ICONN DEEWR Nanotechnology OHS Research and Development Program & Nanotechnology OHS Regulation Dr Howard Morris Nanotechnology OHS R&D Program Manager

ICONN Role of DEEWR in Nanotechnology In support of the National Nanotechnology Strategy Support the nanotechnology OHS work of the Australian Safety & Compensation Council (ASCC) Australian government funding for Nanotechnology OHS R&D Program Objective of program: –to help ensure the prevention and effective control of exposures to an expanding range of engineered nanomaterials in an increasing number of workplaces

ICONN DEEWR Nanotechnology OHS R&D Program Focus areas: –OHS support for Australian nanotechnology businesses and research organisations –Considering the Australian OHS regulatory environment –Commissioning, coordinating and undertaking nanotechnology OHS research –Evaluation and development of workplace controls

ICONN OHS Regulatory Framework In Occupational Settings Engineered nanomaterials are regulated under the existing regulatory framework for workplace chemicals –Hazardous Substances –Dangerous Goods –Explosives

ICONN Australian OHS regulations The ASCC declares national standards and codes of practice –These documents are advisory in nature –They have no legal effect until they are adopted by the Commonwealth, states and territories Individual jurisdictions regulate workplace chemicals through their respective OHS Acts and other relevant legislation Regulations are based on a risk management approach –Risk = f (hazard x exposure)

ICONN DEEWR Nanotechnology OHS R&D Program Detailed examination of OHS Regulatory Framework Identifying and examining potential regulatory issues, and progressing work to address any issues identified Establishing broad-based Nanotechnology OHS Reference Group Considering information requirements for engineered nanomaterials Participate on the Nanotechnology HSE Working Group - convened by the Australian Office of Nanotechnology

ICONN Classification of engineered nanomaterials Importance –Classification informs chemicals management MSDS, labelling, packaging, other regulatory requirements Issues –For workplace purposes classifications are based on the hazardous properties of chemicals or products –Currently, limited understanding of the potential hazardous properties of engineered nanomaterials Program work –Supporting research into health hazard evaluation (toxicology), e.g. through OECD WPMN program on Safety Testing of Manufactured Nanomaterials –Member of NHMRC Advisory Committee on Health & Nanotechnology

ICONN Management of engineered nanomaterials while hazard knowledge is developed Reasonable to apply precautionary approach: –use the best practicable ways of preventing and controlling workplace exposures Program work –Information provision: new nanotechnology OHS webpages on ASCC website –OHS support to business & research organisations through field studies –Support the development of effective, practical guidance material Contributed to the ISO Technical Report on Health and Safety Practices in Occupational Settings Relevant to Nanotechnologies

ICONN Workplace exposure standards Issues Australian National Exposure Standards are generally material- specific Many different types of nanomaterials Exposure standard development is very resource intensive Exposure standards are based on understanding of health effects Practical measurement of nanomaterial exposures in the workplace Currently Exposure standards for some chemicals that are also produced in nanomaterial form Size-dependent standards for silica Program work Investigate suitability of group based standards

ICONN Risk management Program work Regular reviews of health hazard and safety hazard research findings, updating information in: A Review of the Potential Occupational Health and Safety Implications of NanotechnologyA Review of the Potential Occupational Health and Safety Implications of Nanotechnology Regular reviews of understanding of nanotechnology OHS risks Developing Australian workplace exposure measurement capability –establishing expert group of key workers in this area Effectiveness of workplace controls –review of evidence of effectiveness –supporting development of workplace controls

ICONN International consistency Issue Regulation of engineered nanomaterials (as a subset of all workplace chemicals) should continue to be consistent with international approaches –Australia imports around 95% of its workplace chemicals. –Existing regulations (and obligations) are based on UN, EU or US documents/systems. –Forthcoming implementation of GHS. –EU REACH regulations. Program Work International engagement –ISO Nanotechnology Technical Committee –OECD Working Party for Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN) –Overseas agencies (e.g. NIOSH)

ICONN Summary From a legislative perspective, engineered nanomaterials are a subset of workplace chemicals There are a number of nanotechnology OHS regulatory issues associated with the use of engineered nanomaterials DEEWR is working to address those issues through the Nanotechnology OHS R&D Program

ICONN Acknowledgments DEEWR colleagues in helping to prepare the presentation Images – CSIRO and ANU College of Science Enquiries More information on Nanotechnology OHS is available at