OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT IN NANOMATERIAL PRODUCTION WORKPLACES AND RESEARCH LABORATORIES

Abstract

Nanotechnology is the processing of the materials at the nano scale in order to produce and use them with their unique and rewarding properties. Attention to this sector gradually increases all around the world and because of their novel properties they are commonly used in many areas. It is important to make provision during usage, transport and especially production to these materials whose harmful effects on human health’s have recently proven. Although as its superior chemical and physical properties known as magic mineral after the second part of twentieth century because of determined harmful effects on human health asbestos is identified as deadly dust. Some nanomaterials have been proven to have asbestos like characteristics on human health. European Agency for Safety and Healthat Workassigned nano particles and ultrafine particles to be the primary risks among ten potential emerging risks related to OHS. In this study four nanomaterials which are commonly produced in Turkey have been chosen to apply Control Banding (CB) risk assessment method. CB risk assessment is an effective and practical method in the absence of toxicology and exposure information. According to the results of four different laboratories and two different firms, the risk levels of the two workplaces were found to be higher risk level so the required control measures and general advice to the sector is submitted.