Working Safely with Nanomaterials"
Nanoparticles in the Workplace:
Health and Safety Precautions
Cautions
C- precautions with nanoparticles
What do/can workers do to prevent possible risks?
- Ventilate workplaces
- Clean equipment to prevent leaks and cracks in machines
- Receive education on transportation and storage lest the nanoparticles spill or leak
- Maintain the temperature and humidity at a level that would not trigger nanoparticles to combust
- Treat all of its effluents (wastematters)-solid, liquid, and even emissions-before they return to environment.
- Minimize the number of transport process of nanoparticles
- Perform high-risk operation in a separate space that is properly ventilated.
- Carry all forms of nanoparticles, even dry ones, in ‘closed’ containers.
- Keep all work surfaces non-porous and easy to clean.
- Separate work clothes from street-clothes, and also keep as hygienic as possible at work.
- Wear respiratory protection, where necessary.
- Put on protective outwear and gloves to guard against skin absorption.
- Receive regular training an information program.
- Assess each worker’s exposure to possible toxicity on a regular basis.
Personal Protective Equipment
There are currently no universally accepted guidelines on the selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) while working with nanomaterials. Some nanoparticles have shown the ability to penetrate the epidermis and possibly enter the bloodstream. If the particles are suspended in a liquid, penetration of the liquid can be enhanced if the glove is permeable to the liquid. Glove selection recommendations can be made by EHS based on the task and solvent used to suspend the nanoparticles. A glove selection chart based on solvent resistant properties of glove material is available on the web.
Outer clothing should consist of at least a lab coat while working with nanoparticles. Lab coats should not be worn outside the laboratory to avoid transferring any contamination to other areas of the facility. Clothing requirements can be upgraded to higher levels of protection as circumstances require.
If worker exposure to nanoparticles remains a concern after all feasible engineering controls are instituted, respiratory protection may be deemed necessary. The work site must be evaluated by EHS and appropriate respiratory protection recommended. The worker must comply with the respiratory protection program. This includes a physical evaluation and respirator fit testing on an annual basis. EHS will assist in the selection of the specific respirator requirements.
How to Dispose of Nanomaterials
Before disposal of any nanomaterial, please call the EHS Office for a hazardous waste determination. There are no specific guidelines from the EPA for disposal of waste nanomaterials. Currently the disposal requirements for bulk materials should be followed. Bulk carbon is considered a flammable solid, so carbon based nanomaterials should be collected as hazardous waste. Many nanoparticles contain toxic metals such as cadmium and must also be picked up for hazardous waste disposal.
Doenças associadas à exposição a nanopartículas
Guidelines for safe handling, use and disposal of nanoparticles
Nanomaterials: Potential Risks and Safe Handling Methods
Standartization
American Society of Safety Engineers
Nanotoxicology