Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
2.5.2.2 Transfer, Labeling, and Storage
Nanomaterials that are classified as hazardous, or other suspected hazardous materials, should be
packaged, marked, and labeled in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local standard
procedures for its transfer and transport (e.g., 49 CFR Part 172 and Part 173). For those materials
that are not classified as hazardous or are suspected to be hazardous, they may still pose health
and safety risks if they are accidentally released during their transfer and transport. Therefore, the
NRC recommends that shipments of any nanomaterials, regardless of whether they are hazard-
ous or not, should be packaged using the equivalent of a Department of Transportation-certified
packaging group I (PG I; great danger) container that is labeled properly (such as Figure 2.5). If
the nanomaterials are in the form of dry, dispersible powders, the following line of text should be
added to the label: “Nanomaterials can exhibit unusual reactivity and toxicity. Avoid breathing
dust, ingestion, and skin contact” (NRC, 2011). For its transfer and storage, the container should
be unbreakable and able to be sealed tightly. When appropriate, secondary containments or outer
packages should be used.
2.5.2.3 Housekeeping
Good housekeeping should be practiced regularly where nanomaterials are handled, to avoid the
accumulation and/or resuspension of nanomaterials. At a minimum of once every day or at the end
of work shift, all working surfaces that are potentially contaminated with nanomaterials should be
cleaned using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA and/or wet wiping methods (e.g., moistened dispos-
able wipes). The vacuum cleaner should be labeled “For Use with Nanomaterials Only” and should
be used solely for this purpose (Ellenbecker and Tsai, 2008), and it should be explosion-proof in
the case of potential explosion hazard (Ostiguy, 2009). Never use compressed air or dry sweeping
methods, as these can cause the resuspension of dry nanomaterials.
Exposure probability score
Extremely
unlikely
(0-25)
Less likely
(26-50)
Likely
(51-75)
Probable
(76-100)
Very High
(76-100)
RL 3
RL 3
RL 4
RL 4
High
(51-75)
RL 2
RL 2
RL 3
RL 4
Hazard
severity
score
Medium
(51-75)
RL 1
RL 1
RL 2
RL 3
Low
(76-100)
RL 1
RL 1
RL 1
RL 2
FIGURE 2.5
The four levels of risk in a 4 × 4 matrix, as a function of hazard severity score and exposure
probability score.
