Safe Work Australia Chair, Tom Phillips, has announced the release of a new publication on the Safe Handling and Use of Carbon Nanotubes.

 

“Carbon nanotubes have many useful properties but have raised health concerns as some forms of nanotubes can have structural similarities with asbestos,” said Mr Phillips.

 

“The publication addresses these health concerns and offers information on how people can work safely with carbon nanotubes in the workplace. It suggests two risk management approaches that can be used separately or combined to inform a safe approach when using the material.”

 

“The information can also be adopted for the safe handling of other forms of carbon nanofibres like carbon nanorods or nanowires,” said Mr Phillips.

 

Safe Work Australia commissioned CSIRO to develop information on the safe handling and use of carbon nanotubes in the workplace.

 

Safe Work Australia has also commissioned a human health hazard assessment and classification of carbon nanotubes. Findings will be published in mid 2012.

 

The work is part of a whole-of-government approach to the responsible use of technologies including nanotechnologies that the Australian Government supports through the National Enabling Technologies Strategy.

 

Visit www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au to access:

  • the Safe Handling and Use of Carbon Nanotubes publication
  • a Safe Handling of Carbon Nanotubes Information Sheet, and
  • information on the nanotechnology work health and safety program.