Working Safely with Nanomaterials in Research and Development

Nanoparticles are 'ultrafine particles' in the sub-micron range broadly from 1 nano-meter to 100 nano-meter; although 100 nano-meter should not be considered an upper limit from the safety standpoint.

The University has concerns with respect to the use of nanoparticles in research, in particular the risk of inhalation and has therefore issued two guidance documents:

One a general leaflet:

• Nanoparticles - Safety Guidance Notes

and one on Carbon Nanotubes and other morphologically similar nanoparticle

• Carbon Nanotubes and other Synthetic Insoluble Fibrous Nanoparticles

Furthermore the UK Nanosafety Group in collaboration with the University has recently developed guidance to support safe and responsible working practices with nanomaterials in research and development laboratories across the UK.

'The Working Safely with Nanomaterials in Research and Development' guidance, is officially endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) HSE Nanotechnology, the second edition is now available: UK Nanosafety Group. 

The aim of this document is to give guidance on factors relating to establishing a safe workplace and good safety practice when working with particulate nanomaterials. It is applicable to a wide range of nanomaterials, including particles, fibres, powders, tubes and wires as well as aggregates and agglomerates, and recognises previous and current uncertainty in developing effective risk management when dealing with nanomaterials and advocates a precautionary strategy to minimise potential exposure.

The American National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) publishes guidance documents that may be useful.

In particular the 2018 NIOSH publications:

Protecting Workers during the Handling of Nanomaterials
Protecting Workers during Intermediate and Downstream Processing of Nanomaterials
Protecting Workers during Nanomaterial Reactor Operations
Controlling Health Hazards when Working with Nanomaterials

NB: These publications have no 'legal' status in the UK but may provide potentially useful information.  However the University does not endorse the extensive use of Fume Cupboards for powdered nanomaterials as it could result in those nano-powders contaminating the duct work and the environment - see the University Guidance above for further information.