Risk from work equipment and prototypes

Workers’ health and wellbeing is directly affected by the characteristics of the equipment they use. That is why each piece of equipment must comply with safety construction standards and be used as instructed by the manufacturer. 

For prototypes of machinery or other equipment manufactured and used for research, the head of research is responsible for ensuring workers’ protection already in the design phase, as well as for adopting any specific precautions (e.g. procedures, PPE and maintenance).

Legislative Decree 81/08 establishes that all work equipment supplied to workers must comply with the laws and regulations transposing EU product directives and must be adequately maintained.

All workers may be exposed, particularly in physics and mechanics laboratories and in workshops.

A careful risk assessment based on the analysis of the equipment, environment and working methods is the first and most important preventive and protective measure.

When choosing your work equipment, consider the specific conditions and characteristics of the work to be done, the risks present in the work environment and arising from using the work equipment itself, as well as any interference with other equipment in use.

Work equipment must be accompanied by instructions for use, installed and used in accordance with them, and properly maintained.