LSB Notification No.0331013
March 31st, 2009

Attn:
Directors of Prefectural Labour Bureaus,

Director General of Labour Standards Bureau,
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare(o f f i c i a l s e a l s a v e d)

RE: Notification on Precautionary Measures for Prevention of Exposure etc. to Nanomaterials

Though enough is yet to be known about the health effects of nanomaterials which have been
actively researched and developed in recent years, some studies reported that certain types ofnanomaterials have adverse effects on mice and other rodents under specific conditions.
Therefore, based on the view of precautionary approach, the Ministry of Health, Labour andWelfare (hereinafter referred to as “MHLW”) issued a notification No. 0207004 of February 7th,
2008, entitled “Notification on Present Preventive Measures against Exposure at Workplaces
Manufacturing and Handling Nanomaterials” and has been working to disseminate it. In order toincrease the efficacy of preventive measures against exposure to nanomaterials, it is necessary toprovide a more specific management approach which reflects the actual conditions of the working
sites. Therefore, the MHLW has held a series of expert panel meetings since March 2008,and thefollowing summary report was released the other day.
(Refer to http://www.mhlw.go.jp/shingi/2008/11/s1126-6.html ）Based on the report, the MHLW has prescribed the precautionary measures for prevention of
exposure etc. to nanomaterials as attached sheets of this Notification. The MHLW instructs each
Prefectural Labour Bureau to publicize this Notification to relevant employers so as to be
implemented by them.
The MHLW also requested the relevant organizations as well as the Director General of Research
Promotion Bureau of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to
publicize this Notification as shown in Annexes 1 and 2,respectively.
Consequently, the prior Notification (No. 0207004) shall be rescinded.

1

(Annex 1)

LSB Notification No.0331011
March 31st, 2009

Attn:
President, Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association
President, National Federation of Industrial Waste Management Association
President, Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association
President, Japan Chemical Industry Association
President, Japan Chemical Exporters' Association
President, Japan Chemical Importers' Association
President, Japan Foreign Trade Council, Inc.
President, Nanotechnology Business Creation Initiative

Director General of Labour Standards Bureau, MHLW

RE: Notification on Precautionary Measures for Prevention of Exposure etc. to Nanomaterials

Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation in the implementation of labour
standards administration.
Though enough is yet to be known about the health effects of nanomaterials which have been
actively researched and developed in recent years, some studies reported that certain types ofnanomaterials have adverse effects on mice and other rodents under specific conditions.
Therefore, based on the view of precautionary approach, the Ministry of Health, Labour andWelfare (hereinafter referred to as “MHLW”) issued a notification No. 0207004 of February 7th,
2008, entitled “Notification on Present Preventive Measures against Exposure at Workplaces
Manufacturing and Handling Nanomaterials” and has been working to disseminate it. In order toincrease the efficacy of preventive measures against exposure to nanomaterials, it is necessary toprovide a more specific management approach which reflects the actual conditions of the working
sites. Therefore, the MHLW has held a series of expert panel meetings since March 2008,and thefollowing summary report was released the other day.
(Refer to http://www.mhlw.go.jp/shingi/2008/11/s1126-6.html)
Based on the report, the MHLW has prescribed the precautionary measures for prevention of
exposure etc. to nanomaterials as attached sheets of this Notification. The MHLW would hope yourorganizations to understand the purpose of this measures and also requests you to disseminate this2

Notification throughout the relevant organizations and enterprises so that preventive measures aretaken in there.
Consequently, the Prior Notification (No. 0207003) shall be rescinded.
Just in case you didn’t know, related information on nanomaterials has been already provided on
the website of JNIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Study and Health, Japan).

3

(Separate Attachment)
Measures for Prevention of Exposure etc. to Nanomaterials at Workplaces

1

Targeted Nanomaterial
In this document, “nanomaterial” refers to, among solid materials manufactured using
elements, etc. as a raw material, a nano-object with at least one of the three dimensions ofapproximately 1nm－100nm and a nano-structured material composed of nano-objects (including
matter composed of aggregated/agglomerated nano-objects).

2

Targeted Operations
In this document, “nanomaterial-related work” refers to manufacturing or handling of
nanomaterials and other materials containing nanomaterials (hereinafter referred to as“nanomaterials, etc.”) (including manufacturing for research purposes, repairs and inspections ofequipment or instruments in which nanomaterials are used), or disposal or recycling of products
containing nanomaterials.
In addition, “nanomaterial-related work” shall include non-routine operations, of which daily
repetition and continuance are rare.

3

Preventive measures against Exposure(1) Basic Concept
Although researches and studies about adverse health effects of nanomaterials have been
actively done, it is yet to be solved. Therefore, on the basis of precautionary approach, it isimportant to take preventive measures against exposure to nanomaterials.
By referring to the contents provided in this document, proprietors shall strive to reduce
exposure to nanomaterials on the basis of actual conditions in terms of materials, processes,
amount of handling, etc. This Measure shall target workers who are engaged in
nanomaterial-related operations. However, necessary measures shall be taken for protecting
other workers who are not engaged in nanomaterial-related operations in the same workplace.
This document provides measures which shall be taken in the relevant workplacesconsidering currently available data and knowledge under the situation that enough researchdata is not yet available to study preventive measures against exposure. Therefore, if somereferential knowledge is available in a certain workplace and effective preventive measures
can be taken based on the knowledge from the view of a precautionary approach, such
workplaces are allowed to take their own measures regardless of measures given in thisdocument.

4

(2)Investigation on Nanomaterials
For the purpose of taking preventive measures against exposure, etc., it is important tounderstand the properties, etc. of nanomaterials. Therefore, workplaces shall endeavour togatherdetailed

information

about

nanomaterials,

etc.

which

are

handledinnanomaterial-related works.
Information possibly provided by the manufacturers of nanomaterials, etc. shall include
data on electron micrographs, particle size, and specific surface area, etc.

(3) Working Environment Managementa. Enclosure, etc. of Manufacturing and Handling Equipments
Except in cases where there is no possibility of workers’ exposure to nanomaterials, etc.
such as a case where nanomaterials are embedded into solid materials like resin, etc., inprinciple, manufacturing/handling equipments (i.e., equipments used for performing
nanomaterial-related operations: the rest stays the same) shall have a sealed structure.
Also, except in cases where there is no chance of exposure, in principle, sealing,
unmanning, and/or automation (hereinafter referred to as “enclosure”) shall be applied to all
activities that involve direct handling of nanomaterials, etc. by workers－such as recieving
deliveries of raw materials; weighing raw materials and products; feeding into
manufacturing/handling equipments (including mixing processes); collecting frommanufacturing/handlingequipments;

cleaning,

inspections,andrepairingof

manufacturing/processing equipments; and cleaning of containers,etc. In particular, mixingof powder consisting or containing nanomaterials, etc. with liquids or resins is highly likely
to result in exposure to nanomaterials, etc., therefore, enclosure of manufacturing/handlingequipments shall be adopted, or such operation shall be conducted in a glovebox.
Moreover, even in the operations of disposal or recycling of products, in consideration of
the possibility that such products might contain nanomaterials or that, during such operations,
nanomaterials, etc. might be dispersed in the working environment,. and when exposure tonanomaterials, etc. is possible, in principle, necessary measures such as enclosure shall betaken.

b. Installation of a Local Exhaust Ventilation System
In a location where manufacturing/handling equipments are to be installed for which
enclosure cannot be taken, a local exhaust ventilation system or push-pull type ventilation
system (hereinafter referred to as “a local exhaust ventilation system”) shall be installed toprevent dispersion of nanomaterials, etc.
A booth-type hood is preferable for local exhaust ventilation systems. However, in a case5

where manufacturing/handling equipments are large scale models, the installation of apush-pull type ventilation system or other appropriate system shall be installed based on theconvenience of workers.
The following specific processes are included in the processes of manufacturing /handling
nanomaterials, etc. which are required installation of a local exhaust ventilation system, even
if which fail to achieve enclosure.
(a) The following processes conducted at workplaces manufacturing nanomaterials, etc.
where nanomaterials, etc. having a potential of being dust and they need to be directly
handled by workers;
1) Processes of collecting produced nanomaterials, etc. (except for automated processes)
2) Processes of weighing, packing, and packaging of produced nanomaterials, etc.
(b) The following processes conducted at workplaces handling nanomaterials, etc. in which
nanomaterials, etc. having a high potential for dispersion are to be processed/handled:
1) Unpacking process (i.e., a process of unpacking packed containers containing
nanomaterials, etc. for a feeding process to equipments)2) Subdividing and Weighing process (a process weighing and taking a portion of
nanomaterials for a feeding process)3) Feeding process (a process of inputting nanomaterials, etc. into a hopper, etc.)

Even when a manufacturing/handling equipment is taken measures such as enclosure ,access openings for maintenance and inspection shall be equipped with a local exhaust
ventilation system or otherwise glove bags shall be used for such operations. Glove bag is abag-like chamber with built-in gloves to provide local isolation of a part of pipes, etc. When
it is installed in the area that is to be repaired or replaced, the glove bag shall have capacity
to enable these operations to be fully enclosed.
In addition, after the local exhaust ventilation system is installed, the system shall be
performed periodic maintenance and checks.

c. Dust Removal Measures of Exhaust Air
The outlet of a local exhaust ventilation system shall be directly open to outside air. If
this is difficult to achieve, exhaust air from the ventilation system shall be discharged tooutside air by connecting an outlet of the ventilation system to the existing exhaust duct. In
that case, to prevent emission of nanomaterials, etc. to outside air, the local exhaust
ventilation system shall be equipped with high performance filters that are capable ofcollecting such nanomaterials, etc.
In selecting filters to be used, in consideration of the agglomeration nature of dispersible

6

nanomaterials, etc., in the case that the particle diameter of nanomaterials, etc. and/or the
status of agglomeration of nanomaterials, etc. are investigated, the results shall be considered
to select an appropriate filter capable of collecting targeted nanomaterials, etc.
When such investigation is not to be conducted, a HEPA filter or the equivalent
performance filter shall be installed.
Where large-scale manufacturing/handling equipments are present, when using local
exhaust ventilation system equipped with HEPA filters, it is necessary to improve theperformance of electric generators/exhaust fans and to replace HEPA filters more often in
operations that may increase the dust generation potential of nanomaterials, etc. In that case,it shall be noted that prefilters installed before the HEPA filter could reduce the frequency of
replacement of HEPA filters. Such prefilters include, for example, a bug filter.

d. Examination of the Concentration of Nanomaterials, etc. in Workplaces
In order to properly conduct preventive measures against exposure to nanomaterials, ,etc., it is important to confirm the efficiency of preventive measures against exposure such as
enclosure of manufacturing/handling equipments and installation of a local exhaust
ventilation system and to understand the status of exposure to nanomaterials, etc. for workers
who are engaged in nanomaterial-related work. Thus, workplaces shall endeavour to examine
the concentration of nanomaterials, etc. in working environment. In this case, measurementof the concentration of nanomaterials, etc. in the working environment shall be performed
not only at regular intervals but also at the time when the status of nanomaterial-related workchanges.
Generally, in work environment, dust particles with a broad particle-size distribution
exist, which are generated from the same source. Therefore, even with an instrumentthat is
not designed for measuring nanosized particles, the results of measurement by such
instruments are somewhat effective for the control of nanomaterials, etc. Thus, if an
instrument designed for measuring nanosized particles is not available, a dust meter, etc. thatcan measure ordinary size particles shall be used.
Where possible, the following measurement instruments shall be used for nanosizedparticles. These instruments are SMPS (Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer), CPC(Condensation Particle Counter), and DC (Diffusion Charger-based Surface-Area Monitor),etc.
In the context of the actual management of the working environment, it is beneficial toidentify the types of nanomaterials, etc. existing in the working environment of a workplace.
Therefore, where possible, observations of the shape of and the composition analysis ofnanomaterials, etc. shall be performed.

7

(4) Work Control
a. Preparation for Operation Rules
When workers are to be engaged in nanomaterial-related works, operation rules on
handling of nanomaterials, etc. shall be prepared and the workers shall follow the content of
the rules.
Then, the operation rules shall contain information about the health effects of thenanomaterials, etc., and working environment. Information about health effects shall be
provided, for example, as descriptions in MSDS.

b. Cleaning of Floors, etc.
When cleaning floors and work benches in a workplace where nanomaterial-related
works are to be performed, cleaning operations shall be performed by suctioning using
vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters and other filters that are capable of collecting
nanomaterials, etc.. However, when the suctioning is difficult or unsuitable to be performed,
cleaning operations shall be performed by wiping with wet cloths.
In this case, it may be effective to add moisture to accumulated nanomaterials, etc. inadvance and to wipe off them, but, in a case of water--shedding powder, introducing water
may disperse the powder. Therefore, cleaning operations shall be conducted in considerationof both the status of the workplace and the properties of nanomaterials, etc..
In addition, cloths used for wiping of nanomaterials, etc. shall be placed into animpervious and hard-to-tear bag, then disposed in a proper way.

c. Prevention of Contamination in the Workplaces Where Nanomaterial-related Works are
Performed and in the Outside Environment
Workplaces where nanomaterial-related works are to be performed shall be segregatedfrom the outside environment and also, a decontamination area shall be provided in between
to prevent nanomaterials, etc. from being transferred outside workplaces on working
uniforms, etc.
Waste having a potential of dispersion of nanomaterials, etc. shall be placed into animpervious, hard-to-tesr bag and disposed in a proper way.
In addition, unauthorized persons shall be kept away from facilities performing
nanomaterial-related works.

d. Use of Protective Equipment

8

(a) RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment)
1)

Where it is difficult to achieve enclosure or to install a local exhaust ventilation
system, workers engaged in nanomaterial-related works shall use effective RPE.
However, even if preventive measures against exposure (such as enclosure or
installation of a local exhaust ventilation system,) are taken, when employers cannot
confirm that there is no chance of worker exposure to nanomaterials, etc., the workers
who are to be engaged in nanomaterial-related works shall use effective RPE.
The effective RPE shall be as follows: air-supply respirators such as supplied
air-respirator; dust masks with a particle collection efficiency of 99.9% or higher; andface piece, face shield or hood-type PAPR (powered air purifying respirator) with aparticle collection efficiency of 99.9% or higher that is in compliance with JIS T8157.
Among these respirators, dust masks that have national certification shall be used.

2)

In selecting RPE, by considering the expected amount of worker exposure tonanomaterials, etc. based on the status of preventive measures against dispersion and byreferring to the attached document “Method for the Selection of Respiratory Protection
Equipment”, RPE with an appropriate PF (protection factor) shall be selected.
In addition, RPE shall be selected for each workplace－for example, a workplacethat requires explosion-proof measures, a workplace that is in uncomfortable hot
environment, or a narrow workplace, etc.

3)

In consideration of use in irregular or emergent situations, appropriate RPEs to be
used for preventing exposure to nanomaterials, etc., shall be stocked in necessary
numbers, and kept available and clean.

4)

In selecting RPEs for workers, after checking the adequacy of fit between a facepiece and worker’s face, the appropriate face piece shall be selected. Fit tests shall be
performed every time the face piece is worn.

(b) Protective Gloves
Where workers are to be engaged in a nanomaterial-related work in which hand /skincontact with nanomaterials, etc. is probable, such workers shall have to use protective
gloves made of appropriate materials to prevent adherence of nanomaterials, etc. to theirskin.
Except in cases where clean conditions can be maintained by washing, etc., protective
gloves shall be disposable.
If used and the protective gloves are disposed of, such gloves shall be put intoimpervious, hard-to-tear bags to be disposed of adequately.
When protective gloves are taken off, if skin contact with nanomaterials, etc. is9unavoidable or highly possible, it shall be necessary to wash the exposed or possibly
exposed skin with soap, or to wipe off the skin with a cleansing cream, etc.

(c) Goggle-type Protection Glasses
When a worker is to be engaged in nanomaterial -related work, if eye contact withpowder of nanomaterials, etc. or splashes containing nanomaterials, etc. is possibly occur,it shall be necessary for the workers to use goggle-type protection glasses.

(d) Protective Clothing
In a case where a worker is to be engaged in a nanomaterial-related work, when
nanomaterials, etc. are possibly adhere on the work uniforms of the worker, protective
clothing manufactured specially for nanomaterials, etc. shall have to be worn by theworkers.
It is preferable that protective clothing are made of unwoven cloth. Effective and clean
conditions shall be maintained by washing, etc.
If protective clothing on which nanomaterials, etc. are adhered is to be taken outsideof the facility, the protective clothing shall be put into impermeable, hard-to-tear bags, toprevent them from spreading outside the facility.

(e) Keeping of Operation Records
With regard to a worker engaged in nanomaterial-related work, operation records
shall be prepared that indicate the name of the worker, engaged period of the work, andgeneral description of the nanomaterial-related work, and also shall be kept for a
prolonged period.

(5) Health CareWith regard to a worker engaged in nanomaterial-related work, the employer shall
implement regular health examinations under the Industrial Safety and Health Law or the
Pneumoconiosis Law, and recognize the latest health conditions of the worker.

(6) Safety and Health Education
When workers are to be engaged in nanomaterial-related works, the workers shall be
educated on: operation rules; physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials, etc.;
health effects of nanomaterials, etc.; control measures for the work environment;
preventive measures against exposure to nanomaterials such as the use of personal
protective equipment; and measures of preventing fire and explosion.

10For RPE, the related workers shall be given detailed instructions concerning thefollowing: proper selection of RPE; method on how to put on the RPE; the measurement
method of leakage based on the adequacy of fit between the face piece of respirators andthe face; method of fit test; and storage and maintenance of RPE.

(7) Other Measuresa. Measures of Preventing Fire and Explosion
The following measures shall be necessary to be taken depending on the property of thenanomaterials,

etc.

handled,manufacturing/handlingequipments,

processesinananomaterial-related work, procedures of operations, etc.: the reduction of dust
concentration; prevention of static electricity generation; the reduction of oxygen
concentration in manufacturing/handling equipments, etc.

b. Response to Emergency Situations
When workers are to be engaged in nanomaterial-related works, the employer shallestablish measures to be taken in case of incident or accident in advance, such as alarms,
notification to other workers, or exposure preventive measures at a time when a large spilltakes place.
In addition, first aid measures to be taken when workers exposed to nanomaterials, etc.
shall be as follows: perform dust removal in a clean-air environment; if eye contact occurs,
wash eyes thoroughly with water; if inhaled, gargle or rinse mouth; and if swallowed, spit itout, gargle and wash rinse mouth.

4

Dissemination of Information on Nanomaterials
In order to take preventive measures against exposure to nanomaterials or other necessary
measures, relevant workers shall need to clearly recognize what they are handling when working
with nanomaterials, etc. Obtaining information on precautions for handling nanomaterials, etc. canhelp such workplaces to take appropriate preventive exposure measures, etc. Since this kind of
information is usually held by a person who is to transfer or provide nanomaterials, etc., such aperson shall transfer the following information to the party to whom these nanomaterials, etc. areto be transferred or provided. Necessary informations are: the name and components of andprecautions for handling such nanomaterials, etc. by labeling the container or package, issuing
documents (MSDS) or by other ways.

11

（Attachment）

Method for the Selection of Respiratory Protection Equipment

When using respiratory protection equipment (RPE), it is necessary to select RPE withappropriate protection factor (PF) corresponding to the actual conditions of workplaces (for example,
with or without measures for preventing dispersion of particles) or with assigned protection factors(APF). PF is a value that represents the protection performance of RPE and can be defined by thefollowing equation:

PF 

Co
Ci

PF : Protection Factor

Co : Dust concentration outside facepiece, etc.
Ci : Dust concentration inside facepiece, etc.

The above equation shows－the higher the PF, the less likely dust particles would leak into therespirator－ such RPE can be considered to have a low potential for worker exposure.
If it is impossible to make measurement of PF in workplaces, assigned protection factors (APF)
provided by the respective competent authority should be used. APF is a representative value ofmultiple protection factors calculated by using test results. Therefore, APF is a minimum expectedvalue that would be obtained when trained wearers put on properly functioning RPE correctly. Table
1 shows assigned protection factors that have been publicly announced as one of Japanese Industrial
Standards (JIS).
When selecting RPE, one with the highest APF available should be basically selected. In a casewhere, specifically at industrial production sites, adequate facilitical measures cannot be taken on thebasis of occupational hygiene, exposure to high concentration of nanomaterials can be expected,
RPE with a higher APF should be selected. When it is possible to take appropriate measures, such as
enclosure, unmanning, and automation (hereinafter referred to as “enclosure,”) of the process ofmanufacturing or handling of nanomaterials, etc., RPE with a lower APF can be selected. Also, when
it is not possible to perform enclosure of such process but possible to install a local exhaust
ventilation system or push-pull ventilation system (hereinafter referred to as “local exhaust
ventilation system”), RPE with an intermediate level of APF can be selected. When selecting RPE to
be used for testing and research institutes, in a case where adequate facilitical measures cannot betaken on the basis of occupational hygiene, exposure to high concentration of nanomaterials can be
expected, RPE with a intermediate or higher level of APF should be selected. However, when it ispossible to take measures (enclosure) and/or to install a local exhaust ventilation system, RPE with asmaller APF can be selected. Based on these concepts, information on the selection of RPE forcommon workplaces manufacturing/handling nanomaterials and testing/research institutes is
12

provided for reference purpose, in Fig.1 and Fig. 2 and in Table 2.
In preparing these Figures and Tables, the following things were taken into consideration:
・If the results of work environment measurement, etc. cannot confirm whether there are no potential
risk for worker exposure, even when nanomaterials, etc. are handled using equipment withenclosure measurement, it was determined that RPE should be put on.
・Recent study indicate that, in some filter media used for RPE, a particle diameter of around 50nm
results in lowering the collection efficiency of the filter media, and that even N95 (NIOSH
standard：collection efficiency of 95% or higher) or RS2 and DS2 (National Certification Test
Standard in Japan：collection efficiency of 95% or higher) filter media did fall short of thestandard value of 95% in collection efficiency. Therefore, as filter media for dust masks, thisdocument adopts filter media with a collection efficiency of 99.9% or higher.

Meanwhile, these Tables and Figures have been prepared based on currently available
information and scientific knowledge. Therefore, the selection criteria for nanomaterials will have tobe reviewed at all future stages where we can find any new information on the hazards thatnanomaterials, etc. pose, or on how much the collection efficiency changes depending on the particle
diameter of filter media used for dust masks.

13

Fig. 1 RPE Selection Chart for
Common Workplaces Manufacturing or Handling Nanomaterials
Works related with
Nanomaterials

Specialized operations, particularly where
facilitical measures cannot be taken on the basisof occupational hygiene, high concentration
exposure can be expected[Example of Works]• Equipment cleaning operation• Collecting & recycling products• Others• Enclosure, unmanning & automation of
manufacturing processes• Use of nanomaterials embedded in resins, etc.

YES

NO
Installation of a local exhaust ventilation or
push-pull type ventilation system

YES

NO

Level at which Little Exposure can be Expected

Level at which Low Exposure can be Expected

Level at which Exposure can be Expected[ Selection of RPE ]– standards in selection & specific examples –RPE with a level of APF of 10 (the following RPE) or witha higher protection performance• Replaceable, half-face type dust mask (certified
products: particle collection efficiency of 99.9% or higher)• Disposable dust mask (national test passing
products: particle collection efficiency of 99.9% or higher)[ Selection of RPE ]– standards in selection & specific examples –RPE with a level of APF of 50 (the following RPE) or with ahigher protection performance• Half facepiece, fan-assisted air-purifying respirator(particle collection efficiency :99.9% or higher)• Supplied-air respirator (half-face, continuous flow typeairline mask or hose mask with electric blowers)• Replaceable, full-face type dust mask (certified
products: particle collection efficiency of 99.9% or higher)[ Selection of RPE ]– standards in selection & specific examples –RPE with a level of APF ranging from 100 to 1,000• Full facepiece and hood type fan-assisted
air-purifying respirator (particle collection efficiency :99.9%
or higher)• Supplied-air respirator (full face type and hood type,continuous flow airline mask or hose mask with electric
blowers)
RPE with a level of APF of 1,000 or with a higher
protection performance• Pressure demand-type airline mask

However, if:• Oxygen concentration of lower than 18%(works that may suffer from lack of oxygen)

Select supplied air respirators or SCBA (Both dust mask and fan-assisted air-purifying respirator are unsuitable for this case)• Work under the conditions of coexistence oforganic solvents and hazardous gases

Select supplied-air respirators, SCBA, or chemical cartridge respirators with dust proof-filters (particle collection efficiency: 99.9% or higher)(Fan-assisted air-purifying respirators are unsuitable for this case)• Workplaces that have explosion risks

Select supplied air respirators, SCBA , or dust masks (without motors)(Fan-assisted air-purifying respirators are unsuitable for this case)

14

Fig. 2 RPE Selection Chart for
Testing and Research Institutes
Works related with
Nanomaterials

YES

Specialized operations, particularly where
facilitical measures cannot be taken on
the basis of occupational hygieneg andfurther, high concentration exposure canbe expected[Example of Works]• Equipment cleaning operation• Others• Enclosure, automation & remotecontrolling of manufacturing processes• Use of nanomaterials embedded inresins, etc.

NO

Installation of a local exhaust ventilation or
push-pull type ventilation system

YES

NO

Level at which Little Exposure can be Expected

Level at which Exposure can be Expected[ Selection of RPE ] – standards in selection & specific examples –RPE with a level of APF of 10 (the following RPE) or with a higher protection
performance• Replaceable, half-face type dust mask (certified products: particle
collection efficiency of 99.9% or higher)• Disposable dust mask (certified products: particle collection efficiency of
99.9% or higher)[ Selection of RPE ] – standards in selection & specific examples –RPE with a level of APF of 50 (the following RPE) or with a higher protection performance• Half facepiece, fan-assisted air-purifying respirator (particle collection efficiency :99.9%
or higher)• Supplied-air respirator (half-face, continuous flow type airline mask or hose mask withelectric blowers)• Replaceable, full-face type dust mask (national test passing products: particle collection
efficiency of 99.9% or higher)
RPE with a level of APF ranging from 100 to 1,000• Full facepiece and hood type fan-assisted air-purifying respirator (particle collection
efficiency :99.9% or higher)• Supplied-air respirator (full face type and hood type, continuous flow airline mask orhose mask with electric blowers)
RPE with a level of APF of 1,000 or with a higher protection performance• Pressure demand-type airline mask

However, if:• Oxygen concentration of lower than 18%(works that may suffer from lack of oxygen)

Select supplied air respirators or SCBA (Both dust mask and fan-assisted air-purifying respirator are unsuitable for this case)• Work under the conditions of coexistence oforganic solvents and hazardous gases

Select supplied-air respirators, SCBA, or chemical cartridge respirators with dust proof-filters (particle collection efficiency: 99.9% or higher)(Fan-assisted air-purifying respirators are unsuitable for this case)• Workplaces that have explosion risks

Select supplied air respirators, SCBA , or dust masks (without motors)(Fan-assisted air-purifying respirators are unsuitable for this case)15

Table 1 :Assigned Protection Factor (APF) for Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

APFa

Type of Respirators
Disposable type
Dust Mask(without motors)

Fan-assisted
Air-purifying Respirator

3 - 10b
Replaceable type (half face type)
Replaceable type (full face type)4 - 50b

Half face type4 - 50

Full face type

4 - 100

Hood type

4 - 25Face-shield Type4 - 25
Half face type10

Full face type50

Half face type50

Full face type

100

Hood type25

Face-shield Type25

Half face type50

Full face type

1000

Demand type

Supplied-air Respirator

Continuous flow typePressure demand typePressure demand, combination supplied-air/SCBA full-face respirator
Self-Contained
Compressed Air
Breathing Apparatus(SCBA)

1000

Half face type10

Full face type50

Full face type

5000

Demand typePressure demand typea. A minimum level of PF that is expected only when the RPE functions normallyb. Protection factors for APR (such as dust masks and fan-assisted air-purifying respirators)
can be calculated from the formula, “100/ (Lm+Lf)”, where [Lm (%)] is the leakage rate ofrespiratory inlet covering and [Lf (%)] is the permeation rate of the filter of APR(*) Drawn from Attachment 2 of JIS T 8150, “Guidance for Selection, Use and Maintenance ofRespiratory Protective Devices”

16

Table 2. Selection of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) (Summary)Place of Use

Enclosure, Unmanning,
Automation, Dispersion in
LiquidInstallation of a Local
Exhaust Ventilation andPush-pull Ventilation System

Without Engineering
Measures

Common Workplaces for
manufacturing and Handling
Nanomaterials

APF of 10 or Higher

APF of 50 or Higher

APF of 100 or Higher

Testing and Research Institutes

APF of 10 or Higher

APF of 50 or Higher

However, If:
Working Environment Conditions

Selection of RPE

Workplaces with Oxygen concentration of lower than 18%

Supplied-air respirators or SCBA
(Do not use APRs)

Work under the conditions of coexistence of organic solvents andhazardous gases

Supplied-air respirators, SCBA, or chemical cartridge respiratorswith dust proof-filters

Workplaces that have explosion risks

Supplied air respirators, SCBA , or dust masks (without motors)(Fan-assisted air-purifying respirators are unsuitable for this case)17

(Annex 2)

LSB Notification No.0331012
March 31st, 2009

Attn:
Director of Research Promotion Bureau,
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

Director General of Labour Standards Bureau, MHLW

RE: Notification on Precautionary Measures for Prevention of Exposure etc. to and Other Effectsof Nanomaterials

Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation in the implementation of labour
standards administraion.
Though enough is yet to be known about the health effects of nanomaterials which have been
actively researched and developed in recent years, some studies reported that certain types ofnanomaterials have adverse effects on mice and other rodents under specific conditions.
Therefore, based on the view of precautionary approach, the Ministry of Health, Labour andWelfare (hereinafter referred to as “MHLW”) issued a notification No. 0207004 of February 7th,
2008, entitled “Notification on Present Preventive Measures against Exposure at Workplaces
Manufacturing and Handling Nanomaterials” and has been working to disseminate it. In order toincrease the efficacy of preventive measures against exposure to nanomaterials, it is necessary toprovide a more specific management approach which reflects the actual conditions of the working
sites. Therefore, the MHLW has held a series of expert panel meetings since March 2008,and thefollowing summary report was released the other day.
(Refer to http://www.mhlw.go.jp/shingi/2008/11/s1126-6.html)
In response to the movement, the MHLW has formulated new measures for preventing exposure,
to and other effects to nanomaterials, which is provided in separate attachments of this Notification.
The MHLW requests each prefectural government to publicize and implement this Notification
throughout the relevant organizations, particularly among workers handling nanomaterials in
research and education institutions, including universities and colleges.
Consequently, the Prior Notification (No. 0207003) shall be rescinded.
Just in case you didn’t know, related information on nanomaterials is provided on the website of
JNIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Study and Health, Japan).

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(“separate attachments” is not included here because it is the same as provided for the relevant
employee organizations.)

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