NIOSH has issued guidance that is encouraging small- and medium-sized business to create safety programs to protect workers against harmful exposures to engineered nanomaterials. “Responsible development of nanotechnologies includes considering and managing the potential, unintended consequences to human health and the environment that might accompany development and use of the technology. This guide will demonstrate that the key to ensuring the safety of your business, particularly when resources are limited, is to prevent occupational exposures and incidents before they happen,” NIOSH says.
The guidance adds that “The best way to control potential exposures and to protect your workers includes creating and following a risk management plan that incorporates the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.”