Risk assessment of nanoparticles
The hazardous properties of nanoparticles are most often unknown. Therefore, DTU take the precautionary principle into account, and has taken the same position as NFA (National Research Center for the Working Environment) and the Danish Labor Inspection (AT), where we, unless other evidence in the risk assessment, consider all unknown airborne nanoparticles as carcinogens, with all the rules that apply to this.
The toxic effect of a chemical substance in the original powder, may not be transferred to the nanoparticles. The toxic effect will change to an unknown or hazardous health risk, dependent on particle form and solubility. A limit values for the original powder cannot be transferred to the substance in nanoparticle form. Therefore, unless specified, the Chemical Safety Instructions in “Kemibrug.dk” cannot be used as workplace instructions that it applies to particles in the nano size.
A written risk assessment must be prepared in collaboration with the Institute's nano-responsible each time new experiments are started with new nanoparticles, or with new / modified procedures. Before the work is performed, the Local Work Environmental Organization (AMO) must sign and approve the risk assessment, in cooperation with the nano-responsible.
The internet-based tool "NanoSafer" can be used as an aid to the preparation of the risk assessment. The program assesses the expected level of risk in a given work situation and provides recommendations for the level of protection that the employee must follow. The nano-responsible can possibly assist in entering information to the program. Particle length and width, solubility, room size, air changes, ventilation conditions, etc. are data required for “Nanosafer”. Information about particle size may be obtained from the supplier. Information about room size, air changes, and ventilation conditions can be obtained through Campus Service or be available in the red info box, as well as updated in the Institute's Nano-APV.
In addition to the risks of the nanoparticles, the risk assessment must also include all risks associated with the handling of nanoparticles – e.g. weighing, pouring, cleaning, chemical waste, transportation, etc. The risk assessment must indicate how these risks are handled, to prevent exposure to occur outside a closed system. In addition, it must be stated which approved technical equipment and what personal protective equipment to use. Also consider, if locks and access to bathing facilities should be present. Consideration should be given to whether a control measurement is to be carried out in new experiments. Many of the procedures will appear in the Institute's Nano-APV, which can be referred to in the risk assessment.
AMO must signify that it is not possible to eliminate or substitute the airborne nanoparticles (substitution report). It is useful to investigate whether suppliers, e.g. are able to supply the nanoparticles as a suspension or granule or the like, instead of dusty powder. To avoid the dusty weighing of nanoparticles, an attempt to purchase in smaller amounts could be a good idea. To avoid exposure, AMO must ensure that all known risks are well-described, and that the precautionary measures have been approved / accepted before the work is performed.
The toxic effect of a chemical substance in the original powder, may not be transferred to the nanoparticles. The toxic effect will change to an unknown or hazardous health risk, dependent on particle form and solubility. A limit values for the original powder cannot be transferred to the substance in nanoparticle form. Therefore, unless specified, the Chemical Safety Instructions in “Kemibrug.dk” cannot be used as workplace instructions that it applies to particles in the nano size.
A written risk assessment must be prepared in collaboration with the Institute's nano-responsible each time new experiments are started with new nanoparticles, or with new / modified procedures. Before the work is performed, the Local Work Environmental Organization (AMO) must sign and approve the risk assessment, in cooperation with the nano-responsible.
The internet-based tool "NanoSafer" can be used as an aid to the preparation of the risk assessment. The program assesses the expected level of risk in a given work situation and provides recommendations for the level of protection that the employee must follow. The nano-responsible can possibly assist in entering information to the program. Particle length and width, solubility, room size, air changes, ventilation conditions, etc. are data required for “Nanosafer”. Information about particle size may be obtained from the supplier. Information about room size, air changes, and ventilation conditions can be obtained through Campus Service or be available in the red info box, as well as updated in the Institute's Nano-APV.
In addition to the risks of the nanoparticles, the risk assessment must also include all risks associated with the handling of nanoparticles – e.g. weighing, pouring, cleaning, chemical waste, transportation, etc. The risk assessment must indicate how these risks are handled, to prevent exposure to occur outside a closed system. In addition, it must be stated which approved technical equipment and what personal protective equipment to use. Also consider, if locks and access to bathing facilities should be present. Consideration should be given to whether a control measurement is to be carried out in new experiments. Many of the procedures will appear in the Institute's Nano-APV, which can be referred to in the risk assessment.
AMO must signify that it is not possible to eliminate or substitute the airborne nanoparticles (substitution report). It is useful to investigate whether suppliers, e.g. are able to supply the nanoparticles as a suspension or granule or the like, instead of dusty powder. To avoid the dusty weighing of nanoparticles, an attempt to purchase in smaller amounts could be a good idea. To avoid exposure, AMO must ensure that all known risks are well-described, and that the precautionary measures have been approved / accepted before the work is performed.
Contact
Lise Brown Christiansen Health and Safety Advisor Campus Service Mobile: +45 93511415 lbrch@dtu.dk