Whatever the project, safety at work must always come first.  At Magni we know this well. However, even the safest machines can become dangerous if safety and behavioural rules are not followed.

For Magni, safety is a fundamental requirement. For this reason, in addition to designing and implementing safety systems, we take care to provide specific and suitable training on the operation of the machine, on the protection of the load and on the safety of surrounding workers.

Italian Legislative Decree 81/2008 establishes that in order for operators to use special means and equipment which require expertise and responsibility, they must receive specific training (Art. 71, 73) and proper instruction. Operators must learn how to correctly use the machine and be aware of the risks to themselves and others. Particularly, special skills, technical preparation and high sense of responsibility are required.

Therefore, operators must meet specific psychophysical requirements in order to carry out their job. Moreover, these machines can be driven and used by competent staff only.

According to the Law 125/2001, the agreement of the State-Regions Conference of 16/03/2006 and 18/09/2008, operators driving equipment for the handling and transport of earth and manufactured goods are at high risk of injury. Therefore, they are subject to medical examinations (paid for by the employer) aimed at verifying the absence of addictions.

In general, operators must comply with fundamental obligations in order to properly and safely use and maintain the machine:

• works in or with the machine must be carried out by authorised (trained and instructed) and trustworthy staff;

• ensure that only the authorised staff works on the machine;

• meet the minimum legal driving age (not less than 18 years old);

• clearly assign the tasks to the staff relative to manoeuvring, maintenance and repair;

• before starting to work, the authorised staff must have read the instruction

• manual of the machine, in particular the chapter on “Safety”, (it is too late to do this when works have already begun);

• the staff who only occasionally intervenes in case of repair or maintenance of the machine, must also have read the instruction manual;

• ensure that the staff is aware of the safety measures and dangers described in the instruction manual;

• follow the safety manual instructions relating to the proper use of the machine;

• keep the instruction manual inside the machine or within the construction site (in case the machine has no cabin);

• keep the safety and danger warnings in fully legible condition within the external frame of the machine and inside the cabin;

• Do not make any modifications, additions or conversions to the machine that could impair its safety, without the approval of the manufacturer. This also applies to the installation and adjustment of safety devices and valves as well as to the welding of load-bearing structural parts;

• where indicated by the manufacturer or identified and required by the risk assessment, use personal protective equipment (PPE).

Operators must use PPE. In our specific case we are talking about “work clothing, consisting of appropriate overalls that allows for freedom of movement”.

Moreover, according to the Legislative Decree 81/08 art. 75, 77, 79 and Annex VII for identification, the PPE of the operator of the machine include:

• safety footwear with steel toe cap (or material that ensures the same level of safety and protection), anti-puncture insole and non-slip sole; (UNI EN 345-S3 and subsequent amendments);

• protective clothing and/or overalls; (UNI EN 340 and subsequent amendments);

• gloves for protection against mechanical risks during maintenance activities; (UNI EN 388 and subsequent amendments);

• safety glasses or visors for mechanical protection during maintenance activities; (UNI EN 166 and subsequent amendments);

• disposable anti-dust masks when working with the door open; (e.g., EN 149-FFP2 or masks against dust, vapours, fumes, etc. following a specific risk assessment);

• hearing-protective devices when working with the cab open or in particular noisy operations, such as demolition work, (in compliance with standards EN 352-1, EN 352-2, EN352- and subsequent amendments). These must be chosen after carrying out a noise risk assessment for the various work activities listed in the specific sound level report”.

Safety is one of the most important aspects to consider when it comes to lifting machinery. Without it, everything else falls apart. Thus, besides providing innovative and high-performance machines, Magni makes sure they meet the highest safety standards in the industry.