Standard Operating Procedure for Ventilation and Environmental Controls in Nanoparticle Production Areas

1) Purpose

This SOP outlines the necessary ventilation and environmental controls in areas where nanoparticles are produced to minimize airborne nanoparticle exposure and ensure safe working conditions.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all nanoparticle production, research, and quality control environments where airborne particles could pose a risk to workers.

3) Responsibilities

• Facility Manager: Responsible for maintaining ventilation systems and ensuring proper environmental controls in production areas.
• Operators: Must adhere to safety protocols related to ventilation and containment.

4) Procedure

4.1 Ventilation Controls

4.1.1 Local Exhaust Ventilation

• 4.1.1.1 Use local exhaust ventilation (LEV), such as fume hoods or downdraft benches, to capture nanoparticles at the source during production.

4.1.2 HEPA Filtration

• 4.1.2.1 Ensure that ventilation systems are equipped with HEPA filters to trap airborne nanoparticles before releasing air back into the workspace.

4.2 Environmental Monitoring

4.2.1 Air Quality Monitoring

• 4.2.1.1 Regularly monitor the air quality in nanoparticle production areas to detect any buildup of airborne nanoparticles and adjust ventilation settings as needed.

4.3 Containment and Isolation

4.3.1 Containment Zones

• 4.3.1.1 Use containment barriers or enclosures for high-risk nanoparticle production processes to prevent the spread of nanoparticles beyond the work area.

4.4 Maintenance of Ventilation Systems

4.4.1 Regular Maintenance

• 4.4.1.1 Schedule regular