An operating machine (10), particularly for processing or treating a product or a material for producing smoking articles or packages containing smoking articles, the machine comprising: - at least one work section (20, 22), wherein at least one operating unit executes an operation of processing and/or treating and/or conveying and/or supporting a product or material, wherein said work section (20, 22) comprises a covering (102) defining an inner workspace (104) wherein the operating unit operates and which is accessible by means of a mobile panel (106); the machine being characterized in that it comprises: - at least one unit for emitting biocidal light (202A, 202B, 202D) for lighting externally and/or internally at least one part of the work section (20, 22).