Investigating risk analysis and protection measures in the carbon nanofibre industry
The emerging carbon nano-manufacturing sector accounts for 40% of US nanotechnology product marketplace. There is therefore significant potential for increased risks arising from workers' exposure to carbon nanofibres (CNF), with pulmonary, gastrointestinal and skin disorders among those of concern. However, to date no tool has been developed to specifically address the risks which may arise from workers’ exposure to CNF.
A research paper published this month in Science of the Total Environment entitled "Risk analysis and protection measures in a carbon nanofibre manufacturing enterprise: an exploratory investigation" describes the development of a low-cost/evidence-based tool to address the risks associated with exposure to carbon nanofibres, with a view to increasing the sustainability of CNF manufacturing firms.
Authors Genaidy et al. aimed to address four specific objectives:
1. To present a technical discussion of the proposed concept for risk analysis and protection measures;
2. To describe the manufacturing process utilised for the CNF production;
3. To describe the hazards typically encountered in a CNF manufacturing facility; and
4. To document the application of the proposed tool for risk analysis and intervention strategy development.
In the study, Genaidy et al. developed a four-step methodology to protect worker health in the nano-manufacturing enterprise through the generation of improvement actions (i.e. suggested changes in the hazard/work environment characteristics and individual capabilities without specifying how changes are made) followed by interventions (i.e. workplace solutions which specify how changes are being implemented).
The methodology was then implemented in a CNF manufacturing enterprise in the Midwest of the US, with data collected based on detailed observations and interviews with worker and management personnel. A detailed flow process analysis was conducted for the nano-manufacturing operation, and a total of eleven hazards were identified at the facility, namely methane, hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, bulk carbon nanofibres, airborne carbon nanofibres, carbon nanofibres in water-alcohol solution, carbon nanofibres on the inside of the respirators, propanol, iron pentacarbonyl and high heat.
Analysis indicated that the computed risk scores ranged from moderate (i.e. requiring one to start with incremental changes, then, explore substantial changes, if needed) to very high (i.e. substantial changes should be planned in the short term, followed by incremental changes). A detailed intervention plan was presented for the identified hazards on the basis of criteria of applicability, cost, benefit and feasibility.
According to Genaidy et al., preliminary validation of the tool suggest that management personnel were in agreement with the findings of the study and that further application of the systematic methodology should be considered.
Click here to read the paper in full.
Source: Science of the Total Environment