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Instrumental Surveys

The Health and Safety in Workplaces is anchored to precise regulatory obligations requiring employers to conduct assessments based on objective data. The Instrumental Surveys constitute the scientific foundation of every correct analysis of environmental, physical, and biological risks in work environments. The legislative compliance in occupational health and safety requires measurements performed according to standardized protocols and with certified instrumentation. Only through a technical-scientific approach is it possible to concretely quantify worker exposure to different risk agents and prepare adequate and effective preventive measures. adeguate ed efficaci.

Instrumental Surveys: Professional Services for Business Safety

The Legislation on Health and Safety in Workplaces imposes obligations on companies to assess, monitor and manage all environmental risks arising from production activities. 3i Group offers a complete and integrated Instrumental Surveys service, precisely meeting these regulatory obligations through a scientific and methodological approach.

The specialized team uses State-of-the-art instrumentation to identify, measure, and analyze physical, chemical and biological factors potentially harmful to workers.

Experience gained across various industrial sectors, including structural design, enables 3i Group to customize services based on each client's specific production needs. Every phase of the process is optimized to ensure reliable results with reduced execution times and contained costs.

I detailed technical reports produced following surveys provide a solid foundation for implementing necessary preventive and protective measures, enabling companies to significantly reduce the risk of penalties and ensure safe work environments compliant with current standards.

Advanced Expertise and Methodologies: The Technical-Scientific Approach to Risk Assessment

In an increasingly complex industrial context, risk identification and management require specialized expertise and a multidisciplinary approach. The ability to integrate advanced technical knowledge with consolidated methodologies is now a distinctive element for ensuring reliable results compliant with constantly evolving regulations.

Specialized multidisciplinary team: 3i group has a team of professionals with diversified and complementary expertise in the field of Health and Safety in Workplaces. This variety of expertise enables addressing every issue from multiple perspectives, ensuring complete assessments and customized solutions adapting to specific needs of each company, including complex operational contexts typical of a Contract Management.
State-of-the-art technology and instrumentation: Continuous investment in advanced technologies for Instrumental Surveys ensures precise measurements and reliable data. Used instruments are periodically calibrated and certified according to the most rigorous standards, ensuring results compliant with current regulations and scientifically validated.
Consolidated and innovative methodologies: Application of standardized protocols for all sampling phases, combined with constant research for innovative solutions, enables obtaining accurate and repeatable results. Every procedure is rigorously documented, ensuring complete traceability of every analysis process phase.
Optimized response times: Adherence to timelines agreed with the client is an absolute priority. Efficient planning of detection and analysis activities enables providing results quickly, allowing companies to promptly implement any necessary corrective measures.
Continuous post-analysis support: Service doesn't end with report delivery. 3i Group provides assistance in data interpretation and corrective measure implementation, supporting clients throughout the entire business safety improvement journey.

Instrumental Survey: Complete Range of Technical Analysis – From Physical Risks to Chemical and Biological Agents

Scientific risk assessment requires a systematic approach and specific tools for each type of potentially harmful agent. 3i Group offers a complete range of Instrumental Surveys perfectly integrating with MEP design, services, ensuring regulatory compliance and worker health protection in any operational environment.

Noise risk assessment: Phonometric surveys measuring average equivalent and Max Peak (C) levels, frequency analysis in octave bands, and hearing protector effectiveness evaluation, with data processing based on exposure times and risk profiles by job function.
Mechanical vibration risk assessment: Accelerometric measurements to assess hand-arm and whole-body vibrations, with data processing based on exposure times and risk profiles by job function.
Manual Load Handling (MMC) assessment: Preliminary analysis using the rapid method (ISO/TR 12295) and in-depth detailed analysis according to ISO standards (series 11228 and 11226) where necessary, complex multi-task assessments, dynamometric measurements and risk indices differentiated by gender and age, development of risk profiles by job function including corrective solutions for critical situations.
Artificial Optical Radiation (AOR) assessment: Measurements according to reference technical standards, determination of PPE protection levels for exposure to non-coherent and coherent radiation, with identification of necessary protective measures.
Electromagnetic field (EMF) risk assessment: Measurements according to reference technical standards of electric and magnetic field quantities (static, low frequency, and high frequency); comparison of exposure levels with action levels (AL) as expressed by Legislative Decree 81/08 and subsequent amendments, and limit values (LV) for the population (ICNIRP98) and verification of any interactions of the electromagnetic field with active or passive implantable medical devices; development of risk profiles by job function including corrective solutions for critical situations.
Microclimate monitoringEnvironmental parameter detection (temperature, humidity, air velocity) in moderate and severe environments with calculation of comfort indices according to relevant technical standards, to determine acceptable thermal comfort conditions, risk profile development by job including corrective solutions for critical situations
Chemical, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic risk assessmentsampling for the determination of airborne pollutants for risk assessment measured according to UNI EN 689 (definition of the sampling plan) and drafting of the Technical Report. Assessment of exposure to chemical, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic agents (in accordance with guidelines and reference models published by recognized bodies and organizations) carried out for homogeneous groups of workers with reference to potential exposure
Risk assessment biological agents: Microbiological sampling to determine Legionella, bacterial load, coliforms, yeasts, and molds according to standardized methodologies, with exposure assessment and definition of appropriate preventive measures.
Asbestos risk assessment: Risk assessment from the presence of asbestos, assessment of the degradation state according to Regional Guidelines, and environmental sampling (MOCF/SEM). Assumption of the role of Asbestos Manager: implementation of the Control and Maintenance Program and Operating Procedures, aimed together at minimizing occupants' exposure to asbestos risk.
Electrical and Arc Flash Risk AssessmentRisk assessment of electrical systems and equipment pursuant to Title III, Chapter III of Legislative Decree 81/08, verification of the implementation level of the electrical works management system pursuant to standard CEI 11-27. Risk assessment for exposure to electric arc pursuant to Article 80, paragraph 1, letter c) in accordance with standards CEI 78-25 and IEEE Std 1584. Electrical verifications pursuant to Title III, Chapter III of Legislative Decree 81/08 (Article 86): Instrumental verifications of the efficiency of differential protection and equipotential bonding systems (CEI 64/8-6 and CEI 64-14). Thermographic surveys conducted by Level 2 (or higher) qualified technician UNI EN ISO 9712.
Explosion risk assessment and ATEX area classificationClassification of areas according to ANNEX XLIX Italian Legislative Decree 81/08 and according to CEI EN 60079-10-1 (CEI 31-87) for explosive atmospheres in the presence of gas and CEI EN 60079-10-2 (CEI 31-88) for explosive atmospheres in the presence of combustible dusts. Explosion risk assessment pursuant to Article 290 of Title XI of Italian Legislative Decree 81/08 derived from potential hazardous atmospheres, in accordance with the contents of Standard UNI EN 1127-1. Electrical verifications pursuant to Title III, Chapter III (Article 86) of Italian Legislative Decree 81/08 and in particular verifications of the suitability of protection methods on ATEX certified devices/equipment (CEI 31-34).
Lighting risk assessmentBased on Legislative Decree 81/08, Annex IV, WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS: 1. WORKPLACES 1.10. Natural and artificial lighting of workplaces. Evaluation carried out through instrumental measurements (illumination checks with a luxmeter) in accordance with UNI EN 12464-1 and UNI EN 1838 standards.

Our Services

Noise surveys and noise risk assessment

The consultation provided by 3i group aims to produce a technical report of acoustic investigation in accordance with UNI 9432:11 and UNI 9612:11, and the preparation of the Risk Assessment Document for noise exposure. The objective is to maintain the health and safety standards required by current regulations and to ensure compliance with current legal provisions regarding exposure to noise risk.

The activities are developed as specified below:

– Average level measurements at the different stations and Max Peak (C).

Identification of task exposure levels, taking into account the exposure times provided by the Client.

- octave band frequency measurements (particularly for Leq > 85 dB(A) for the purpose of verifying the suitability of earmuffs in accordance with UNI EN 458:2005).

Drafting of the final report including:

– measurements taken (average equivalent level and Max Peak (C))

– duties reconstructed based on the timelines defined with the client (daily / weekly exposure level and determination of expanded uncertainty).

– calculation of the contribution of each task to the daily or weekly exposure level

– instructions regarding the use of PPE at the various workstations with potential attenuation based on frequencies and the effectiveness of hearing protectors (UNI EN 458:2005)

– calculation of the daily or weekly exposure level following the use of PPE

– identification of interactions with any ototoxins and mechanical vibrations (following the provision of specific and detailed information by the Client with reference to each identified job role);

– signage requirement notification [> 85 dB(A)]

– preparation of floor plans indicating the noise measurement positions.

Elaboration of the Noise Exposure Risk Assessment Document in accordance with the provisions of Chapter II of Legislative Decree 81/08, Article 202, with specific reference to the risk profile by job title.

Assistance in identifying the measures to be specified in the program of technical and organizational actions aimed at reducing noise exposure in the workplace, as well as the identification of high-risk work areas for the purpose of their delimitation, marking, and/or access restriction, as required by current legislation

Instrumental measurements and vibration risk assessment

The consulting services provided by 3i Group are intended to produce a technical report on accelerometric surveys in accordance with current technical standards and to prepare a Risk Assessment Document regarding exposure to mechanical vibrations. The goal is to maintain the health and safety standards required by current regulations and ensure compliance with applicable legal provisions regarding exposure to vibration risks.

The activities are developed as specified below:

– performing the necessary measurements for the assessment of the vibration risk to which employees are exposed during the performance of their normal duties by means of targeted instrumental measurements on equipment and/or machinery of hand-arm and whole-body vibrations in compliance with the provisions of EC Directive 2002/44, taking into account the exposure times provided by the Client

Preparation of the technical report on accelerometer testing in accordance with the provisions of EC Directive 2002/44.

Elaboration of the risk assessment document for exposure to vibrations in accordance with the provisions of Title VIII, Chapter III of Legislative Decree 81/08, art. 202, with specific reference to the risk profile by job position.

Instrumental assessments and Manual Material Handling (MMH) risk assessment

The consulting services provided by 3i Group include an assessment of workers“ exposure to risks arising from the manual handling of loads, in accordance with Title VI of Legislative Decree No. 81/2008 and Annex XXXIII ”manual handling of loads,” with specific reference to the risk profile for each job. The objective is to maintain the health and safety standards required by current regulations and ensure compliance with applicable legal provisions regarding exposure to risks from the handling of loads.

The activities are developed as specified below:

– Analysis of the MMC activities performed at the company that are to be evaluated, in collaboration with the Client’s technical staff:

– Performing measurements with a dynamometer and recording data to complete evaluation forms

– Conducting a detailed analysis for each material-handling operation in accordance with the technical standards of the ISO 11228 series, «Ergonomics—Manual Handling.» A dedicated section is prepared for each handling operation, and in all cases where a risk of MMC is identified, appropriate corrective measures are provided;

– Highlighting, through risk indices, the results of the analyses, taking into account gender and age differences within the workforce;

– Linking each movement to the departmental work activities that involve that movement;

– Preparation of a summary table that lists, for each task performed by each professional role, the risk index values corresponding to the current situation.

The assessment of risks arising from the handling of loads follows the reference criteria, where applicable, set forth in the following standards:

– ISO/TR 12295, which is intended to provide criteria, procedures, and useful information for identifying situations in which the standards of the ISO 11228 series can be applied to each task, and to provide a “quick assessment” method (“quick assessment”), in accordance with the criteria specified in the relevant standard, to easily identify activities that are “certainly acceptable” or “certainly critical.” If an activity is “unacceptable,” it is necessary, upon completion of the analysis, to conduct a detailed risk assessment using the guidelines in the ISO 11228 standards to immediately eliminate the critical conditions.

- ISO 11228 series technical standards, parts 1, 2, and 3, concerning manual handling of loads activities (lifting and carrying - pushing and pulling - handling of low loads at high frequency), and will be an integral part of the risk assessment document drawn up pursuant to art. 17, paragraph 1, lett. a) and of art. 28 of Legislative Decree 81-2008.

– ISO 11226 for the assessment of poor posture using the TACOS methodology

Instrumental Measurements and Electromagnetic Field Exposure Risk Assessment

The consulting services provided by 3i Group include conducting instrumental surveys, preparing a technical measurement report, and assessing risks ranging from explosions to electromagnetic fields. The objective is to maintain the health and safety standards required by current regulations and ensure compliance with current legal provisions regarding exposure to electromagnetic fields.

The activities are developed as specified below:

– Performance of the necessary measurements for the assessment of electromagnetic field risks to which employees are exposed during the performance of their normal duties, Measurement of the magnitudes of electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields (B, E, H, S) in accordance with CEI EN 50413:10, CEI EN 50499:09 standards and specific reference standards.

– Preparation of the technical report in accordance with CEI EN 50413:10, CEI EN 50499:09, and specific reference standards (e.g., welding, induction furnaces, etc.).

– Conducting an assessment A comprehensive study, including instrumental measurements of electromagnetic fields and the preparation of a technical report on the investigation of workers’ exposure to electromagnetic fields, with identification of exposure levels for each job role.

– Preparation of the Risk Assessment Document regarding workers’ exposure to electromagnetic fields in accordance with the provisions of Title VIII, Chapter IV, Article 209 of Legislative Decree 81/08, with specific reference to the risk profile by job function and by type of exposed population (in accordance with specific guidelines) and assistance in identifying organizational measures to be specified in the event that action values or exposure limits are exceeded, aimed at reducing exposure to electromagnetic fields.

Moderate and/or severe microclimatic instrumental assessments HEAT/COLD and preparation of the Risk Assessment Document

MICROCLIMATE refers to the set of environmental physical parameters that characterize the environment itself and which, together with certain individual parameters (such as metabolic activity and the thermal insulation of clothing), determine the heat exchange between the environment and the workers present.

The following terms are defined as:

Moderate environment: a workplace where there are no specific production requirements that, by constraining one or more of the other main microclimatic parameters (primarily air temperature, but also relative humidity, air speed, radiant temperature, and clothing thermal resistance), prevent the achievement of comfort.

Harsh Environment: A thermal environment is defined as “harsh” when specific and unavoidable production requirements (proximity to ovens, access to cold storage rooms or areas related to the cold chain, etc.) or outdoor weather conditions in outdoor work environments result in stressful thermo-hygrometric parameters.

The consulting services provided by 3i group include carrying out instrumental measurements, preparing the technical measurement report, and assessing explosion risks as well as risks from moderate and/or severe thermal microclimate environments, whether HOT and/or COLD. The objective is to maintain the health and safety standards set by current regulations and ensure compliance with applicable legal provisions regarding exposure to microclimatic risks.

The activities are developed as specified below:

– Carrying out the Measurements of microclimatic parameters (Dry-bulb temperature (Ta), Wet-bulb temperature with natural ventilation (Twn), Wet-bulb temperature with forced ventilation (Tw), Globothermometer temperature (Tg), Radiant temperature (Tg), air velocity (Va), relative humidity (Rh), air turbulence intensity (Tv)

– Preparation of the technical report containing the calculation of comfort indices in accordance with the UNI EN ISO 7730 standard (Operating Temperature (To), Draft Rating—risk of drafts (DR), Predicted Mean Vote (PMV), Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD)

– Preparation of the Microclimatic Risk Assessment Document for Workplaces, drafted in accordance with the international standard UNI EN ISO 7730, which provides methods for predicting the overall thermal sensation and the degree of discomfort (thermal dissatisfaction) of individuals exposed to moderate and severe thermal environments. Thermal comfort will be determined by calculating the PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) and the PPD (Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied Persons), as well as local thermal comfort criteria, specifying the environmental conditions considered acceptable for overall thermal comfort and those that characterize local discomfort.

Instrumental Measurements and Preparation of the Risk Assessment Document for Workers’ Exposure to Non-Coherent Artificial Optical Radiation (R.O.A.) in accordance with the provisions of Title VIII, Chapter V, Article 216 of Legislative Decree 81/08

The consultancy provided by 3i group includes conducting instrumental surveys, preparing the technical measurement report, and assessing exposure risks Workers' Exposure to Non-Coherent Artificial Optical Radiation (N.C.A.O.R.) in accordance with the provisions of Title VIII, Chapter V, Article 216 of Legislative Decree 81/08 The objective is to maintain the health and safety standards required by current regulations and ensure compliance with current legal provisions regarding exposure to artificial optical radiation risk.

The activities are developed as specified below:

– Performance of instrumental measurements of Non-Coherent Artificial Optical Radiation (A.O.R.) to which workers are exposed in accordance with UNI EN 14255-1, 2 and 4:2005, UNI EN 12198-1:2009, CEI EN 62471:2009 and Legislative Decree no. 81/08, Annex XXXVII, Tables I and II.

– Drafting of a technical report on the investigation of workers' exposure to Non-Coherent Artificial Optical Radiation (A.O.R.), including the values measured from the sources, the identification of exposure levels, and the determination of prevention and protection measures necessary to reduce the risk of exposure.

– Preparation of the Risk Assessment Document for workers' exposure to Non-Coherent Artificial Optical Radiation (A.O.R.) in accordance with Title VIII, Chapter V, Article 216 of Legislative Decree 81/08, with specific reference to the risk profile by job role, and assistance in identifying technical/organizational measures in accordance with Article 217 of Legislative Decree 81/08 to be specified in the event that action values or exposure limits are exceeded, aimed at reducing A.O.R. exposure.

Classification of explosion risk areas (ATEX) according to CEI EN 60079-10-1 (CEI 31-87) standards of 11/2016 for explosive atmospheres in the presence of gas and CEI EN 60079-10-2 (CEI 31-88) of 10/2016 for explosive atmospheres in the presence of combustible dusts and Explosion Risk Assessment

The consultancy provided by 3i group includes execution of explosion risk area classification (ATEX) and explosion risk assessment related to all plants and relative company processes in order to identify the applicability or otherwise of the provisions of art. 290 of Legislative Decree 81/08 and of the reference CEI standards 2014/34/EU (for the regulation of equipment intended for use in explosion-risk areas; the directive is addressed to manufacturers of equipment intended for use in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres and manifests itself with the obligation of certification of these products) and (1999/92/EC) for the safety and health of workers in explosive atmospheres; it applies in explosion-risk environments, where certified systems and equipment are put into service and is therefore aimed at users. The objective is to maintain the health and safety standards required by current regulations and ensure compliance with current legal provisions regarding explosion risk.

In order to verify the suitability of electrical systems for the areas, it will be necessary to proceed with the classification of the areas based on their intended use, as well as the quantities and storage methods of any hazardous or flammable substances present, in accordance with CEI 31-87 and CEI 31-88 standards.

The activities are developed as specified below:

– Analytical survey of systems and operating methods in which flammable substances or combustible dusts are used, with the aim of identifying hazard centers and their relative hazardous areas.

– Preparation of the Technical Classification Report of the environments containing the related calculations, with indication of the areas with the relative safety distances and highlighting of the particularities and characteristics that the systems must possess in compliance with reference regulations 2014/34/EU and 1999/92/EC, and determination of the appropriate degree of protection of the systems.

– Preparation of graphic drawings (Floor plans with extensions indicated in meters) showing the type and extent of potential hazardous areas.

Preparation of the explosion risk assessment pursuant to art. 290 of Title XI of Legislative Decree 81/08 arising from potential hazardous atmospheres, in accordance with the contents of the UNI EN 1127-1:2019 standard (ARAGAS Plus) and the correlation tables with the assessment method provided in your Risk Assessment Document and based on the results emerging from the explosion-hazardous area classification report, in accordance with the phases specified below.

– Definition of processes and homogeneous groups (job roles) potentially affected by the possible development of explosive atmospheres, including maintenance, cleaning, etc., also considering the potential presence of workers from multiple companies.

– Definition, in agreement with the Employer or the Employer’s representative, of the technical and organizational preventive and protective measures appropriate to the nature of the work and the results of the risk assessment.

– Elaboration of the explosion risk protection document, pursuant to Title XI, Article 294 of Legislative Decree 81/08, reporting the results of the assessment itself and of the prevention measures, both technical (engineering measures excluding related design and/or certification) and organizational, to be adopted if applicable.

– Preparation of the relative Improvement Plan.

Instrumental measurements and preparation of the Risk Assessment Document for exposure to biological agents

The consultancy provided by 3i group includes the execution of sampling, the preparation of the technical analysis report, and the exposure assessment of workers at microbiological risk in accordance with the provisions of Title VIII of Legislative Decree 81/08. The objective is to maintain the health and safety standards required by current regulations and ensure compliance with current legal provisions regarding exposure to microbiological risk.

The activities are developed as specified below:

- On-site sampling for the determination of parameters such as: Total bacterial count at 22°C, Total bacterial count at 37°C, Total coliforms, Yeasts and molds, Coagulase-positive staphylococci, Molds and yeasts, Escherichia coli, etc.

– Preparation of a technical report containing the results of laboratory analyses of samples conducted in accordance with standard methodologies such as MI-08-21a/2019 Rev 1, MI-08-21/2019 Rev 1, MI-08-17/2013 Rev 0, MI-08-20/2016 Rev 1, MI-08-19/2013 Rev 0, etc.

– Elaboration of the Risk Assessment Document for workers' exposure to microbiological agents in accordance with the provisions of Title VIII of Legislative Decree 81/08, with specific reference to the risk profile by job role, containing the identification of exposure levels using schemes proposed in the literature by various authors and guidelines proposed at the international level, and the identification of prevention and protection measures necessary to reduce the risk of exposure

With a view to making the Security service integrated for our clients, 3i group offers a comprehensive service for carrying out instrumental measurements, thanks to a specialized team and the provision of appropriate tools that together guarantee maximum reliability and validity of the results to the advantage of time and cost. Indeed, the law obliges employers to identify, evaluate, and monitor environmental factors of a chemical, physical, and biological nature arising from production activities.

Why choose us

Through ongoing collaboration with various professionals, the physical risk monitoring service enables proper procedures and guarantees the reliability and validity of the results.

Here is our winning formula:

Objectives

Physical agents monitoring allows to:

identify the presence of obvious hazards to workers, in order to provide information on the prevention and protection measures to be adopted to eliminate risks or keep risk levels acceptable;
orient healthcare screening towards the most appropriate clinical examinations for the health surveillance of workers, in order to guarantee the early diagnosis of any occupational diseases.

All of this is made possible thanks to the expertise gained over the years and the activities carried out by our specialized team.