Physical Agents
Risk assessment and management of physical agents to ensure safe work environments that are fully compliant with current regulations
Physical Agents: an overview
Physical Agents are risk factors regulated by Legislative Decree 81/08. Title VII defines the following categories of physical agents that may pose risks to the health and safety of workers:
- Noise
- Ultrasound
- Infrasound
- Mechanical vibration
- Electromagnetic fields (EMF)
- Artificial optical radiation (AOR)
- Microclimate
- Hyperbaric atmospheres
The assessment of risks arising from exposure to physical agents must be carried out at least every four years. It must also be updates whenever changes occur that could render the existing assessment obsolete.
Obligated Parties
The duty to conduct a risk assessment for physical agents rests with the Employer. In carrying out this assessment, the Health and Safety Manager (RSPP) and the Competent Physician must be involved and the Worker's Health and Safety Representative (RLS) must be consulted.
Assessing and Mitigation Physical Agents Risks
A structured and customized approach to analyzing, measuring and managing risks from noise, vibration, electromagnetic fields and other physical agents.
- Workplace Mapping
- Job Task Analysis and Exposure Times
- Certified Technical Measurements
- Technical Assessment and Regulatory compliance check
- Identification of Risk Mitigation measures
Workplace Mapping
Identifying sources and work environments to which employees are exposed.
Job Task Analysis and Exposure Times
Identification of the specific tasks performed by expoed workers and their respective exposure durations.
Certified Technical Measurements
On-site measurements conducted using certified and calibrated instrumentation.
Technical Assessment and Regulatory compliance check
Analysis of the results by comparing them against statutory limits and the drafting of formal test reports.
Identification of Risk Mitigation measures
Consulting services for the definition of appropriate prevention and protection measures to reduce risk levels.
Why choose Stalab?
A laboratory that combines technical expertise, regulatory proficiency and hand-on knowledge of industrial machinery.
Our laboratory’s extensive experience in industrial machinery and equipment compliance has provide us with the specialized know-how to support companies in maintaining workplace safety and implementing technical measures to minimize exiting risks.
FAQ
Who is authorized to conduct physical agent risk assessments?
The responsibility for risk assessment lies with the Employer. However, support may be sought from qualified technician within the prevention and protection service who possess specific expertise and technical competencies.
Are there regulatory limits for exposure to these agents?
Yes. Title VIII and the corresponding Annexes of Legislative Decree 81/08 define the exposure limits for each physical agent and outline the specific measures to be taken if these values are exceeded.
Is instrumental measurement always necessary?
Regarding the use of machinery, if exposure values cannot be retrieved from the relevant Instruction and Maintenance Manuals or from established databases (such as the PAF – Physical Agents Portal), instrumental surveys must be conducted to ensure an accurate assessment.
For noise exposure, such information can be useful during the preliminary assessment phase to verify if exposure levels remain below the lower exposure action values. Should levels exceed there thresholds, instrumental measurements must be performed using appropriate methods and equipment.
How often should measurements be repeated?
Instrumental measurements must be conducted every four years or whenever new equipment is acquired that could pose a risk to the operator, thereby altering the previously calculated exposure levels.
When should I conduct electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure measurements?
Measurements are necessary when preliminary assessment suggests that exposure limit values may be exceeded. It is advisable to periodically inspect workplaces where employees are present and electrical/electronic equipment is in use.
In office environments, it is highly recommended to verify areas with a high concentration of data processing equipment, such as server rooms, UPS systems and wireless radio repeaters (including Wi-Fi access point for intranet networks). Generally, it is standard practice to perform measurements on electrical cabinets with a rated current exceeding 50A.
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