Safety at the CFN

by Steve Hoey

Conducting experiments at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) in a safe and environmentally sound manner is our number one priority.  

The CFN, along with the rest of the Laboratory, strictly follows the requirements of integrated safety management. Simply put, this means that we will define the scope of work, analyze all hazards, establish appropriate controls, solicit communications and feedback, and work together to improve the process.

The principal way that we assure that we are following integrated safety management at the CFN is to use an experimental safety review process. This process defines the safe envelope for conducting experiments, including any necessary controls, and incorporates a peer-review system with management approval. As a CFN user, you will be required to submit a safety approval form (SAF) with each proposal. The SAF identifies the scope and potential hazards of your experimental work so that we can determine if the experiment can be safely conducted at the CFN. Once approved, SAFs are valid for one year. Certain experiments may need more review time as well as additional controls. Users should consult Facility Leaders if they have specific questions.

To help assure that all experiments are done in a safe manner, all users are properly trained and qualified to work at the CFN. You must complete or update your safety training prior to arrival at the facility, otherwise SAFs will not be approved and you could experience delays in beginning experimental activity. These training modules are facility and equipment specific and available online. In addition, CFN operations and safety awareness training is also required for all users. This in-lab training is facility and equipment specific and will be executed by the Facility Leader or designee. Each user will be instructed in safety procedures in the CFN-related activities. These instructions are also valid for one year, unless there are significant changes to the experiment content and /or safety policies.

The Department of Energy’s five Nanoscale Science Research Centers have collaborated closely to develop best-practice working guidelines and controls to assure that all work with nanomaterials is safe and does not harm the environment. These guidelines are contained in a Brookhaven procedure and are incorporated into the experimental safety review process as required. These best practices include a variety of controls such as engineering, administrative and personal-protective equipment. The controls are selected based on the potential for exposure to workers and/or release to the environment. The form of the nanomaterials -- free particulate, bound in a matrix such as a solid or liquid, etc., -- plays an important role in identifying which controls to institute. The CFN Experimental Review Coordinator will work closely with you to assure that these controls are implemented while working at the CFN.   

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