Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Consultoria Exato is a company specializing in Occupational Safety, Industrial Environmental Management, and Radiation Protection. Exato provides customized solutions to help companies comply with Brazilian regulations, reduce risks, and turn EHS management into a competitive advantage.

It’s simple: contact us via WhatsApp at (+5516) 99788-8750 or by email at pcassim@gmail.com.

Yes! Many clients prefer a long-term partnership in which Exato provides recurring support to the company.

With continuous consulting, your company stays current with regulatory changes, keeps its documents and programs up to date at all times, reduces the risk of penalties and fines, and has a specialist available to support day-to-day decisions.

Yes. Part of Exato’s work is helping companies make smarter decisions about where to invest in EHS. Based on technical assessments and risk analysis, the consultancy identifies which actions will have the greatest impact on risk reduction and financial return — eliminating unnecessary spending and focusing on what truly matters.

Yes. When a company receives a notice, fine, or warning from Brazilian regulatory agencies such as CETESB (the São Paulo State Environmental Agency), IBAMA (the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources), the Ministry of Labor and Employment (Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego), or ANSN (the National Nuclear Safety Authority — Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Nuclear), Exato analyzes the case and prepares a technical defense, assembling arguments and evidence to contest or reduce the penalty.

Occupational safety encompasses the set of actions, standards, and practices aimed at protecting the health and physical well-being of workers. It involves identifying workplace hazards, implementing preventive measures, and ensuring that all activities are carried out with the highest possible level of safety.

Beyond being required by Brazilian law, occupational safety protects people — the most valuable asset in any business. Companies with strong safety practices experience fewer accidents, fewer work-related absences, lower turnover, and higher productivity. They also avoid fines, labor lawsuits, and reputational damage.

Brazil’s Regulatory Standards (NRs) are rules issued by the Ministry of Labor and Employment (Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego) that all companies must follow to ensure worker health and safety. There are 38 NRs in total, each addressing a specific topic: NR-5 covers the CIPA (Comissão Interna de Prevenção de Acidentes — Internal Accident Prevention Committee), NR-6 covers Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), NR-9 addresses Environmental Risk Prevention Programs, NR-15 covers hazardous activities, and so on.

An occupational safety engineer is the professional responsible for identifying workplace hazards, proposing and implementing preventive measures, preparing technical reports, training teams, and ensuring the company complies with Brazilian regulations. This professional signs documents such as the LTCAT (Laudo Técnico das Condições Ambientais do Trabalho — Technical Report on Workplace Environmental Conditions) and the PPR (Programa de Proteção Respiratória — Respiratory Protection Program).

Enforcement is carried out primarily by Labor Inspectors (Auditores Fiscais do Trabalho) working under the Ministry of Labor and Employment (Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego). They conduct scheduled and unannounced inspections to verify compliance with the NRs. When violations are found, companies may be fined amounts that vary based on the severity of the infraction.

Formal concern for occupational safety in Brazil gained momentum with the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT — Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho) in 1943. Over the following decades, the regulatory framework evolved — with the creation of the Regulatory Standards (NRs) in 1978 and the inclusion of the topic in the Federal Constitution of 1988. Today, Brazil has one of the most comprehensive occupational health and safety regulatory systems in Latin America.

The process starts with a diagnostic: identifying which risks exist in each job function and work area. From there, control measures are implemented (hazard elimination, collective protection, and PPE use), procedures are developed, workers are trained, and performance indicators are monitored. Improvement is continuous — it’s not a one-time effort.

Occupational risk management is the process of identifying, evaluating, and controlling hazards that could harm worker health or safety. Since 2021, Brazil has required the GRO (Gerenciamento de Riscos Ocupacionais — Occupational Risk Management program), which replaced several older programs with a more integrated approach, as mandated by NR-1.

Safer workplaces reduce absenteeism, rework, and production stoppages caused by accidents. This translates to greater operational continuity, lower replacement costs, and less lost time. Studies show that every Brazilian real invested in prevention generates far greater savings in accident-related costs. Safety and productivity go hand in hand.

An accident investigation is a technical analysis conducted after an accident — or after a near-miss — to understand the root causes: not just what happened, but why it happened. Based on that investigation, corrective actions are defined to prevent recurrence. Investigating near-misses is particularly important, as they are early warning signs before something serious occurs.

A safety audit assesses whether a company is complying with legal requirements and its own internal procedures. It includes site visits, interviews with workers and managers, and a review of documents and records. At the end, a report is produced identifying areas of compliance, non-conformities, and improvement recommendations.

A forensic occupational safety assessment (perícia) is a formal technical evaluation conducted by a qualified professional — typically in judicial or administrative proceedings — to investigate working conditions, the causes of an accident, or the presence of hazardous or unhealthy agents. The expert produces a technical report (laudo técnico) that carries legal weight.

Among the main procedures Exato handles are: - EHS Manual for Contractors - Energy Control (Lockout/Tagout) - Alternate Use of Fire Protection Water - Scrap Handling and Storage - Heat Exposure - Mobile Phone Use in the Workplace - CIPA (Internal Accident Prevention Committee) - Drone Use - Load Lifting - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Motorized Equipment - Confined Spaces - Safety Assessment for New Equipment and Machinery - Electrical Tool Inspection - High-Pressure Water Jetting (Hydrojetting) - Line Intervention - Accident Investigation - Safety Logic for PLCs - Machine Guarding - Chemical Products Management - Right to Refuse Work/Task - Working at Heights - Permit to Work - Pedestrian Safety - Radiation Protection Plan - Physical Protection Plan (PPF) — For ionizing radiation sources - Final Safety Analysis Report (RFAS) — For ionizing radiation sources

PPE refers to any device or product worn individually by a worker to protect against risks that could threaten their safety and health. Examples include hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators, safety boots, and safety harnesses. Providing appropriate PPE is a legal obligation of the employer under Brazilian labor law.

The right PPE depends on the specific hazard: hearing protection for noise; respirators for dust and gases; hard hats for head impact risks; insulating gloves and boots for electrical hazards; full-body harnesses for working at heights. Under Brazilian law, PPE must carry a CA (Certificado de Aprovação — Certificate of Approval) issued by the Ministry of Labor and Employment (Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego).

PPE for ionizing radiation — such as lead aprons, thyroid shields, and lead-lined glasses — is supplied by distributors specializing in radiological protection. Exato can guide your company on which equipment is required for each specific application and recommend reliable suppliers with certified products.

Safety culture is the set of values, attitudes, and behaviors shared by everyone in an organization regarding safety. In companies with a strong safety culture, people follow safe practices not out of obligation — they genuinely believe that safety is both a personal and collective value. This makes all the difference in accident prevention.

Leadership is the most critical factor. When managers and supervisors demonstrate — through their everyday actions and behavior — that safety is a genuine priority, their teams follow suit. Leaders who stop unsafe activities, participate in training, and recognize good practices create an environment where everyone feels responsible for safety.

Yes, and quite significant ones. Companies that invest in cultural transformation report substantial reductions in accident and absenteeism rates, improved worker engagement, and lower operating costs. Results typically become visible within 12 to 24 months of consistent effort.

Well-designed training does more than just convey information — it fosters reflection, shifts risk perception, and strengthens individual accountability. When workers understand the reasons behind the rules and engage actively in the process, adherence to safe practices increases significantly.

Several training programs are mandatory under the NRs, depending on the industry and activities involved: NR-10 (electrical safety), NR-11 (material transport and handling), NR-12 (machinery and equipment), NR-18 (civil construction), NR-20 (flammable materials), NR-33 (confined spaces), NR-35 (working at heights), among others. In the environmental area, training on waste management, liquid and gaseous effluents, and emergency response is also required.

The DDS is a brief conversation — typically 5 to 15 minutes — held at the start of a work shift to address a safety topic relevant to that day’s tasks or activities. It is a simple yet powerful tool for keeping safety top-of-mind in daily team routines and preventing accidents caused by distraction or inattention.

EHS stands for Environment, Health, and Safety. It is the functional area responsible for ensuring that a company operates safely for its workers and with the least possible environmental impact. In Brazil, this area is often referred to as SMS (Segurança, Meio Ambiente e Saúde — Safety, Environment, and Health) or SSMA (Saúde, Segurança do Trabalho e Meio Ambiente — Health, Occupational Safety, and Environment).

Yes. Exato reviews all existing documentation, identifies gaps, and drafts or updates the necessary documents: programs required by the Brazilian NRs, environmental plans, operational procedures, training records, technical reports, and regulatory reports — all organized and accessible for audits and inspections.

Absolutely. ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety) both require a documented and functioning management system. The documentation Exato prepares is structured to support these international certifications.

Yes. Exato can be present during certification audits, supporting the company’s team in presenting evidence, clarifying auditor questions, and managing any non-conformities identified during the process.

Yes. When a company receives an environmental license in Brazil, it comes with a set of condicionantes — obligations that must be fulfilled periodically. Exato reviews these conditions, organizes deadlines, guides the execution of required actions, and prepares progress reports for submission to the relevant Brazilian environmental agencies.

The environment encompasses all the conditions, laws, influences, and interactions that surround living beings and natural resources — water, air, soil, flora, and fauna — as well as human-made elements. From a business perspective, caring for the environment means operating responsibly and minimizing negative impacts on these resources.

The environment can be classified into four types: natural (elements of nature such as water, air, soil, and biodiversity), artificial (human-built environments such as cities and buildings), cultural (historical, artistic, and cultural heritage), and occupational (the environment where people perform their professional activities).

Protecting the environment means ensuring that natural resources — clean water, clean air, fertile soil — remain available for future generations. For businesses, environmental stewardship is also strategic: it reduces regulatory risk, enhances reputation with clients and investors, and can generate significant savings in resource consumption.

CONAMA (Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente — National Environment Council) is the principal advisory and decision-making body of Brazil’s National Environment System (SISNAMA). It is responsible for establishing environmental standards and norms — such as air and water quality limits — that form the basis of Brazilian environmental legislation.

CETESB (Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo — São Paulo State Environmental Agency) is the agency responsible for environmental licensing, enforcement, and monitoring in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It issues environmental licenses, applies fines, and tracks the environmental performance of companies operating in the state.

IBAMA (Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis — Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) is Brazil’s federal environmental agency. It is responsible for licensing projects with national impact or spanning more than one state, environmental enforcement, combating deforestation, and managing protected areas.

An Environmental Assessment is a technical survey of the environmental conditions of a site or industrial operation — evaluating soil, water, air, waste, and legal compliance. It is used to identify environmental liabilities, guide corrective actions, and support business decisions such as company or land acquisitions (environmental due diligence).

Environmental licensing is the process by which Brazilian public authorities assess and authorize the construction and operation of projects that may cause environmental impacts. It is mandatory for activities that are potentially polluting or that use natural resources — such as industrial facilities, mining operations, infrastructure projects, and large commercial developments.

These are the three stages of Brazilian environmental licensing. The LP (Licença Prévia — Prior License) approves the project’s feasibility and sets its guiding conditions. The LI (Licença de Instalação — Installation License) authorizes construction and installation, provided designs meet the required conditions. The LO (Licença de Operação — Operating License) allows the facility to begin operations, after verification that everything has been built as approved.

The process begins with identifying the competent agency (CETESB in São Paulo, IBAMA for federal projects, or the equivalent state or municipal agency) and the type of license required. Technical studies and documentation are then prepared and submitted to the agency. Exato manages the entire process — from the initial assessment through to obtaining the license.

Validity periods vary depending on the type of license and the issuing agency. As a general guideline: the LP is valid for up to 5 years, the LI for up to 6 years, and the LO for 4 to 10 years. It is critical to apply for renewal before expiration — operating with an expired license is a regulatory infraction subject to fines and even suspension of operations.

The EIA (Estudo de Impacto Ambiental — Environmental Impact Study) is a detailed technical document that analyzes the positive and negative impacts of a project on the environment. The RIMA (Relatório de Impacto Ambiental — Environmental Impact Report) is an accessible, plain-language version of the EIA prepared for the general public. Together, they are required for larger-scale projects and serve as the basis for public hearings and licensing decisions.

CADRI (Certificado de Movimentação de Resíduos de Interesse Ambiental — Certificate for the Movement of Environmentally Relevant Waste) is a document issued by CETESB that authorizes the transport of hazardous or other specified waste within the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Any company that receives or ships solid waste within São Paulo state must obtain a CADRI prior to transport.

Upon receiving a penalty notice (auto de infração), the company has a set period to submit an administrative defense to the issuing agency. This defense must be grounded in both technical and legal arguments, challenging procedural flaws, classification errors, or demonstrating that the company has taken the required corrective measures. Exato prepares technical defenses for environmental penalties, gathering solid evidence and arguments.

Installing a diesel generator may require: an environmental license (depending on the generator’s capacity and the municipality), notification or authorization from CETESB for atmospheric emissions, a spill containment plan for potential fuel leaks, noise control measures, and in some cases an air quality assessment. Exato maps all specific requirements applicable to your company’s situation.

Solid waste management encompasses all actions taken to collect, transport, treat, and properly dispose of waste generated by a company — safely and in compliance with Brazilian law. This includes identifying and classifying waste (hazardous or non-hazardous), ensuring appropriate storage, contracting licensed collection companies, and documenting the entire process.

The PGRS is a document that describes how a company manages all of its waste — from generation through to final disposal. It is required by Brazil’s National Solid Waste Policy (Lei 12.305/2010 — PNRS) for generators of hazardous waste, healthcare facilities, industrial companies, and other specified sectors. Exato prepares a PGRS tailored to each company’s specific operations.

Brazil’s PNRS (Lei 12.305/2010) requires companies to adopt waste reduction, reuse, and recycling practices; prepare a PGRS (where applicable); participate in reverse logistics systems for products such as packaging, electronics, and batteries; and contract waste transporters and disposal companies that are properly licensed.

Class I waste (hazardous) includes materials that pose a risk to human health or the environment due to characteristics such as flammability, corrosiveness, reactivity, toxicity, or pathogenicity. Examples include solvents, used lubricating oils, fluorescent lamps, and contaminated packaging. Disposal must be carried out by a licensed company, with the issuance of an MTR (Manifesto de Transporte de Resíduos — Waste Transport Manifest).

The MTR (Manifesto de Transporte de Resíduos — Waste Transport Manifest) is an electronic document issued through the SINIR system (Sistema Nacional de Informações sobre a Gestão dos Resíduos Sólidos — National Solid Waste Management Information System). However, in the state of São Paulo, companies must use the SIGOR system (Sistema Estadual de Gerenciamento Online de Resíduos Sólidos — São Paulo State Online Solid Waste Management System), which tracks waste from the generator to its final destination. The generator enters data on the waste type, the transporter, and the disposal company. Exato guides and supports clients through the correct completion of this document.

Reverse logistics is the system through which products and packaging are returned to the manufacturer or importer after use for reuse or environmentally appropriate disposal. In Brazil, reverse logistics is mandatory for batteries, tires, lubricating oils, pesticides, electronics, and general packaging. Generating companies must join existing reverse logistics systems or establish their own.

Electronic waste (computers, cell phones, printers, etc.) must be sent to collectors or drop-off points linked to the electronics reverse logistics system, as governed by the applicable Brazilian regulations. Some municipalities have collection points. Exato can help identify certified and licensed disposal facilities in your area.

Liquid effluent management is the control of wastewater generated by industrial processes — ensuring it is properly treated before being discharged into rivers, lakes, or the sewage system. It involves designing and operating treatment systems, monitoring water quality, and complying with emission standards set by Brazilian environmental regulations.

Exato develops and reviews: Solid Waste Management Plans (PGRS), Emergency Action Plans (PAE — Plano de Ação de Emergência), Environmental Monitoring Programs, Effluent and Emissions Control Procedures, Environmental License Compliance Reports, Environmental Education Programs, and other documents required by Brazilian licensing agencies.

An outorga is the authorization granted by Brazilian public authorities allowing a company to use water resources — either by drawing from rivers or aquifers (through wells), or by discharging effluents. It is mandatory when the volume of water withdrawn or discharged exceeds minimum thresholds defined by law. Applications are submitted to the state water resources agency or to ANA (Agência Nacional de Águas — National Water Agency) for federal waterways.

Water monitoring involves the periodic collection of water samples — at intake points, at effluent discharge points, and, when required, in water bodies surrounding the facility — followed by laboratory analysis. Results are compared against regulatory standards and used to inform management decisions. Exato designs monitoring programs and interprets the resulting reports for clients.

Key strategies include: mapping high-consumption points, reusing process water, replacing more water-intensive technologies, maintaining pipelines to eliminate leaks, and implementing water consumption indicators per unit of production. In addition to its environmental benefits, reducing water consumption generates direct cost savings.

Atmospheric emissions management involves controlling substances released into the atmosphere by industrial processes — dust, gases, vapors, and odors. It encompasses inventorying emission sources, installing control systems (electrostatic precipitators, cyclones, filters, gas scrubbers), conducting periodic monitoring, and complying with air quality standards established by CETESB and CONAMA in Brazil.

Parameter selection depends on the company’s type of operation and the requirements of its environmental license. For liquid effluents, for example, parameters typically monitored include pH, BOD, COD, heavy metals, and dissolved and settleable solids. Exato guides clients in selecting the correct parameters, choosing accredited laboratories, and interpreting results in light of applicable Brazilian regulations.

A watershed committee (comitê de bacia hidrográfica) is a collegial body composed of representatives from government, water users, and civil society, responsible for managing water resources within a specific watershed. These committees set water use plans and resolve conflicts. Companies that withdraw or discharge effluents into a watershed may be required to participate, provide information, and pay fees for water capture, consumption, and effluent discharge.

Environmental indicators are metrics that allow a company to track its environmental performance over time. Examples include water consumption per metric ton produced, waste generation per employee, and CO₂ emissions per unit of revenue. They make environmental data visible and actionable for management.

With well-defined indicators, managers can identify trends, benchmark performance against targets and industry standards, prioritize investments, and respond quickly to deviations. Rather than reacting to problems after they occur, the company can act proactively and strategically.

Environmental objectives and targets should be based on the most significant environmental aspects and impacts of the operation, applicable legal requirements, and the company’s voluntary commitments (such as ESG goals). They should be specific, measurable, and time-bound — for example: reduce water consumption by 15% within two years. Exato supports this process, from initial assessment through target setting and ongoing monitoring.

Environmental due diligence is a technical audit conducted to assess the environmental liabilities of a company or property — typically before a purchase, merger, or investment. The goal is to identify soil or water contamination, regulatory non-compliance, pending legal proceedings, or any environmental risk that could affect the value or future liability associated with the transaction.

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It refers to a set of criteria used to evaluate how responsible a company is in terms of its environmental impact, its relationships with society, and the quality of its internal governance. Investors, clients, and business partners increasingly expect strong ESG performance.

Corporate sustainability is a company’s ability to thrive over the long term by balancing economic performance with environmental and social responsibility. A sustainable company creates value without depleting natural resources, harming communities, or compromising the opportunities of future generations.

Sustainability is the broader concept — it encompasses a long-term vision of the impact of human and business activities. ESG is a structured, measurable framework for evaluating and reporting performance across three dimensions: environmental, social, and governance. In other words, ESG is a way of operationalizing and measuring sustainability.

Implementation begins with a diagnostic: understanding where the company stands across each ESG dimension. From there, priorities, targets, and indicators are defined. Concrete actions are put into practice — such as waste management programs, social initiatives, and governance improvements — and results are reported transparently. Exato supports the environmental and safety dimensions of this process.

Greenwashing occurs when a company presents its actions or products as environmentally responsible without that claim reflecting reality — whether through exaggeration, omission, or false information. To avoid it, all sustainability communications should be based on verifiable, third-party-audited data aligned with recognized frameworks such as the GRI.

Investors expect clear, standardized, and verifiable reports. The main channels and frameworks include: sustainability reports based on the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), responses to CDP questionnaires, climate target declarations aligned with SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative), and integrated reports. Data transparency and consistency are valued far more than generic statements.

The balanço social (social balance sheet) is a document that presents a company’s performance across social and environmental dimensions — showing investments in employees, communities, the environment, and other stakeholders. In Brazil, publicly traded companies are required to publish similar disclosures. Preparation involves collecting data from multiple departments, systematizing the information, and presenting it in an accessible format.

A GHG (Greenhouse Gas) inventory is a comprehensive accounting of all greenhouse gas emissions generated by a company — including CO₂, methane, and nitrous oxide. It is conducted by mapping emission sources (fleet vehicles, energy use, industrial processes, business travel), quantifying emissions using standardized emission factors, and consolidating the data. The GHG Protocol is the most widely used standard for this process.

The GHG Protocol is the most widely adopted international standard for measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions by companies and organizations. It classifies emissions into three scopes: Scope 1 (direct emissions from company-owned sources), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy), and Scope 3 (all other indirect emissions from the value chain).

A corporate carbon footprint is calculated by adding up all of a company’s GHG emissions, converted to metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e). The process involves identifying emission sources, collecting consumption data (fuels, electricity, travel, etc.), and applying the corresponding emission factors.

A carbon credit is an asset representing the reduction or removal of one metric ton of CO₂ from the atmosphere. Companies that reduce their emissions beyond their targets can generate credits and sell them on carbon markets to other companies seeking to offset their own emissions.

The GRI is the most widely used international standard for sustainability reporting. It defines which environmental, social, and governance information companies should disclose, and in what format. Preparation involves identifying the topics most material to the business and its stakeholders, collecting data, drafting disclosures in accordance with GRI standards, and publishing the report — typically on an annual basis.

Radiation protection (radioproteção) is the set of technical and regulatory measures designed to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. It includes safe-use standards, protective equipment, exposure monitoring, and training for workers who handle radioactive sources.

Ionizing radiation is a form of energy capable of removing electrons from atoms — “ionizing” them — when it interacts with matter. Examples include X-rays, gamma rays, alpha particles, and beta particles. At high doses or without proper control, it can damage DNA and cause harm to the human body. For this reason, the use of radioactive sources is strictly regulated in Brazil.

Nuclear energy is the energy released in nuclear reactions — fission (splitting the atom) or fusion. In industry, beyond electricity generation at nuclear power plants, nuclear technology is used in process measurement and control instruments (nuclear gauges), food irradiation, sterilization, and various radiodiagnostic applications in healthcare.

For workers, radiation protection ensures that radiation exposure remains within safe limits, preventing long-term conditions such as cancer and other effects. For society, it protects communities surrounding nuclear facilities and prevents radioactive contamination. Radiation protection is based on three core principles: justification, optimization, and dose limitation.

The primary regulatory references are the standards issued by CNEN (now superseded for regulatory purposes by ANSN), especially CNEN NN 3.01 (Diretrizes Básicas de Proteção Radiológica — Basic Radiological Protection Guidelines). Also applicable is Brazilian Law 6.453/1977 (civil liability for nuclear damages).

CNEN was the Brazilian federal agency historically responsible for the regulation, licensing, and oversight of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation use in Brazil, since its establishment in 1956. It established standards, licensed facilities, and qualified professionals such as Radiation Protection Supervisors.

No, CNEN (Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear) was not dissolved. Brazilian Law No. 14.222, enacted on September 2, 2021, created ANSN (Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Nuclear) as an independent federal regulatory agency, transferring to it the regulatory, licensing, and oversight responsibilities for nuclear and radiological safety that previously belonged to CNEN. CNEN remains active, now focusing on research, technological development, and human resource training in the nuclear field. Standards originally issued by CNEN remain valid until expressly revoked or superseded by ANSN. For official documents, contracts, and regulatory references, ANSN should be cited as the current regulatory authority.

The Radiation Protection Service is the internal structure responsible for ensuring the safe and legally compliant use of radioactive sources within a company. It includes the qualified Radiation Protection Supervisor — who may be a third-party contractor, including through Exato — safety procedures, worker monitoring, and compliance with ANSN standards.

The Radiation Protection Supervisor (Supervisor de Radioproteção) is a professional qualified by ANSN, responsible for ensuring that the use of radioactive sources at a facility is safe and compliant with applicable Brazilian regulations. Their responsibilities include: developing and implementing the Radiation Protection Plan, training workers, monitoring radiation exposure doses, and serving as the company’s liaison with the regulatory authority.

To become a Radiation Protection Supervisor in Brazil, a candidate must have a technical or higher-level education in a related field (physics, engineering, or technology), complete a qualification course approved by ANSN for the specific category of radioactive sources involved, and be formally certified by the authority.

An IOE (Indivíduo Ocupacionalmente Exposto) is the designation given to a worker who, due to the nature of their professional activities, may receive radiation doses above the limits permitted for the general public. These workers are subject to regular dosimetric monitoring and specific health programs to ensure their exposure remains within the limits established by ANSN.

Dosimetry is the measurement and recording of the ionizing radiation dose received by a person over time. It is performed using dosimeters — devices worn by workers during their shifts. Results are periodically sent to accredited laboratories, which issue reports that are tracked by both the company and ANSN.

The main types are: film dosimeters (a classic type, now largely obsolete), thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD — the most widely used in Brazil), optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSL — a more modern and precise option), and personal electronic dosimeters (real-time readings, used in high-risk situations). The appropriate choice depends on the type of radiation and the specific application.

A Radiation Protection Plan (Plano de Radioproteção) is the document that describes how a facility controls radiological risks — including safe work procedures, protective equipment, monitoring, training, and emergency response. It is required by ANSN for every facility that uses radioactive sources and must be prepared by a qualified Radiation Protection Supervisor.

Radioactivity has many safe and beneficial applications: in medicine (diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine), in industry (level, density, basis weight, and quality control gauges), in scientific research, in electricity generation, in the sterilization of medical devices, and in food irradiation for preservation. The key is controlled use with the appropriate safeguards in place.

Nuclear gauges use radioactive sources to continuously measure process parameters in a non-invasive manner, such as liquid levels in tanks, slurry and material density, ash content, basis weight, or moisture in industrial processes. They are widely used in the pulp and paper, mining, chemical, petrochemical, and food industries. They provide accuracy in conditions where other sensors perform poorly — such as in high-temperature, high-pressure, or corrosive environments.

No. Exato’s radiation protection consulting services are limited to Nuclear Gauges (medidores nucleares) used in industrial settings. However, Exato does provide Safety and Environmental consulting for all types of companies, including healthcare service providers.

Yes, for industries that use nuclear gauges — equipment widely deployed in the pulp and paper, mining, petrochemical, and food sectors. Exato provides the technical supervision required by ANSN, worker training, preparation of the Radiation Protection Plan, and support during regulatory inspections.

Exato offers: development and review of Radiation Protection Plans, outsourced Radiation Protection Supervision services, training for OERs (IOEs) and other workers, support for radioactive source licensing with ANSN, guidance during regulatory inspections, defense of penalty notices, and consulting to help companies establish their internal Radiation Protection Service.

Exato’s training programs cover: basic concepts of ionizing radiation and its biological effects, radiation protection principles (justification, optimization, ALARA), personal protective equipment, correct use of dosimeters, emergency procedures, applicable Brazilian regulations (ANSN standards), and the specific characteristics of the equipment or source used at the company.

All workers classified as IOEs (Occupationally Exposed Individuals — IOEs) must receive initial training and periodic refresher courses. In addition, supervisors, operators, and anyone who may approach radioactive sources also require appropriate instruction. The frequency and content of training programs are defined in the Radiation Protection Plan.

Yes. Exato acts as a technical intermediary between the company and ANSN — preparing and submitting licensing applications, renewals, and authorizations for radioactive sources; responding to agency requirements and communications; and keeping the company informed about regulatory updates. This is particularly valuable for companies that do not have in-house staff with this specialized knowledge.

Radiation protection regulations in Brazil are technically detailed and subject to continuous updates. Procedural errors or licensing delays can result in fines, equipment shutdowns, and production stoppages. Having Exato’s support ensures that all regulatory procedures are handled correctly, on time, and with the proper documentation.

Yes. Exato prepares companies for ANSN inspections — reviewing documentation, verifying the condition of facilities, and coaching staff on how to respond to inspectors’ questions. During the inspection itself, an Exato consultant can be present to provide real-time technical support and ensure the company presents all necessary evidence of compliance.