THE NEW ITALIAN PHYSICAL AGENTS DATABASE FOR RISK ASSESSMENT

Introduction
The project of the new Italian physical agents database is presented. It will be hosted by a web server at the Italian Workers’ Compensation Autority (ex ISPESL) in Rome, Italy. It will support the employers who have to comply with Legislative Decree 81/08 in risk assessment of physical agents such as noise (Noise Directive 2003/10/EC), mechanical vibration (Vibration Directive 2002/44/EC), electromagnetic fields (EMF Directive 2004/40/EC) and optical radiations (AOR Directive 2006/25/EC).

Methods
The new database will host an already existing database related to mechanical vibration, available at the address www.ispesl.it/vibrationdatabase, regarding measurements and EC-declared values of mechanical vibration transmitted from about 1300 hand-held power tools and from over 800 vehicles. For the equipment emitting physical agents, specific standardized measurements protocols have been developed (harmonized with relevant ISO, CEN, CENELEC and CIE standards), in order to allow both the manufactures and occupational hygiene professionals to fill in the data base with quality controlled data.

Results
The database will host measurements and EC-declared values related to the physical agents noise, vibrations, electromagnetic fields and optical radiations, together with other useful tools and information such as software, guidelines, best practices, prevention and protection measures, FAQ, a review of normative and scientific references, helpful for risk assessment and control of physical agents at workplace. The database will be opened to the public by the end of march 2012 and will be continuously updated and implemented with new data and information.

Discussion
The database will be an effective tool for risk assessment and prevention of physical agents at workplace, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises on the national territory, aimed at simplifying the risk assessment. The database also find practical application in the preparation of standardized procedures for assessing risks from physical agents as part of the standard procedures laid down by Legislative Decree 81/08.