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Work Practices

* “Transfer engineered nanomaterials samples between workstations (such as exhaust hoods, glove boxes, furnaces) in closed, labeled containers, e.g., marked ‘Zip-Lock’ bags.

  • Take reasonable precautions to minimize the likelihood of skin contact with engineered nanoparticles or nanoparticle-containing materials likely to release nanoparticles (nanostructures).
  • If engineered nanoparticle powders must be handled without the use of exhaust ventilation (i.e., laboratory exhaust hood, local exhaust) or enclosures (i.e., glove-box), evaluate hazards and implement alternative work practice controls to control potential contamination and exposure hazards.
  • Handle nanomaterial-bearing waste (see definition above) according to the home Laboratory’s hazardous chemical waste guidelines.
  • Vacuum dry engineered nanoparticulates only with an approved HEPA vacuum cleaner that has been performance tested and certified according to the Center’s or Lab’s policies and procedures.”1


1. U.S. Department of Energy, Nanoscale Science Research Centers, “Approach to Nanomaterial ES&H,” 8-9 (Rev. 3a May 12, 2008)