Methods Available at the Workplace and the Preventive Approach Anthony Casaru – FORUM-MUT

Nano shop floor level TU Experience: Nano Safety practices are very seldom Scientific Literature corroborates our experience: Journeay S et al. (2014) Occupational handling of nickel nanoparticles: A case report. American Journal of Industrial Medicine Engeman, C. et al. (2012) Governance implications of nanomaterials companies’ inconsistent risk perceptions and safety practices. J Nanopart Res 14:749. Conti, J. et al. (2008) Health and safety practices in the nanomaterials workplace: Results from an international survey. Environ Sci Technol, 42:

Nano information at the workplace Debate about Nano Safety remains largely within the disciplinary boundaries, industry and academic circles. Some projects to develop some tools eg. Stoffenmanager Nano Module but do these projects tools reach the shop floor? Targets – dispersal of info at all levels Training of health and safety reps Participation of workers

Challenges: Nature of workplaces Workplaces – Very diverse ranging from multi- national corporation to family run microenterprises SMEs & Microenterprises as the most common form of workplaces Usually lack information, employ no H&S experts Not reached by TU Not reached by Employer Organisations Reached by Regulations

Further Challenges Gaps in Science Gaps in Regulations Gaps in Safe Work Practices Information available is not sufficient to guarantee the safe use of nanotechnology

Methods Available? Traditional Methods – General H&S Methods like RA Nano-specific Methods – Highly desired but what about availability? – SCAFFOLD - No nano-specific health indicators but currently used ones may be applied – Nano Reference Values (NL Provisional) – Regarded soley as pragmatic values and do not guarantee safety at lower exposures – Control Banding – may similarly be useful but may dangerously give a false sense of safety

Preventive Approach Info needed Industry and Transperency No Data – No Exposure, No Data – No Emission Safety Reps and TU Reps involvement in RA Workers Participation

Good work practice Since there are gaps in knowledge on the use of MNM and subsequent Health effects: – Control Exposure - Use a Closed System – Limit Production- Use a Glove Box

Closing comment One negative incident could have a major negative impact on public attitudes Thanks for your attention