Good Marks from DOE Safety Review
By Bob Sabatini
A review team from DOE’s Office of Health, Safety and Security visited Brookhaven May 19-23, 2008. The scope of their visit was to evaluate how effectively the Lab handles nanomaterial safety against the approach outlined in the DOE Nano Science Research Centers (NSRC) “Approach to Nanoscale ES&H” document.
The reviewers looked at the Lab’s nano safety program, including documentation, training, work planning, laboratory work, waste management, transportation, and medical surveillance.
The team determined that Brookhaven has a comprehensive approach for implementing most of the recommendations in the NSRC approach document. Many aspects of the Lab’s approach are effective, including:
- Establishing an Institutional Nanoscale Science Advisory Committee (INSAC) to provide information and guidance, ensure effective SBMS implementation and approach strategies, and ensure that nanomaterials are used properly and safely
- Use of HEPA filters to control the spread of nanomaterial contamination and reduce environmental emissions
- Management proactive in developing sampling and monitoring approaches in support of workplace exposure assessments
- Housekeeping controls established to minimize the spread of nanomaterial contamination from research laboratories
- Requirements for signs and labels, consistent with guidance in the NSRC approach document, established and implemented
- Nanomaterial personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements defined in work control documents and implemented
- The Brookhaven interim SBMS safety and health implementation plan revised to include new baseline medical evaluation requirements and an electronic job assessment form to identify workers classified as needing medical baseline evaluations
- Solid and liquid wastes generated at the Lab that contain nanoscale materials are conservatively marked, classified, and dispositioned
The review team concluded that Brookhaven Lab has a fairly robust nano safety program. Additional enhancements regarding training, chemical tracking of nanomaterials, and continued development of exposure monitoring techniques were areas identified as needing further attention.
The CFN helped develop the NSRC approach document, and the facility has exceeded the recommended guidelines in many cases. Brookhaven intends to remain a leader in nano safety and will continue to improve our program as technology advances.
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Next article: Nanomaterial Safety Symposium
