This hazard classification applies to all experiments involving the use of engineered nanomaterials that are in a containment vessel or are in a solid matrix as samples.  Other hazard classifications and their associated hazard controls may also apply to experiments in this hazard class.  Any sample preparatory work with dispersible nanomaterials may require additional controls beyond those described in this hazard class and an additional experiment review.  A more detailed review is also required for handling active nanomaterials or their entities. The quantity needed of solid matrix nanomaterials at the beamline should be kept to a minimum for the duration of the experiment.

Experiments in this hazard class are categorized as low risk unless other hazard classes apply.

Engineered Controls – Controls required in LMS-PROC-83: Safe Handling of Unbound Engineered Nanoscale Particles and as determined in the review of the experiment.  General ventilation is sufficient for these materials.  Handling a solid matrix with imbedded (fixed) nanomaterials or carrying out processes in sealed vessels that isolate workers from contact with engineered nanoparticles may require no additional safeguards during normal operations.  However, maintenance operations on normally sealed vessels or ventilation systems may create exposure hazards which may require additional controls.

Procedural Controls – No special procedural controls are required.

Design Reviews and Equipment Inspections – Any experiments involving loose nanomaterials require containment that will withstand the x-ray beam.

Training – None if working with solid matrix nanomaterials only.

Signs and Labeling – Containers with nanomaterials must be labeled: "Unbound Engineered Nanoscale Particles".  Post work areas as described in LMS-PROC-83.

Personal Protective Equipment – Gloves are recommended for normal handling of embedded nanomaterials.  Gloves must be plastic or rubber and selected to also protect against any solvent(s) used.

Dosimetry and Monitoring – No special dosimetry or monitoring is required.  The Argonne Medical Department provides routine medical surveillance for Argonne employees identified through Job Hazard Questionnaires (JHQs) as working with Engineered Nanomaterials.

Shipping Engineered Nanomaterials - Dispersible nanomaterials (which include unbound nanomaterials and nanomaterials in liquid suspension) are to be shipped to Argonne and returned to the user's home institution through the Argonne Shipping & Receiving Department in Building 46.  Nanomaterials in dispersible form transported in buildings or on the ANL site must be in labeled secondary nonbreakable containers.  See LMS-PROC-84: Packaging, Transfer, and Shipment of Unbound Engineered Nanoscale Particles for transportation requirements.

Waste Management and Spill Response – Spills of nanomaterials are to be treated as hazardous waste and the materials properly disposed of through arrangements with Argonne Waste Management.  Nanomaterial waste must be labeled as 'Hazardous Waste containing Nanomaterials'.  Damp cleaning methods with soaps or cleaning oils are preferred.  Cleaning cloths should be properly disposed after use.  Drying and reuse of contaminated cloths can result in re-dispersion of particles and is therefore not allowed.  Use of commercially available wet or electrostatic microfiber cleaning cloths may also be effective in removing particles from surfaces with minimal dispersion into the air.  Energetic cleaning methods such as dry sweeping or the use of compressed air should be avoided or only used in conjunction with precautions that assure particles suspended by the cleaning action will be trapped by HEPA filters.  If vacuum cleaning is employed, care should be taken that the HEPA filters are installed properly and bags and filters are changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Unless otherwise noted in the approved experiment safety plan, the PSC Deputy Associate Laboratory Director of Operations delegates the authority to authorize an experiment in this hazard class to a member of the APS Experiment Safety Review Board and resident beamline personnel having the authority to authorize experiments as listed in the ESAF system.  Approval by both the host beamline and APS Experiment Safety Review Board are mandatory prerequisites for experiment authorization.

The PSC Deputy Associate Laboratory Director of Operations delegates responsibility for verifying that required controls are in place to the experiment On-Site Spokesperson and Beamline Management.

• LMS-PROC-83: Safe Handling of Unbound Engineered Nanoscale Particles 1/25/2018 (Internal link)
• LMS-PROC-84: Packaging, Transfer, and Shipment of Unbound Engineered Nanoscale Particles 10/25/2021 (Internal link)
• LMS-PROC-224: Handling of Engineered Nanomaterials for Disposition 6/10/2022 (Internal link)
• DOE Order 456.1A: The Safe Handling of Unbound Engineered Nanoparticles

Contact the APS User Safety Program with any questions or if the internal links are not working properly.