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Nanotechnology - Health Effects and Workplace Assessments and Controls

Nanotechnology - Health Effects and Workplace Assessments and Controls

Health Effects and Workplace Assessments and Controls

Employees who use nanomaterials in research or production processes may be exposed to nanoparticles through inhalation, dermal contact, or ingestion, depending upon how employees use and handle them. Although the potential health effects of such exposure are not fully understood at this time, scientific studies indicate that at least some of these materials are biologically active, may readily penetrate intact human skin, and have produced toxicologic reactions in the lungs of exposed experimental animals.

Nanotechnology - Standards

Standards

A variety of companies are researching and developing nanotechnology. Although there are nanomaterials in a few products used in the construction industry, most of these activities fall under OSHA general industry standards. This page highlights some of the applicable general industry OSHA standards.

Chemical Facility Security and Safety Working Group - Section 6(a) – Solicitation of Public Input on Options for Policy, Regulation, and Standards Modernization

Executive Order 13650, Section 6(a) – Solicitation of Public Input on Options for Policy, Regulation, and Standards Modernization

Introduction and Purpose

In follow-up to the tragedy that struck West, Texas, in April, 2013, President Obama signed Executive Order 13650, Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security, which established a working group of federal agencies.

Combustible Dust: An Explosion Hazard - Consensus Standards

Combustible Dust: An Explosion Hazard - Consensus Standards

Consensus Standards

These standards are NOT OSHA regulations. However, they do provide guidance from their originating organizations related to worker protection. In some cases, they may be mandated by State or local governments, or individual companies.

National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA)

Combustible Dust: An Explosion Hazard - OSHA Standards

Standards

The following Federal OSHA standards are mandatory; they include provisions that address certain aspects of combustible dust hazards. Some are industry-wide and others and industry-specific.

OSHA Standards

Highlighted Standards

Combustible Dust: An Explosion Hazard - OSHA Guidance

Combustible Dust: An Explosion Hazard - OSHA Guidance

OSHA Guidance

The following OSHA publications contain voluntary guidelines for employers and employees. The first is a short hazard alert with basic information. The second is a bulletin that is more comprehensive in nature. The third gives specific guidance on hazard communication. The final item is a poster listing some of the more common materials that can form combustible dust