Laboratory
DISAFA is organized into various Units, including the ‘AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING‘ Unit, which encompasses the following Research Groups/Laboratories.: a) Crop Protection Technology (CPT Laboratory); b) Agricultural Mechatronics, c) Biomass and Waste Management (BWMG Laboratory); d) Land and Crop Sensing; e) Forestry Mechanization.
The activities of the CPT Laboratory staff, coordinated and directed by Prof. Fabrizio Gioelli (and by Prof. Paolo Balsari from 1996 to 2021), have contributed to advancements in the field of spraying machinery, operator safety, and the reduction of environmental impact associated with the distribution of crop protection products.
The CPT Laboratory staff is composed of professors, researchers, technicians, PhD students, and research fellows, operating within a large covered facility of approximately 600 m². Thanks to the equipment and instruments housed within, it is a leading reference at the international level in its field. The Laboratory also features a 250 m² tunnel and an outdoor testing area, which includes a 3500 m² vineyard section.
In 2022, a new 1200 m² shed was constructed in part of this area, where it is possible to carry out tests such as the evaluation of potential spray drift generated by boom sprayers and the characterization of spray patterns for orchard sprayers without interference from uncontrollable atmospheric conditions (e.g., wind, humidity). The facility also allows for training and demonstration activities during inclement weather.
Access to laboratory rooms
Access to the laboratory rooms (including the outdoor shed) is permitted only to individuals explicitly authorized by the department director. All faculty, technicians, fellows, Ph.D. students, thesis students, and attendants associated with the agricultural engineering unit are considered authorized. DISAFA students, visitors, and personnel from other DISAFA units, as well as private firms/entities conducting research activities in collaboration with laboratory personnel, may enter the rooms only when accompanied by authorized personnel.
Visitors may enter only designated areas where no mechanical work or experimental activities involving the use of machines and equipment are being conducted. They may approach work areas only for exceptional reasons and after using appropriate protective equipment.
Access to the laboratory outside DISAFA’s official opening hours (8.00 am-7.30 pm) is allowed with permission from the Head of Laboratory Teaching or Research Activities (RADRL) and/or the Laboratory Director or Deputy Director.
Personnel from external agencies assigned to conduct security checks or maintain and repair premises or equipment may access the laboratory only when accompanied by authorized personnel.
Cleaning personnel have unrestricted access to the premises and must adhere to the Single Document for Risk Assessment from Interference prepared by the University.
The laboratory rooms remain closed when there is no teaching or research/experimentation activity taking place.
While personal protective equipment is not mandatory for accessing laboratory premises, appropriate clothing should be worn, avoiding garments that can snag and slippery footwear.
General conduct rules in the laboratory
Smoking, eating, taking unauthorized photographs, moving and/or removing materials, and engaging in behavior that jeopardizes one’s safety or that of others are strictly prohibited inside the premises.
Visitors must stay in close proximity to laboratory personnel throughout their visit and follow their directions. They are also required to maintain confidentiality regarding any evidence and materials observed during the visit.
Attention should be paid to equipment, facilities, and signage within the laboratory. In case vehicles obstruct passage areas, they should be marked with suitable high-visibility tape. If such tape is not present, always follow provided directions.
The laboratory premises are equipped with fire emergency equipment, exits, passageways, and safety signage. In the event of a fire or any other accident, please follow the instructions of laboratory personnel.
Handling equipment carries the risk of accidents due to potential shifting or falling of transported materials. Visitors should exercise caution when moving around, including within transit areas, considering the possibility of equipment and machinery passing through.
High sound pressure levels, especially in the vicinity of operating tractors or spraying machines, require anyone passing through or standing nearby to wear suitable personal hearing protection equipment (ear protectors).
The use of all equipment on-site is strictly reserved for laboratory personnel or individuals authorized by the laboratory (e.g., personnel from other units of DISAFA, private firms/entities conducting research/experimentation activities in collaboration with laboratory personnel). Therefore, please refrain from touching any equipment, and if assistance is needed, kindly ask the staff present.
In the laboratory, it is mandatory to always adhere to the safety protocols provided by the accompanying staff and to use personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.
These instructions apply to all areas belonging to the laboratory (e.g., the green shed located on the ground in front of the agricultural engineering unit).
