The UK Nanosafety Group (UKNSG) is today launching the third edition of its Working Safely with Nanomaterials in Research and Development guidance
Since its formation in 2009, the UKNSG has released two editions of its guidance, reflecting developments and best practice in the field. The publication of this third and final edition of the guidance marks the end of the UKNSG mission.
The third edition provides updates to reflect changes in legislation, recent studies in the literature, and best practice since the second edition was published in 2016. The guidance is aimed at researchers in both academia and industry working or intending to work in laboratories with nanomaterials. A nanomaterial is defined as a substance with at least one dimension below 100 nanometres (nm). With the increase in research into the safe handling and management of nanomaterials, the publication provides updated guidance based on the latest knowledge and best practice. It will be a useful reference source for health and safety managers, laboratory workers and technicians, researchers, and others who are planning to handle nanomaterials in their work.
Chair of the UKNSG David Kinnison says “The third edition of the guidance has been published to update our previous guidance and include the latest knowledge of safe handling of nanomaterials in an R&D setting. With this publication, the work of the UKNSG is completed and we thank all of our supporters and contributors who have volunteered their time and expertise. We can be proud of the work achieved since the foundation of UKNSG, with previous versions of the guidance being used in labs throughout the UK and the wider world.”
He continues, “Since 2009 we have been supported by many bodies including the Universities Safety and Health Association (USHA), Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), Institute of Safety in Technology and Research (ISTR), University Chemical Safety Forum (UCSF), British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) and the Royal Society of Chemistry.”
Blanca Suarez Merino, Director of Regulatory Affairs at the Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA) says, “The NIA is happy to have supported the production of this excellent guidance for managing and handling nanomaterials in R&D laboratories. This latest version has been expanded to include industrial laboratories, alongside higher education ones, highlighting the growing number of companies now engaged in nanomaterial research and innovation.” She continues, “As the leading trade association for the nanomaterial sector, we recommend this guidance is consulted by all companies working or considering working with nanomaterials to provide an understanding on the safe handling of nanomaterials. It is also a useful educational tool to aid the training of the next generation of nano scientists and technicians.”
Copies of the third edition can be downloaded without cost and under creative commons licence from https://chemsaf.net/#guidance-notes
About UKNSG
The UK Nanosafety Group (UKNSG) was established in 2009 to provide guidance for the safe and responsible handling of nanomaterials in research and development laboratories. It brought together a team of science safety advisers from higher education, experts from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL), the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) and industry and industry bodies. Its work was supported by groups including the Universities Safety and Health Association (USHA), Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), Institute of Safety in Technology and Research (ISTR), University Chemical Safety Forum (UCSF), British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) and The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Two previous editions of its guidance Working Safely with Nanomaterials in Research and Development were published in 2012 and 2016. With the publication of this 3rd edition, the UKNSG mission has reached an end and the group will now be disbanded.
About the Nanotechnology Industries Association (https://nanotechia.org/)
The NIA is the industry association for the nanotechnology sector and supports Members for their responsible and successful innovation. It is part of the NIA mission to help Members develop innovations that improve the lives of consumers, preserve the environment and advance our world. NIA supports nanotechnology industries through providing clear industry perspectives and positions on key issues for sectors working with nanotechnology and nanomaterials. The Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA) is the cross-sectoral, responsible voice for nanotechnology value chains and the global commercial eco-system. The NIA supports innovation and commercialisation of next generation of nanotechnologies and promotes their safe and reliable advancement. Since its foundation in 2005, NIA has served Members from across the nanotechnology spectrum.
For more information about the UK Nanosafety Group (UKNSG) please contact the Chair David Kinnison, uknanosafetygp@gmail.com
For more information about the Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA) please contact Nikolina Latković, nikolina.latkovic at nanotechia.org
