User:DustyDoug/sandbox

 Reducing or Eliminating Dust Hazards 

The Hierarchy of hazard controls is a recommended approach that can be used in selecting controls for reducing or eliminating dust hazards in the workplace. In descending order of effectiveness, the hierarchy consists of: hazard elimination (removing the dust hazard entirely); substitution (changing the material or process to reduce dust); engineering controls (isolating the dust hazard though a barrier or capture); administrative controls or changing the way people work (training, timing of the work, limiting access, frequency); and lastly, personal protective equipment (wearing protective clothing and respirators).

The full life cycle of a nanomaterial should be considered when planning to control for dust exposure. Nanomaterial synthesis reactors, nanoparticle collection and handling, product fabrication with nanomaterials, product use, and product disposal are potential sources of dust exposure.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends the use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters on local exhaust ventilation, laboratory chemical hoods, lowflow enclosures, and any other containment enclosures as a best practice during the handling of engineered nanomaterials.