Workplace Design Solutions: Protecting Workers during the Handling of Nanomaterials

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are materials that are intentionally produced to have at least one primary dimension less than 100 nanometers (nm). These materials have new or unique properties different from those of larger forms of the same material, making them desirable for specific product applications. The health effects associated with nanomaterials are not yet clearly understood, so it is important for producers and users of ENMs to reduce employee exposure and manage risks appropriately. In 2013, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published a compendium of control approaches for nanomaterial production and use processes entitled Current Strategies for Engineering Controls in Nanomaterial Production and Downstream Handling Processes. This Workplace Design Solutions document provides guidance on exposure control options for protecting workers during the handling of nanomaterials.

Protecting Workers during the Handling of Nanomaterials [PDF – 1 MB]