The Challenge
Risk Management for Advanced Nanomaterials
High Aspect Ratio Nanomaterials (HARNs) and Multi-Component Nano Materials (MCNMs) present unique occupational health challenges. Traditional risk assessment methods are inadequate for these materials due to limited toxicological data and complex exposure scenarios. A systematic, banding-based approach was needed that integrates hazard characterization with exposure estimation for practical workplace risk management.
Our Methodology
A systematic control banding approach integrating hazard and exposure assessment
Hazard Band Assignment (A–E)
Developed hazard classification using EU GHS H-phrases combined with material-specific properties (morphology, solubility, surface chemistry). Materials assigned to hazard bands A (lowest) through E (highest) based on available toxicological and physicochemical data.
Exposure Band Estimation (1–4)
Implemented a four-factor exposure assessment: emission source characterization, dispersion modelling, inmission (workplace concentration), and intensity (duration and frequency). Each factor contributes to the overall exposure band assignment.
COSHH Essentials Integration
Integrated the UK HSE COSHH Essentials framework for control banding, providing established guidance on workplace control measures based on hazard and exposure combinations.
Stoffenmanager Nano Integration
Incorporated the Stoffenmanager nano approach for nanomaterial-specific exposure assessment, accounting for dustiness, handling energy, and containment measures specific to nano-scale operations.
Risk Matrix and Risk Bands (1–5)
Combined hazard bands (A–E) with exposure bands (1–4) into a comprehensive 5-level risk matrix. Each risk band maps to specific risk management actions from general ventilation (band 1) to specialist containment (band 5).
Risk Management Tool and Workspace
Developed an integrated risk management tool with workspace configuration, task management, material specifications, and Safe-by-Design (SbD) recommendations on the DIAGONAL Cloud Platform (WildFly, Keycloak, MySQL).