WorCover Queensland suggests employing eight steps to assess and manage potential risks associated with nanomaterials and engineered nanoparticles from a worker's perspective.

Managing the risks in workplaces

You must follow these eight steps when assessing and managing the potential risks from nanomaterials and engineered nanoparticles:

1. Identify the hazards
2. Assess the risks
3. Identify, document and implement precautions to control risk to people, property, and the environment
4. Supervise and maintain controls
5. Monitor exposure
6. Implement policy and procedures to deal with emergencies, incidents and accidents
7. Provide workers with proper information, training and supervision
8. Carry out appropriate health surveillance.

WorkCover Queensland, as part of a national initiative, is implementing the Queensland nanotechnology work health and safety (WHS) program. The goal of this program is to assist workplace obligation holders in identifying hazards, risks, and controls related to nanotechnology. Here are some key aspects of the program:

• Conducting health and safety assessments for handling nanomaterials
• Documenting hazards and risks in a register of nanomaterial use and storage, including processes generating engineered nanoparticles
• Utilizing a specific nanomaterial control banding risk assessment tool
• Applying the precautionary principle, including relevant labeling
• Completing safety data sheets for nanomaterials within the national hazardous chemicals regulatory framework
• Integrating nanoparticle risk management into the safety management system
• Evaluating the effectiveness of current controls for nanoparticle exposure
• Seeking advice from WHSQ on the measurement and characterization of airborne nanoparticles

To receive support and assistance from WHSQ, workplaces may be contacted if they are identified as potentially involved in processes generating engineered nanoparticles or using engineered nanomaterials. Alternatively, businesses can proactively reach out to the Workplace Health and Safety Infoline at 1300 369 915 for assistance.

For more comprehensive information on nanotechnology WHS risk management, WHSQ is actively participating in a national approach facilitated by Nanotechnology and Work Health and Safety through Safe Work Australia. It's important to note that the nanotechnology industry in Queensland is regulated under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, and other state and territory governments govern it under their respective WHS legislation.