Protecting Workers A NIOSH Nanomaterials Update Alex Lindquist, CSP NREL ESH&Q Programs Group RMS SESHA Annual Mini Conference 10/29/2018
CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 A Quick Intro to Small Things News from NIOSH Questions to Ask Before You Start Protecting Workers NIOSH Design Factsheets NREL 2
Introduction to Nanomaterials Viruses Makeup Sunscreen Food storage Appliances Clothing Electronics Computers Sporting Goods Coatings Volcanic Ash Diesel Exhaust NREL 3
Introduction to Nanomaterials Engineered nanomaterials: Are intentionally created <100 nm Bound or unbound Can exhibit unique properties and effects Often lack conclusive scientific information on safety, health and environmental risks NREL 4
Introduction to Nanomaterials Potential effects include increased Toxicity Flammability Reactivity Exposure through inhalation, dermal contact and ingestion. RISK is a function of the degree of HAZARD and EXPOSURE. NREL 5
Introduction to Nanomaterials Toxicity is an emerging science Dependent on chemistry, morphology, surface charges, etc. Relates to particle surface area and solubility Increased free radicals Increased inflammatory response Translocation to target organs Bioaccumulation NREL 6
Introduction to Nanomaterials No regulatory occupational exposure limit (OEL) Carbon 1.0 µg/m 3 TiO 2 0.3 mg/m 3 NREL 7
News from NIOSH https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/news.html Current Intelligence Bulletin Health Effects of Occupational Exposure to Silver Nanomaterials (2016) Building a Safety Program: A Guide for Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (2016) Draft Chapter Analysis of Carbon Nano by TEM (2017) Presentation Update on Engineering Controls (2017) Nanotechnology workplace guidance sheets (2018) NREL 8
Controlling Nano Hazards: Questions to Ask FORM Have you done a job hazard analysis? What is the physical form of the nanomaterial? What quantity? Can you reduce exposure by changing the form or amount? WORK ACTIVITY How will it be used? Is the likelihood of exposure low or high? Can you change the way you do the activity to reduce the exposure? ENGINEERING CONTROLS ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS What engineering controls will be effective? What are the key design requirements? How do the non-nanomaterials affect exposure? Have you considered the role of administrative controls? Have you setup a plan for waste management? Have you considered what to do in case of a spill? How will you maintain equipment? PPE If the measures above do not effectively control the hazard, what PPE can be used? Have your considered the non-nanomaterial PPE needed? NREL 9
Controlling Nano Hazards: Questions to Ask FORM DRY POWDER (highest exposure risk) SUSPENDED IN LIQUID PHYSICALLY BOUND WORK ACTIVITY Dumping Powders Weighing or Transport Spraying Pipetting Cutting/Grinding Painting Encapsulated ENGINEERING CONTROLS Fume Hood Glove Box HEPA Exhaust Fume Hood Glove Box Local Exhaust Fume Hood Glove box Wet Methods ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS Routine Housekeeping Training & Signage Restricted Access Waste Handling Sealed Containers Established SOPs Do Not Sweep Spill Cleanup Haz Comm Labels PPE Chem Resistant Gloves Lab Coats Eye/Face Protection Respiratory Protection Spill Cleanup NREL 10
Workplace Design Solution Factsheets https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/pubs.html Protecting Workers During the Handling of Nanomaterials Protecting Workers During Nanomaterial Reactor Operations Protecting Workers During Intermediate and Downstream Processing of Nanomaterials NREL 11
Workplace Design Solution Factsheets Protecting Workers During the Handling of Nanomaterials NREL 12
Workplace Design Solution Factsheets Protecting Workers During Nanomaterial Reactor Operations NREL 13
Workplace Design Solution Factsheets Protecting Workers During Intermediate & Downstream Processing of Nanomaterials NREL 14
Thank you www.nrel.gov NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.