DOE P 456.1, Secretarial Policy Statement on Nanoscale Safety

9-15-05 Certified: 9-23-10 Certified: 10-2-14 SUBJECT: SECRETARIAL POLICY STATEMENT ON NANOSCALE SAFETY PURPOSE AND SCOPE The safety of its employees, the public, and the environment is the Department’s number one priority. This policy statement is issued to establish a framework for working safely with nanomaterials. Nanomaterials exhibit unique properties that can affect physical, chemical and biological attributes. Much of the scientific information on the safety, health and environmental hazards of working with these materials is yet to be determined. With the establishment of the Department’s Nanoscale Science Research Centers and other emerging programs, researchand development in nanoscience will increase significantly for the foreseeable future. POLICY The Department of Energy (DOE) requires that all work with nanomaterials be conducted in a safe and responsible manner that protects workers, the public, and the environment. Thus, the Department must be prudent and follow a cautious approach in the production, use, and disposition of nanomaterials. It is imperative that the Department’s work with nano materials be conducted in a manner that encompasses the following attributes:  DOE will adopt and implement, as appropriate, both existing and future environment, safety and health best practices, “National Consensus Standards,” and guidance relating to nanotechnologydevelopedbyrecognizedstandard-settingorganizations. Further, any existing DOE Directives and Standards which contain provisions that are relevant to nanotechnology work must be appropriately applied.  DOEanditscontractorswillidentifyandmanagepotentialhealthandsafetyhazards and potential environmental impacts at sites through the use of existing Integrated Safety Management Systems, including Environmental Management Systems.  DOEorganizationsworkingwithnanomaterialswillstayabreastofcurrentresearchandguidance relating to the potential hazards and impacts of nanomaterials, and will ensure that this best current knowledge is reflected in the identification and control of these potential hazards and impacts at their facilities.  DOE will continue to both support research on the environmental and safety and health impacts of nanomaterials, and participate in government-wide activities aimed at identifying and resolving potential environmental, safety, and health issues. U.S. Department of Energy POLICY Washington, D.C. AVAILABLE ONLINE AT INITIATED BY: www.directives.doe.gov Office of Environment, Safety and Health DOE P 456.1 http://www.directives.doe.gov/ 2 DOE P 456.1 9-15-05 RESPONSIBILITIES Everyone involved with nanotechnology research and development activities shares responsibility for protecting the safety and health of workers and the public, and in safeguarding the environment from the hazards presented by the conduct of their activities. Authorized DOE employees (or personnel) are responsible for conveying to contractors and grantees the expectation that appropriate programs must be in place to maintain a level of worker, public, and environmental safety consistent with the intent of this policy. SAMUEL W. BODMAN Secretary of Energy SUBJECT: SECRETARIAL POLICY STATEMENT ON NANOSCALE SAFETY PURPOSE AND SCOPE POLICY RESPONSIBILITIES