Working safely with nanomaterials

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has cocommissioned the UK NanoSafety Partnership Group to produce health and safety guidance for those working with nanomaterials in research and development.

The guide, funded by IOSH and the Universities Safety and Health Association, has advice for employers, managers, health and safety advisors, and anyone who uses nanomaterials in a R&D context.

Topics include risk management, toxicology, exposure control and health surveillance.

The HSE has endorsed the document. Judith Hackitt, chair, said: "There are many benefits and opportunities offered by nanomaterials.

Understanding and managing the possible risks they may pose is vital to enabling them to be developed to their full potential." Working Safely with Nano-materials in Research and Development can be downloaded from www.safenano.org/ UKNanosafetyPartnership.aspx