by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

“ When PtD is implemented, the control hierarchy is applied by designers (e.g., engineers, architects, industrial designers) and business leaders (e.g., owners, purchasers, managers) who consider the benefits of designing safety into things external to the worker to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.
PtD strategies, like the hierarchy of controls, can take many forms. Elimination and substitution measures are desirable, but these strategies may be difficult to implement when working with nanomaterials because these materials are likely being used for their unique properties. ”

“ The critical elements of an effective occupational safety and health management system include management commitment and employee involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control, and sufficient training for employees, supervisors, and managers (www.osha.gov/Publications/safety-health-management-systems.pdf) . In developing measures to control occupational exposure to nanomaterials, it is important to remember that processing and manufacturing involve a wide range of hazards. ”

“ Nanomaterials have properties different from those of their bulk components. For example, many of these materials have increased strength/weight ratios, enhanced conductivities, and improved optical or magnetic properties. These new properties make nanomaterial development so exciting and are the reason they hold the promise of great economic potential. ”

“ These measures require worker interaction with the process or active steps to limit the extent of the hazard. Most effective PtD approaches reduce or eliminate hazardous conditions without relying on input from workers. Humans are generally recognized as being much less reliable than most machines, particularly in emergencies [Kletz 2001] . The use of administrative controls and PPE in PtD strategies is generally for redundancy—further safeguards should the primary control fail. The ideal time to develop a PtD strategy is during the development phase of a process, material, or facility. ”

“ Fail-safe devices are designed so that if they fail, the system reverts to a safer condition. An example of a fail-safe device is a valve controlling a reagent for a reaction. If the safe condition for the system is for this valve to be closed, the fail-safe valve would automatically close in the event of a failure. Installing a closed transport system to eliminate worker exposures during transport activities. PtD strategies typically do not include administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) as the primary controls. ”

“ Chemicals/materials being used in the process Production methods used during each stage of production Process equipment and engineering controls employed Worker’s approach to performing job duties Exposure potential to the nanomaterials from the task/operations The facility that houses the operation The steps taken to perform PHAs for specific operations should be documented to let others know what was done and to help others understand what works. ”

“ PHAs are frequently conducted as initial risk assessments to determine whether more sophisticated analytical methods are needed and to prepare an inventory of hazards and control measures needed for these hazards. ”

“ This document discusses approaches and strategies to protect workers from potentially harmful exposures during nanomaterial manufacturing, use, and handling processes. Its purpose is to provide the best available current knowledge of how workers may be exposed and provide guidance on exposure control and evaluation. ”

“ Roco [2005] reports that worldwide, the investment in nanotechnology has increased from $432 million in 1997 to about $4.1 billion in 2005. In this same time period, the U.S. government investment in nanotechnology has increased to nearly $1.1 billion. Estimates made in 2000 suggested that $1 trillion in products will use nanotechnology in some way by 2015. The National Science Foundation estimates that the number of workers in this industry will increase to 2 million worldwide by 2015. ”

“ It is intended to be used as a reference by plant managers and owners who are responsible for making decisions regarding capital allocations, as well as health and safety professionals, engineers, and industrial hygienists who are specifically charged with protecting worker health in this new and growing field. ”