SAFETY OF MACHINES AND AGRI-FOOD PLANTS

With reference to the Dublin Descriptors, by the end of the course students are expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes.

Knowledge and understanding
Students will acquire knowledge of the fundamental principles of occupational health and safety, with particular reference to machinery, equipment and plants used in the agri-food sector. They will also be able to understand the main regulatory framework, the concepts of hazard and risk, the principles of prevention and protection, and the general criteria for the safe design and use of machinery and plants.

Applying knowledge and understanding
Students will be able to identify and recognise the main hazardous situations and risk factors occurring in agri-food working environments and to apply basic criteria and methodologies for risk assessment. They will also be able to identify appropriate prevention and protection measures, interpret the main regulatory requirements and contribute to information, training and safety-management activities.

Making judgements
Students will be able to critically analyse the safety conditions of machinery, plants and workplaces, identify existing risks and assess possible technical, organisational and behavioural solutions. They will be able to select appropriate measures to eliminate or reduce risks and to identify and evaluate any residual risks.

Communication skills
Students will acquire the ability to correctly use technical language and terminology related to occupational safety and to communicate effectively with technicians, professionals and other stakeholders involved in safety management. They will also be able to explain the main aspects concerning risks, prevention measures and the safety of machinery and workplaces in a clear and understandable manner to non-specialist audiences.

Learning skills
Students will develop the ability to independently deepen their knowledge of machinery, plant and workplace safety by consulting legislation, technical documentation, scientific literature and specialised materials. Learning will be oriented towards understanding principles and applying logical-deductive methods and critical analysis rather than the mere memorisation of notions.

The course includes 21 hours of lectures and 42 hours of practical activities, carried out in the classroom and, where applicable, through practical exercises, seminars, study visits and analysis of real case studies.

Lectures will be aimed at providing theoretical and regulatory knowledge concerning occupational health and safety, the safety of machinery and agri-food plants, as well as the main risk factors and prevention and protection measures.

Practical activities will focus on the application of the knowledge acquired and may include case-study analysis, hazard identification, risk assessment, use of checklists, interpretation of technical and regulatory documentation, and practical examples concerning machinery, equipment and plants used in the agri-food sector.

The course may also include thematic seminars, study visits and activities carried out in companies or other relevant facilities, aimed at providing further insight into technical, organisational and practical aspects of safety.

The different teaching methods are intended not only to support the acquisition of theoretical knowledge, but also to develop the ability to critically analyse operational situations, identify the main risk factors and propose appropriate prevention and protection measures.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

Basic knowledge of the main machinery, equipment and plants used in agri-food processes, as well as general knowledge of the main agri-food processing operations, is useful but not essential. No mandatory formal prerequisites are required.

Attending the classes is not mandatory, but strongly recommended, as it facilities the learning process and contributes to the achievement of the learning objectives.

The course deals with the fundamental principles of occupational health and safety, with particular reference to machinery, equipment, plants and workplaces in the agri-food sector. Topics will include the evolution of occupational health and safety legislation, the hierarchy of legal sources, Italian Legislative Decree No. 81 of 9 April 2008 and subsequent amendments, as well as the main actors involved in the occupational prevention system and their respective duties and responsibilities.

Particular attention will be devoted to the safety of machinery and work equipment, the main hazards associated with their use, protection systems and measures, essential health and safety requirements, CE marking and technical documentation. The regulatory framework concerning machinery safety will also be addressed, considering Directive 2006/42/EC and the transition to Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 on machinery.

The concepts of hazard, risk, harm, prevention and protection will be examined, together with the main methodologies for hazard identification and risk analysis, assessment, evaluation and treatment. Risk classification, the main investigation tools and methods, the use of checklists, accident analysis and the identification of residual risks will also be considered. Technical, organisational and procedural prevention and protection measures, worker information, training and instruction, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will also be addressed.

The course will also cover the main risk factors occurring in agri-food workplaces, with particular reference to microclimatic conditions, ergonomics, manual handling of loads and repetitive movements, chemical risk and the classification and labelling of substances and mixtures according to the CLP Regulation, as well as risks arising from exposure to noise and vibration.

The principles and methodologies covered during the course will be applied through exercises and case studies concerning machinery, equipment and plants used in the agri-food sector, including examples relating to dairies, wineries and biogas plants, as well as the use of small equipment and self-propelled machinery. The analysis of operational situations will focus on hazard identification, risk assessment and the selection of appropriate prevention and protection measures.

Contribution of the course to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
Target 8.8 – Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.

Teaching methods: lectures; exercises and case-study analysis; dedicated seminars; study visits; supplementary learning materials.

1.     Oddo A., Benedetti E., Petringa Nicolosi R. – La sicurezza delle macchine e attrezzature di lavoro. Wolters Kluwer Italia S.r.l. [Italian text].

2.     Cinquina P. – Sicurezza e prevenzione in agricoltura. Maggioli Editore, 2011. ISBN 978-88-387-5793-8. [Italian text].

3.     Teaching materials prepared by the lecturer and made available to students through the University e-learning platform.

Additional teaching materials:
slides used during lectures; updated technical and regulatory documentation; scientific papers and supplementary materials selected by the lecturer; case studies, guidelines and technical documents concerning the safety of machinery, plants and workplaces.

The exam consists of an oral examination, held on the official examination dates.

The oral examination is aimed at assessing the student’s level of knowledge and understanding of the topics covered during the course, as well as the ability to apply the principles and methodologies acquired to the analysis of operational situations related to the safety of machinery, plants and workplaces in the agri-food sector.

For the purposes of assessment, the following aspects will be considered: the relevance and completeness of the answers; the ability to identify and analyse the main risk factors; the ability to connect regulatory, technical and practical aspects; the ability to identify appropriate prevention and protection measures; analysis and synthesis skills; the appropriate use of technical terminology; clarity and effectiveness of communication.

The evaluation follows the following scheme:

Fail
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: significant shortcomings and inaccuracies.
Ability to analyse and synthesize: irrelevant, with frequent generalisations.
Use of references: completely inappropriate.

18–20
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: very modest, with evident imperfections.
Analysis and synthesis skills: barely adequate.
Use of references: just appropriate.

21–23
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: slightly above the minimum acceptable level.
Ability to analyse and synthesize: fair ability to analyse and synthesize, presenting arguments in a logical and coherent manner.
Use of references: use of standard references.

24–26
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: good.
Analysis and synthesis skills: good analytical and synthesis abilities; arguments are presented consistently.
Use of references: use of standard references.

27–29
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: very good.
Ability to analyse and synthesize: considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis.
Use of references: the topics have been explored in depth.

30–30 with honours
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: excellent.
Ability to analyse and synthesize: excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis.
Use of references: significant insights and in-depth study.

Learning assessment may also be carried out online, should the conditions require it.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’Integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Services for Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) through the referring professor within the Department.

1.     Who are the main actors involved in the occupational prevention system and what are their respective duties and responsibilities?

2.     What is the difference between hazard and risk? Describe the main stages of the risk assessment process.

3.     Describe the main criteria for identifying, analysing, assessing and managing risks in the workplace.

4.     What are the main risks associated with the use of machinery and work equipment, and which prevention and protection measures can be adopted?

5.     Describe the main aspects of machinery safety legislation, with particular reference to CE marking, technical documentation and essential health and safety requirements.

6.     Describe the role of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the main criteria for its selection.

7.     What are the main risk factors associated with manual handling of loads and repetitive movements? Describe the main assessment criteria or indices.

8.     Describe the main aspects of chemical risk assessment and the role of the CLP Regulation in the classification and labelling of substances and mixtures.

9.     Describe the main criteria for assessing risks arising from exposure to noise and vibration in the workplace.

10.  Analyse a practical case involving machinery, equipment or a plant used in the agri-food sector, identifying the main hazards, associated risks and possible prevention and protection measures.