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Employers should implement the following work practices to control worker exposure to nanomaterials:
- Educate workers on the safe handling of engineered nanomaterials to minimize the likelihood of inhalation exposure and skin contact.
- Provide information to workers on the hazardous properties of the nanomaterials being produced or handled with instruction on how to prevent exposure.
- Obtain the material safety data sheets (MSDS) when using nanomaterials from an outside source and review the information with employees who may come in contact with the materials. Given the lack of complete health information of many nanomaterials, the MSDS may not provide adequate guidance and should be assessed by the health and safety office.
- To reduce the potential for release of nanomaterials, consider transferring powdered materials to a slurry, where possible.
- Clean up spills of nanomaterials immediately and in accordance with written procedures. Appropriate PPE should be donned while performing clean-up tasks.
- Provide additional control measures (e.g., a buffer area, decontamination facilities located by the hazard) to ensure that engineered nanomaterials are not transported outside the work area. Place a sticky mat at the exits of production areas to reduce the likelihood of spreading nanomaterials.
- Encourage workers to use hand-washing facilities before eating, smoking, or leaving the worksite.
- Provide facilities for showering and changing clothes to prevent the inadvertent contamination of other areas (including take-home) caused by the transfer of nanomaterials on clothing and skin.
- Prohibit the consumption of food or beverages in work areas where nanomaterials are handled.
- Ensure work areas and equipment, e.g., balance, are cleaned at the end of each work shift, at a minimum, using either a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner or wet wiping methods. Dry sweeping or compressed air should not be used to clean work areas. Cleanup should be conducted in a manner that prevents worker contact with wastes. Disposal of all waste material should comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
- Store nanomaterials, whether suspended in liquids or in a dry particle form, in closed (tightly sealed) containers whenever possible.
- Conduct routine industrial hygiene and medical monitoring to ensure that work practices and engineering controls are effective.
5.6 Personal Protective Equipment
- Because nanoparticles have been found to penetrate the skin, items such as gloves, gauntlets, and laboratory clothing or coats should be worn when working with Current Strategies for Engineering Controls in Nanomaterial Production and Downstream Handling Processes
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