UK HSE publishes guidance on using nanomaterials at work

The overall aim of this guidance is to help those working with nanomaterials understand what they need to do to comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) (as amended).

This guidance is specifically about the manufacture and manipulation of all manufactured nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and other bio-persistent high aspect ratio nanomaterials (HARNs), and has been prepared in response to emerging evidence about the toxicity of these materials.  Included in the document, is guidance on the following aspects:

• Legal duties
• Establishing hazard
• Assessing risk
• Control of risk
• Cleaning spillages
• Signage in the workplace for nanomaterials
• Transport of nanomaterials around and outside the workplace
• Supply of nanomaterials outside the workplace
• Information, instruction and training
• Skills and experience
• Health surveillance
• Disposal and waste
• Getting help

This guidance describes how to control occupational exposure to manufactured nanomaterials in the workplace. It will help you understand what you need to do to comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) (as amended) when you work with these substances.

If you work with nanomaterials this guidance will help you protect your employees. If you run a medium-sized or large business, where decisions about controlling hazardous substances are more complex, you may also need professional advice. This guidance will also be useful for trade union and employee health and safety representatives.

The control principles described in the guidance document can be applied to all nanomaterials used in the workplace. Any differences in the approach between control of CNTs and other bio-persistent HARNs to any other type of nanomaterials are highlighted in the text.

Source: Health and Safety Executive

Further information: info@innovationsgesellschaft.ch