In the field of "work equipment", that must comply to what defined in Italian Legislative Decree 81/08 and in particular in articles 70-71-72, there are the so-called "For reasearch purposes self-built machines". To this particular equipment, specifically designed and built in the field of experimental activities typical of a university, instead what provided by Italian Lgs. D. 17/2010 in actuation of the Machines Directive (2006/42/CE) doesn't apply because they aren't meant for commercialization. This indication can mislead the Responsible of the self-built machine, that often in the field of Ateneo's laboratories is identified as "test bench", leading the RADRL to the conclusion that activating any management process in the field of work health and safety it's not necessary. Actually the disqualification from the field of application of the Machines Directive, just avoids the requirement of applying the certification process that leads to the so-called labelling of the machine, clearly identified with the specific symbol CE on a plate of the machine itself. So it's still necessary to provide for the assessment and management of risks linked to the use of the equipment, requirement that falls on the RADRL of the equipment and on the Employer pursuant to art. 9 of M.D. 363/98 - prototypes and new products design and use.
To support the RADRL in the specific assessment and risks management, a check-list (.docx or .xlsx) that analyzes the Essential for Safety Requirements (ESR) identified in annex I of the Directive 2006/42/CE is avaiable and can be used both during design or recognition phase on already built machines. It's required to specify that the check-list mentions the ESRs listed in the annex I of the Directive, up to the point 1.7.4.3, that are of general application, but depending on the specific type of machine, it may be required to verify also the applicability of the following points 2 -(dietary machines ecc...), 3 - (machines mobility), 4 - (lifting operations), 5 - (underground works), 6 - (people lifting).
Risk assessment of the machine through Essential for Safety Requirements
Results of ESR application to the specific test bench can be formalized in the field of a semplified risk assessment document, using the DVR Laboratories module, that allows for the description also any other risks linked to work activities accessory to the use of the test bench
simplified DVR Laboratory Module
In the field of work equipment management and specifically of self-built machines, beside risk assessment, writing down the mainntenance and use manual (possibly simplifiable in use procedure), creation and preservation of a technical file, information-training and education of workers is required
New chemical, physical or biological agents
The above instructions, related to the role of RADRL during risk assessment and prevenction and protection measures definition, can also apply to production, possetion or use of chemical, physical or biological agents, experimentally produced and used also during Ateneo's activities. Such agents, since not commercialized, haven't any SDS and so the RADRL togheter with Prevenction and Protection Service and with the occupational physician have to define the proper use and storage methods