ENAMA has recently set up a number of training and information courses on safety in the industry aimed at providing an overview of the relevant regulations and the practical application of those regulations to mechanised vehicles.
The courses are held at the offices of CRA in Isma di Monterotondo (Rome) and Treviglio (BG) and of C.N.R. – Imamoter di Vezzolano (AT), and have so far made it possible for 60 technicians working for the territorial organisations of Enama's members to acquire important information on the safety of mechanised vehicles.
The courses were led by industry experts from the technical departments of Enama, Ispesl, C.N.R. – Imamoter, the regional ASLs (workplace safety inspectors and occupational health specialists), and the Magistrature, as well as by leading freelance professionals.
Here is a summary of the areas covered by the courses:
| Importance of prevention in reducing accidents: statistical data and regulatory framework. | |
|---|---|
| The first lesson led by the technical experts of the local inspectorate (ASL) is focused on providing an overview of the situation in order to identify the issues more accurately and highlight their distribution across the country. | |
| General safety information on mechanised vehicles: the reference norms and technical regulations. | |
| The lesson is held by Enama in order to provide an initial overview of the general norms and technical regulations (on types of vehicle, uses, etc.) governing the industry. | |
| General safety information on mechanised vehicles 2: the use of machinery and the purchasing of new machines (CE declarations, manuals etc.). | |
| The lesson is held by Enama and Ispesl, with Enama covering the issues related to the purchasing of new agricultural machinery and Ispesl the issues involved in performing market checks and the application of the safety clause in relation to particular problems. The course looks in detail at the programme and those taking part start to tackle the issues and consider potential solutions. | |
| General safety information on mechanised vehicles 3: buying and selling used machines. | |
| The lesson is held by Enama and Ispesl and covers the same ground as the course above but with reference to used machinery. | |
| General safety information on mechanised vehicles 4: responsibilities. | |
| The legal aspects are covered by a magistrate who indicates the division of responsibilities and possible sanctions, providing numerous examples of past cases. | |
| General safety information on mechanised vehicles 5: road traffic safety and safety on farms. | |
| Agricultural machines are often driven on public roads and private farms with different combinations of (usually customised) tools. The machines must, however, respect very specific regulations, particularly in relation to size and weight. Enama technicians deal in depth with the most common issues by making the most of the experience they have consolidated on other projects and tapping the potential of the extensive query database. | |
| General safety information on mechanised vehicles 6: the principal risks connected with the use of machinery and professional illnesses. | |
| This lesson is led by ASL occupational health specialists who give information on the medical aspects of working with machinery and on the most common complaints and remedies. | |
| Special safety information on mechanised vehicles 1: noise and vibration. | |
| A range of experts (Asl, Isma – C.R.A., C.N.R. – Imamoter) look in detail at the regulations, causes and preventive measures. The participation of researchers has allowed to course to be enriched with useful practical information and updates on the most common issues. | |
| Special safety information on mechanised vehicles 2: individual protection devices. | |
| Detailed description of the devices available and when and how to use them. The lesson is led by technicians of the ASL inspectorate of Isma – C.R.A. and C.N.R. – Imamoter. | |
| Demonstration 1: selection and use of individual protection devices. | |
| Following on from the theory lesson, this covers the practical aspects. The course leaders are the same as those above. | |
| Special safety information on mechanised vehicles 3: company and machinery safety indicators. | |
| This lesson is led by freelance professionals and by technicians from Isma – C.R.A. and C.N.R. – Imamoter. It aims to provide a clear frame of reference for the identification and application of safety indicators and signage. | |
| Special safety information on mechanised vehicles 4: buildings connected to the use of machinery. | |
| The lesson is led by technicians of the ASL inspectorate and other experts, and aims to describe the main problems faced by buildings where machinery is housed (shelters, workshops, phytochemical depots, etc.). | |
| Demonstration 2: motorised frames. | |
| Experts from C.N.R. – Imamoter and Enama illustrate the requirements of new and reconditioned motorised frames. | |
| Demonstration 3: visit to the facilities. | |
| The visit to the facilities, led by the same team responsible for lesson 12, complements the theoretical instruction. | |
| Special safety information on mechanised vehicles 5: waste. | |
| As is well known, agricultural vehicles produce waste (used oil, batteries, filters, various components, etc.) and are themselves classed as waste at the end of their life cycle. As such, they must be treated in accordance with the relevant legislation. This lesson is led by an expert from the Reggio Emilia Centre for Research on Animal Production, who has extensive experience in this area. | |
| Demonstration 4: implements – part 1. | |
| Experts from C.N.R. – Imamoter, Enama and others carry out demonstrations of the implements used on farms. | |
| Demonstration 4: implements – part 2. | |
| Continuation of the previous demonstration. | |
| Demonstration 5: combinations (frame + implement) – part 1. | |
| Experts from C.N.R. – Imamoter, Enama and others carry out demonstrations using combinations of frames and tools as a follow-up to the previous two demonstrations, which dealt singly with frames and implements. | |
| Demonstration 5: combinations (frame + implement) – part 2. | |
| Follow-on from the previous lesson. | |
| Demonstration 6: more information on the previous demonstrations. | |
| The same team looks in more detail at the subjects covered in the previous demonstrations. This lesson is held in response to the requirement to reinforce awareness and understanding of the use of agricultural machinery on farms and of the importance of checking that safety regulations are being met both by farmers and by dealers. | |
| Outline of communication techniques. | |
| As already indicated, this is an important addition to the areas covered on the course, since it provides information on how to communicate effectively what has been learned to those working in the industry. | |
| Use of technical material – guidance information provided by Enama. | |
| This section aims to provide useful information to technicians on the use of the distributed material in order to use and communicate it effectively. The lesson is led directly by Enama. | |
| Product certification applied to agricultural machinery. | |
| This lesson describes the various certifications available and the meaning of such certification, with particular reference to Enama certification and its benefits for the industry. The lesson is led directly by Enama. | |
| Exit test. | |
| A quiz-style test in the form of 38 questions, and concluding remarks about the course, logistics and lessons. | |
| Evaluation of risks for agricultural enterprises, information and training projects. | |
| This lesson is taken by members of the inspectorate and freelance professionals, and focuses on providing information to support the work done by technicians for agricultural enterprises. | |
| Developing safety procedures. | |
| This lesson is taken by members of the inspectorate and freelance professionals, and focuses on providing information to support the work done by technicians for agricultural enterprises. | |
