SCAFFOLD

Innovative strategies, methods and tools for occupational risks management of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) in the construction industry

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

Manufacturated nanomaterials and nanocomposites are being considered for various uses in the construction industry and related infrastructure industries, not only for enhancing material properties and functions but also in the context of energy conservation. Despite the current relatively high cost of nano-enabled products, their use in construction materials is likely to increase because of highly valuable properties imparted at relatively low additive ratios, rapid development of new applications and decreasing cost of base MNMs as they are produced in larger quantities. Thus the use of nano-products in the construction industry is a reality and can be expected to grow in the near future. Consequently, there is a general uncertainty with respect to health and safety risks and how to properly manage them to protect workers and be in compliance with OHS legislation. SCAFFOLD is an industrial oriented idea specifically addressed to provide practical, robust, easy-to-use and cost effective solutions for the European construction industry, regarding current uncertainties about occupational exposure to MNMs. This will be achieved by introducing a new paradigm to improve workers protection against NMs in construction, based on a novel holistic Risk Management approach (RMM). The aim of the SCAFFOLD project is to develop, test, validate and disseminate a new holistic, consistent and cost effective Risk Management Model (RMM) to manage occupational exposure to MNMs in the construction sector. This will be done by integration of a set of innovative strategies, methods and tools developed by the project into consistent state-of-the-art safety management systems (OHSAS 18001 ISO31000).

Introduzione (Teaser)

As use of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) in Europe's construction industry has increased, so has concerns about their safety. An EU-funded project aims to provide easy-to-use, cost-effective ways to protect workers.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The industry-oriented project, ((http://www.scaffold.eu-vri.eu/) SCAFFOLD was initiated to help manage occupational exposure to MNMs. Researchers aim to develop, test, validate, and disseminate a risk management model (RMM) and a set of advanced software tools (referred to as a toolkit).

SCAFFOLD will collect, review, and analyse relevant quantitative and qualitative information, and data on current strategies and tools in place for workers' protection against MNMs. The topics that will be addressed are risk assessment, risk protection and control, and risk management.

To date, the consortium has conducted a life analysis of the selected MNMs to identify potential occupational exposure scenarios. Safer formats for nanomaterials like titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide were prepared to test their applicability in the construction sector. Experimental campaigns were successfully designed to measure different kinds of exposure such as inhalation or skin contact as well as collective protection systems. Already, several exposure scenarios and nanoparticle penetration tests have been carried out. Finally, the architecture of the RMM model and toolkit has been completed, as has a dissemination and communications plan.

The RMM has the potential to ensure that safer products are used for construction to maintain compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations. The SCAFFOLD approach is a preventive strategy, aiming to avoid potential chemical accidents and disease at the workplace. The model also may boost Europe's global competitiveness in the global market.

SCAFFOLD is positioned to be a key player in establishing European regulations on MNMs. To this end, the project is contributing to the update of the 'Community Strategy on Health and Safety at Work' plan and providing information to update and standardise regulations.