# Current Strategies for Engineering Controls in Nanomaterial Production and Downstream Handling Processes/Conclusions and Recommendations

​CHAPTER 5
Conclusions and Recommendations
Engineered nanomaterials are materials that are intentionally produced and have at least one primary dimension less than 100 nanometers (nm). Nanomaterials have properties different from those of the bulk material, making them unique and desirable for specific processes. These same properties may also cause adverse health effects in workers. Currently, the toxicity of many nanomaterials is unknown, but initial research indicates that there may be health concerns related to occupational exposures. Due to the potential for health effects, it is important to control worker exposures to the extent possible. The following are conclusions and recommendations for reducing the potential for employee exposures during nanomanufacturing processes based on current knowledge.
5.1 General
5.2 Control Banding
5.3 Hierarchy of Controls
​5.4 Engineering Controls
5.5 Administrative Controls
Administrative controls and PPE are frequently used with existing processes where hazards cannot be effectively controlled solely with engineering controls. This could occur when control measures are not feasible or do not reduce exposures to an acceptable level. Administrative controls and PPE programs may be less expensive to establish but, over the long term, can be very costly to sustain. These methods for protecting workers have proven to be less effective than other measures and require significant efforts by the affected workers. A program that addresses the hazards present, employee training, and PPE selection, use, and maintenance should be in place when PPE is used.
Administrative controls and PPE can also be useful for redundancy, especially in high-hazard situations. While engineering controls serve as primary controls, the administrative and PPE controls provide backup.
​Employers should implement the following work practices to control worker exposure to nanomaterials:
5.6 Personal Protective Equipment
* Because nanoparticles have been found to penetrate the skin, items such as gloves, gauntlets, and laboratory clothing or coats should be worn when working with ​nanoparticles. Good hygiene practices for wearing the protective equipment should be followed.
* Gloves made of neoprene, nitrile, or other chemical-resistant gloves should be used and changed frequently or whenever they are visibly worn, torn, or contaminated.
* Respiratory protection should be used to reduce worker exposures to acceptable levels in the absence of effective engineering controls, during the installation or maintenance of engineering controls, for short-duration tasks that make engineering controls impractical, and during emergencies.
* Respirators in the workplace should be used as part of a comprehensive respiratory protection program. The program should include written standard operating procedures; workplace monitoring; hazard-based selection; fit-testing and training of the user; procedures for cleaning, disinfection, maintenance, and storage of reusable respirators; respirator inspection and program evaluation; medical qualification of the user; and the use of NIOSH-certified respirators.