Nanomaterials

Nanoparticles are those at dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers (nm)”. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter, which is near‐atomic scale. Lab personnel working with unbound nanoparticles may be exposed to hazardous materials via inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion.

Given the various methods for nanoparticle synthesis and differing experimental goals at the University of Kentucky, a risk assessment shall be completed for the work, lab ventilation and containment equipment verified, and other controls designed for the processes specific to the research lab.

If laboratory procedures involve the synthesis of nanomaterials, please contact labsafety@uky.edu so that facility ventilation and engineering controls may be evaluated. In workplaces where workers will be exposed to nanomaterials, the employer shall provide information and training to their workers. This information and training should include at least the following:

Identification of nanomaterials the employer uses and the processes in which they are used.
Results from any exposure assessments conducted.
Identification of engineering and administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce exposure to nanomaterials.
The use and limitations of PPE; and
Emergency measures in the event of a nanomaterial spill or release

Control of Potential Exposures:

Consider the hazards of precursor materials in evaluating process hazards such as acidity, basicity, oxidizing or reducing strength, and flammability. Consideration should also be given to the high reactivity of some ultrafine powdery materials, which poses potential fire and explosion hazards.
Evaluate nanomaterial transfer methods, temperature controls and other process controls.
Laboratory equipment and exhaust systems should also be evaluated for any nanomaterial contamination before removal, remodeling, or repair. Equipment that was previously used to manufacture or handle nanoparticles should also be evaluated for any nanomaterial contamination before disposal or reuse.
Administrative controls, such as appropriate signs and labels, access control, and a chemical hygiene plan including standard operating procedures (SOPs) and hazard assessment shall be documented.
The work area and equipment should be cleaned regularly to avoid any exposure. Immediately clean spills involving nanomaterials according to written protocols or SOPs and using proper personal protective equipment. Typical methods for cleaning spills can be used for cleaning surfaces contaminated with dry powder nanomaterials. Never use flammable solvents for cleaning nanomaterials with flammable or pyrophoric properties. Clean dry nanomaterials with damp cloths, or by wetting the powder before wiping. Avoid using compressed air or other high‐energy techniques, such as brushing or shaking, to remove nanomaterials from clothing. Dry sweeping or use of compressed air for cleanup in areas with procedures of unbound nanoparticles shall be prohibited.
Handling, weighing, mixing, or sonication of engineered nanomaterials shall be performed in a ventilated enclosure (e.g., glove box, laboratory hood, process chamber) equipped with high‐efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Where operations cannot be enclosed, local exhaust ventilation equipped with HEPA filters and designed to capture the contaminant at the point of generation or release shall be provided.

Exposure Control Plan

UK has developed guidelines for research involving nanomaterials. These guidelines closely follow NIOSH’s suggested exposure control procedures. Controlling exposures for nanomaterials is much the same as for any particulate. Since the toxicological data are somewhat limited, controls may be more stringent than they would be for a similar material in the non‐nano size range. The following is a general description of what considerations will be made for processes and laboratory specific SOP.

Engineering Controls ‐ the first line of defense in protection from exposures.
1. Closed systems – A closed system is one in which pipes, glassware, and chambers seal the material from the user.
2. Fume Hoods ‐The most common type of engineering control to be utilized at UK will be fume hoods. In general, UK labs performing research utilizing engineered nanomaterials in solid/powder form will be performed in designated fume hoods. Fume hoods will also be used for processes that have the potential to aerosolize engineered nanomaterials that are in solution.
3. Clean Benches or Laminar Flow Hoods ‐ Some processes and labs will utilize clean bench systems that are equipped with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtered air to provide both product and worker protection. Hoods that do not provide worker protections will not be used when manipulating dry/powder engineered nanomaterials.
4. Each process will be evaluated, and employee exposure monitoring performed to ensure the utilized engineering controls are effectively capturing the materials. Contact the UK Department of Occupational Health and Safety at (859) 257‐7600.
Work Practices ‐ SOPs for work involving nanomaterials are required.
1. Wet methods for the manufacture or fabrication of nanomaterials are preferred. This will decrease the probability of inhalation exposures by reducing airborne particles. Processes that utilize other techniques will be evaluated on an individual basis and work practices developed.
2. All operations will take place in a designated area. Labs approved for this work have at least a fume hood, hand washing facilities, and emergency shower and eyewash stations. All labs and lab workers are required to follow the UK Chemical Hygiene Plan. In this document, all lab workers are required to dress appropriately, not store consumables in the lab, not eat, drink, smoke, apply makeup or lip balm in the lab, and to wash hands before leaving the lab.
3. Additional templates for Material and Operations Specific SOPs can be found at the following website: GoodNanoGuide
Personal Protective Clothing‐ Standard laboratory protective equipment will be worn which includes lab coat with cuffed sleeve, safety glasses and closed toed shoes.
1. Gloves shall be worn when handling engineered nanomaterials. Selection shall be based on available data of how various nano materials affect different kinds of gloves. Current testing of glove materials can include particles in the nano size range, i.e. viruses. Ensureglo ves have been tested by the manufacture for protection against nanomaterials. When nanomaterials are in suspension, the solvent will dictate the glove material. General compatible glove material information can be found in the UK Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) or for assistance on glove material compatibility contact the specific glove manufacturer or contact UK Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) at 257‐3827.
2. Respirators ‐ In general, respiratory protection should not be required for work with engineered nanomaterials. OHS will evaluate operations to determine if available engineering controls are not adequate and will assign appropriate respirators. Affected individuals will be enrolled in lab specific respiratory protection programs that will require fit testing and training.

4. Clean‐up and disposal ‐ Standard techniques will be used to clean up spills and disposal of nanomaterials. Refer to UK Hazardous Waste Manual for specific information of call 323‐ 6280.

Dry material spills outside of the fume hood or clean bench will be considered a hazardous materials spill. If lab personnel are not part of a respiratory protection program, then the SOP will indicate that the lab will be cleared and secured. Environmental Management (EM) will be contacted to clean. EM employees have the PPE and training required for cleaning spills in the lab.

Liquid spills will be evaluated based on the solvent the materials are suspended in. Due to typical research quantities needed in a lab, it is not anticipated that these spills will be large. Small spills will be handled by lab personnel following lab specific SOPs that have been developed. Particularly hazardous solvent spills will be identified in the lab SOP and the appropriate course of action will be described.

Disposal‐ Nanomaterials in themselves do not constitute a hazardous waste. All local, state, and federal regulation must be followed for wastes that meet certain criteria. Prior to working with engineered nanomaterials, the appropriate waste stream will be determined and written in the specific SOP. Contact EQMD at (859) 3232‐6280 for assistance with waste management of nanomaterials.

5. Medical Surveillance ‐ Engineered nanomaterials that contain materials regulated by current OSHA standards will be subject to the requirements of those standards. NIOSH is currently working on recommendations as to when medical surveillance should be implemented for workers potentially exposed to nanomaterials, regulated, and not otherwise regulated.

a. The need for medical surveillance for nanomaterials that are not otherwise regulated will be assessed on an individual project/operation basis. A risk‐ based approach will be taken using such factors as route of entry, available toxicological data, engineering and work practice controls, duration of activity, and results of exposure monitoring. The medical surveillance will be a cooperation between the laboratory worker, the Principal Investigator of the laboratory, Occupational Health and Safety, as well as a medical provider if needed.

b. OSHA regulated material ‐ Medical surveillance may be required for research involving these hazardous materials. A review of the requirement will be done for each nanomaterial utilized and a determination made.