DEEWR Nanotechnology OHS Research and Development Program & Nanotechnology OHS Regulation

1. DEEWR Nanotechnology OHS Research and Development Program & Nanotechnology OHS Regulation Dr Howard Morris Nanotechnology OHS R&D Program Manager ICONN 2008

2. Role of DEEWR in Nanotechnology • In support of the National Nanotechnology Strategy • Support the nanotechnology OHS work of the Australian Safety & Compensation Council (ASCC) • Australian government funding for Nanotechnology OHS R&D Program • Objective of program: • to help ensure the prevention and effective control of exposures to an expanding range of engineered nanomaterials in an increasing number of workplaces ICONN 2008

3. DEEWR Nanotechnology OHS R&D Program • Focus areas: • OHS support for Australian nanotechnology businesses and research organisations • Considering the Australian OHS regulatory environment • Commissioning, coordinating and undertaking nanotechnology OHS research • Evaluation and development of workplace controls ICONN 2008

4. OHS Regulatory Framework In Occupational Settings • Engineered nanomaterials are regulated under the existing regulatory framework for workplace chemicals • Hazardous Substances • Dangerous Goods • Explosives ICONN 2008

5. Australian OHS regulations • The ASCC declares national standards and codes of practice • These documents are advisory in nature • They have no legal effect until they are adopted by the Commonwealth, states and territories • Individual jurisdictions regulate workplace chemicals through their respective OHS Acts and other relevant legislation • Regulations are based on a risk management approach • Risk = f (hazard x exposure) ICONN 2008

6. DEEWR Nanotechnology OHS R&D Program • Detailed examination of OHS Regulatory Framework • Identifying and examining potential regulatory issues, and progressing work to address any issues identified • Establishing broad-based Nanotechnology OHS Reference Group • Considering information requirements for engineered nanomaterials • Participate on the Nanotechnology HSE Working Group - convened by the Australian Office of Nanotechnology ICONN 2008

7. Classification of engineered nanomaterials Importance • Classification informs chemicals management • MSDS, labelling, packaging, other regulatory requirements Issues • For workplace purposes classifications are based on the hazardous properties of chemicals or products • Currently, limited understanding of the potential hazardous properties of engineered nanomaterials Program work • Supporting research into health hazard evaluation (toxicology), e.g. through OECD WPMN program on Safety Testing of Manufactured Nanomaterials • Member of NHMRC Advisory Committee on Health & Nanotechnology ICONN 2008

8. Management of engineered nanomaterials while hazard knowledge is developed • Reasonable to apply precautionary approach: • use the best practicable ways of preventing and controlling workplace exposures • Program work • Information provision: new nanotechnology OHS webpages on ASCC website • OHS support to business & research organisations through field studies • Support the development of effective, practical guidance material • Contributed to the ISO Technical Report on Health and Safety Practices in Occupational Settings Relevant to Nanotechnologies ICONN 2008

9. Workplace exposure standards Issues • Australian National Exposure Standards are generally material-specific • Many different types of nanomaterials • Exposure standard development is very resource intensive • Exposure standards are based on understanding of health effects • Practical measurement of nanomaterial exposures in the workplace Currently • Exposure standards for some chemicals that are also produced in nanomaterial form • Size-dependent standards for silica Program work • Investigate suitability of group based standards ICONN 2008

10. Risk management Program work • Regular reviews of health hazard and safety hazard research findings, updating information in: A Review of the Potential Occupational Health and Safety Implications of Nanotechnology • Regular reviews of understanding of nanotechnology OHS risks • Developing Australian workplace exposure measurement capability • establishing expert group of key workers in this area • Effectiveness of workplace controls • review of evidence of effectiveness • supporting development of workplace controls ICONN 2008

11. International consistency Issue • Regulation of engineered nanomaterials (as a subset of all workplace chemicals) should continue to be consistent with international approaches • Australia imports around 95% of its workplace chemicals. • Existing regulations (and obligations) are based on UN, EU or US documents/systems. • Forthcoming implementation of GHS. • EU REACH regulations. Program Work • International engagement • ISO Nanotechnology Technical Committee • OECD Working Party for Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN) • Overseas agencies (e.g. NIOSH) ICONN 2008

12. Summary • From a legislative perspective, engineered nanomaterials are a subset of workplace chemicals • There are a number of nanotechnology OHS regulatory issues associated with the use of engineered nanomaterials • DEEWR is working to address those issues through the Nanotechnology OHS R&D Program ICONN 2008

13. Acknowledgments • DEEWR colleagues in helping to prepare the presentation • Images – CSIRO and ANU College of Science • Enquiries email: info@ascc.gov.au • More information on Nanotechnology OHS is available at www.ascc.gov.au ICONN 2008