids need to provide measures to prevent and control leaks, spills, fires, explosions and fugitive emissions.
In addition to training and documentation, the company must assess risk points, containment methods, emergency response and the availability of suitable materials. Mantas Brasil products support initial spill response, assisting with containment, absorption, isolation and organization of emergency materials.
Key considerations
NR-20 key considerations
Facility design and safety
Facilities must consider safety, health and environmental requirements from design through operation.
Facility dossier
The standard provides for organized documentation with design, inspection, risk analysis and emergency response information, as applicable.
Risk analysis
The company must assess the risks involved in operations with flammables, combustible liquids and flammable gases.
Ignition source control
Prevention must consider ignition sources, static electricity, flammable vapors and classified hazardous areas, depending on the scenario.
Leak prevention and control
The operation must provide measures to prevent and control leaks, spills, fires, explosions and fugitive emissions.
Emergency response plan
Response must consider available resources, trained personnel, communication, isolation, containment and internal procedures.
Worker training
Workers involved need training appropriate to the activity, facility and operational risk.
Response resources
How environmental emergency kits help
Environmental emergency kits do not replace risk analysis, training, emergency plans or documentation required by NR-20. However, they are important resources for supporting initial response to leaks or spills.
Contain the spread of spilled liquid
Absorb spilled oil, fuel or fluid
Reduce spreading on floors, drainage channels and operating areas
Support initial cleanup and response organization
Keep response materials at strategic points
Support maintenance, safety and environmental teams
Gain time for corrective actions, isolation and appropriate disposal
Related products
Products related to NR-20 and spill response
Environmental Emergency Spill Kit
Kits in bags, drums and containers for initial response to leaks and spills.
Kits for Oil and Petroleum Products - White Range
Range recommended for petroleum, diesel, gasoline, lubricants and hydrocarbons.
Oil absorbent pad
Hydrophobic absorbent pads for oil and petroleum products, including on water.
Oil absorbent boom
Containment of slicks and perimeters on water, in ports, docks and open areas.
Oil absorbent sock
Absorbent socks for perimeter containment, machines, tanks, drums and floors.
Oil absorbent pillow
High absorption at localized points, drips, valves and areas beneath equipment.
Non-sparking shovel
Accessory to assist with collection in operations involving flammables.
Non-sparking hoe
Support tool for collection in scenarios with a risk of sparks.
Plug & Dike - Emergency sealing compound
Resale product for temporary sealing in emergencies.
Strategic points
Where to position emergency kits and materials
Companies working with fuels, lubricants, oils, solvents or other hazardous liquids should assess strategic points to keep kits and containment materials close to areas where leaks are most likely.
Fueling areas
Tanks and containment basins
Loading and unloading areas
Pumps and transfer lines
Workshops and maintenance
Flammable materials storerooms
Logistics centers
Gas stations
Transport companies
Ports, marinas and vessels
Industrial facilities storing oil, diesel, lubricants or fuels
Practical checklist
Practical checklist for companies
Identify the liquids stored or handled
Consult the SDS for the products involved
Classify areas and critical points
Assess the likely spill volume
Define strategic response points
Choose the appropriate absorbent range: white, gray or green
Keep kits in visible and accessible locations
Train the team for initial response
Define disposal and final handling of contaminated waste
Periodically review available materials
Integrate kits into the operation's emergency plan
Technical caution: this content is for informational and commercial purposes. It does not replace reading the current NR-20, assessment by a qualified professional, facility risk analysis, the emergency plan, the SDS for the products involved or specific requirements applicable to the operation.
Does your operation need to be prepared for leaks?
Talk to the Mantas Brasil team to define kits, absorbents and containment materials suited to your company's risks.