The Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC), part of the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), has
identified new safety hazards from the expanding nanotechnology
industry. We have previously blogged on future issues related to
the safety of automation and technology in the workplace,
including, National Safety Council Congress: Executive Forum
Industry 4.0 – EHS in the Future of the Workplace, Future
Enterprise – Workplace Safety Compliance Comes to the
Forefront for Expanding Healthcare Industry, A Global Perspective
on the Future of Wearable Technology, and Robotics, Automation, and
Employee Safety for the Future Employer. One of the potential
safety issues facing employers relates to the use of nanomaterials
and processes involving nanotechnology in the workplace. In a
recent publication (NIOSH Publication Number 2019-147, August
2019), the NTRC summarized its research aimed at understanding the
potential effects on human health of exposure to engineered
nanomaterials and seeking to develop methods to control or
eliminate exposures. According to NIOSH, nanoparticles are
extremely small particles (between 1 and 100 nanometers, 10-9 m)
that are designed to have certain new or unique characteristics,
like strength, elasticity, or reactivity. The concept is that these
new and unique characteristics or properties make advanced
materials and products possible. The U.S. Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) has published a Fact Sheet,
Nanotechnology: Working Safely with Nanomaterials (OSHA FS-3634 -
2013) to educate the public on safety hazards related to
nanomaterials. The Fact Sheet indicates that “workers who use
nanotechnology in research or production processes may be exposed
to nanomaterials through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion.
The “fact sheet” provides basic information to workers
and employers on the most current understanding of potential
hazards associated with this rapidly-developing technology and
highlights measures to control exposure to nanomaterials in the
workplace.” The OSHA Fact Sheet notes that “some
examples of workplaces that may use nanomaterials include chemical
or pharmaceutical laboratories or plants, manufacturing facilities,
medical offices or hospitals, and construction sites.” The
NTRC Publication focuses on these areas from an occupational safety
and health perspective to assist industry in preparing for the
future by: Increasing understanding of potential health risks to
workers making and using nanomaterials. Preventing occupational
exposures to nanomaterials. Evaluating potential worker health
risks from advanced material and manufacturing processes. For
instance, the NTRC prioritizes the growing number of engineered
nanomaterials for laboratory and field research, focusing on the
ones that have the greatest potential for exposure and harm to
workers. NTRC conducts field investigations and epidemiological
studies for a realistic understanding of exposure and risks to
nanomaterial workers. It also issues recommendations on how to use
engineering controls and personal protective equipment to mitigate
exposure to engineered nanomaterials, along with providing
nanomaterial businesses with “guidance” on how to keep
workers safe. In that continuing effort, the NTRC recently
published its “Continuing to Protect the Nanomaterial
Workforce: NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Plan for 2018-2025.”
(NIOSH Publication Number 2019-116, January 2019). This Plan seeks
to be “a roadmap to advance (1) understanding of
nanotechnology-related toxicology and workplace exposures and (2)
implementation of appropriate risk management practices during the
discovery, development, and commercialization of engineered
nanomaterials along their product lifecycle.” Employer
Takeaway As we continue to move boldly into the future of
nanotechnology, industries must make sure employees are
knowledgeable and trained to work safely with these materials and
the related processes and machines. Company policies and training
materials must be updated to adjust to these new hazards. For more
information on this or any related topic please contact the
authors, your Seyfarth attorney, or any member of the Workplace
Safety and Health (OSHA/MSHA) or Workplace Policies and Handbooks
Teams.
Read the full blog post.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.