Mechatronic Solutions for the Safety of Workers Involved in the Use of Manure Spreader

Abstract

An internationally acknowledged requirement is to analyze and provide technical solutions for prevention and safety during the use and maintenance of manure spreader wagons. Injuries statistics data and specific studies show that particular constructive criticalities have been identified on these machines, which are the cause of serious and often fatal accidents. These accidents particularly occur during the washing and maintenance phases-especially when such practices are carried out inside the hopper when the rotating parts of the machine are in action. The current technical standards and the Various safety requirements under consideration have not always been effective for protecting workers. To this end, the use of SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) allowed us to highlight critical and positive aspects of the different solutions studied for reducing the risk due to contact with the rotating parts. The selected and tested solution consists of a decoupling system automatically activated when the wheels of the wagon are not moving. Such a solution prevents the contact with the moving rotating parts of the machine when the worker is inside the hopper. This mechatronic solution allowed us to obtain a prototype that has led to the resolution of the issues related to the use of the wagon itself: in fact, the system guarantees the stopping of manure spreading organs in about 12 s from the moment of the wheels stopping.

Smart Machines, Remote Sensing, Precision Farming, Processes, Mechatronic, Materials and Policies for Safety and Health Aspects

“…The first technical note is "Mechatronic Solutions for the Safety of Workers Involved in the Use of Manure Spreader" by Massimo Cecchini, Danilo Monarca, Vincenzo Laurendi, Daniele Puri and Filippo Cossio [50]. An internationally acknowledged requirement is to analyze and provide technical solutions for prevention and safety during the use and maintenance of manure spreader wagons.…”

“…Such a solution prevents the contact with the moving rotating parts of the machine when the worker is inside the hopper. This mechatronic solution allowed to obtain a prototype that has led to the resolution of the issues related to the use of the wagon itself: in fact, the system guarantees the stopping of manure spreading organs in about 12 s from the moment of the wheels stopping [50].…”

Small-Scale Energy Conversion of Agro-Forestry Residues for Local Benefits and European Competitiveness

“…The most widespread sprayers are hand-held, high-pressure devices, which may expose operators to high levels of pesticides. This paper, also with the aim to lead towards a more sustainable use of greenhouses in agricultural productions, including some aspects of workers' safety [26][27][28][29][30], reports the results of experimental tests aimed at measuring the amount of the mixture deposited on the worker's body (potential dermal exposure, PDE) during pesticide applications to tomato and strawberry plants in a protected environment. Experimental tests on tomatoes were carried out considering two plant growth stages (flowering and senescence), two types of spray lance, two working pressures (1 and 2 MPa), and two walking directions (forwards and backwards).…”

Retrofitting Agricultural Self-Propelled Machines with Roll-Over and Tip-Over Protective Structures

“…In particular, in Italy, considering serious accidents, the accident statistics indicate that the frequency index (i.e., number of injured workers per 1000 employees) related to agricultural activities is much higher than the one related to the industrial sector [9]. Moreover, analyzing accident reports more in detail, it emerges that the most dangerous activities (considering both the number of permanent injuries and fatalities) are the ones involving the use of machinery and work equipment [10][11][12][13][14].…”