Nanotechnology Safety Guidance
The Health and Safety Executive are currently conducting a survey across all universities to ascertain what nanotechnology research is being carried out across the UK. This is to enable them to ensure that the guidance available on their website reflects the type of activities being undertaken and is sufficient to protect those working in this sector. A link to their current guidance and processes to support you carry out a risk assessment are now available on their website (see link on right hand side of page).
Nanotechnology involves the creation and/or manipulation of materials at the nanometre (nm) scale. One nanometre is 10-9 m or one millionth of a millimetre. Nanotechnology is essentially ‘engineering at a very small scale’, and this term can be applied to many areas of research and development – from medicine to manufacturing to computing, and even to textiles and cosmetics. Further information on some of the latest applications can be found via the Institute of Nanotechnology.
If you are considering embarking on a project that uses or produces nanomaterials, it is essential that you complete a preliminary questionnaire and return this to the Health and Safety Department as a central record is required to be held by the University.
Should anyone require assistance in putting together a risk assessment for nanotechnology related projects, please contact the Health and Safety Department after having read through the risk assessment guidance on the HSE website
The main legislation governing nanomaterials is COSHH. To help organisations achieve compliance with this, the following HSE Guidance has been developed - Nanomaterials at Work
Health effects of particles produced for Nanotechnologies
Nano & Me - for people who want to know more about nanotechnology
Carbon Nanotubes - Risk Management of CNT's - Note that CNT's are substances of high concern and unless, or until, sound evidence is available on the hazards from inhalation a precautionary approach should be taken to the risk management of all CNT's.