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“Nanorama Production” – Safety in manufacturing and processing nanomaterials

The portal is under construction

A new interactive online tool for the safe manufacturing and processing of nanomaterials

“Nanorama”, which is a neologism combining the terms “nano” and “panorama”, is a novel e-learning application that allows users to enter and move around a virtual room. The 360° panorama shows products, materials and occupational situations that may occur when handling nanomaterials and nanotechnologies. The focus is on the use of nanomaterials and the appropriate protective measures that are to be taken in handling them.

“Nanorama Production” is a further new interactive e-learning tool that can be found on the nano-portal “Safe Handling of Nanomaterials”. It provides information on how to manufacture and process nanomaterials safely during production. The 360° panorama allows users to identify activities involving nanomaterials, roughly estimate exposure and correctly apply the appropriate protective measures. :: read on

You can reach the German-language version of the article with a single click on the flag-symbol.


"Nanorama Laboratory" online – through the laboratory in 360°

The portal is under construction

Interactive online training tool for the safe handling of nanomaterials in the laboratory

“Nanorama”, which is a neologism combining the terms “nano” and “panorama”, is a novel e-learning application that allows users to enter and move around a virtual room. The 360° panorama shows products, materials and occupational situations that may occur when handling nanomaterials and nanotechnologies. The focus is on the use of nanomaterials and the appropriate protective measures that are to be taken in handling them.

The "Nanorama Laboratory" is now available to all interested parties in both German and English language. It was developed by The Innovation Society, St. Gallen, in cooperation with the "Hazardous Substances and Biological Agents" division of the BG RCI and is part of the "Working Safely with Nanomaterials" nano-portal of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV).

The "Nanorama Laboratory" informs users on how to handle nanomaterials safely in laboratories and enables levels of exposure and the required protective measures to be estimated. 58 interactive buttons offer detailed information. The objective is to correctly answer the questions that appear when clicking on the individual situations. There are three possible interactions: multiple choice questions, "traffic light" questions or information windows.

Thanks to the excellent visual realisation in our laboratory and the interactive contents, the "Nanorama Laboratory" is an ideal introduction to the topic, arouses the user's curiosity and makes them think about the conditions in their own laboratory. This e-learning tool places the user in a virtual room in which they can gather information by pointing, clicking and answering questions.

The English version, the "Nanorama Laboratory", is the first "Nanorama" that is available in two languages, thus allowing an international audience to be reached, too. The tool can therefore make a contribution to occupational safety when working with nanomaterials worldwide.

You can reach the German-language version of the article with a single click on the flag-symbol.


Survey on wash-off efficiency of overhead emergency safety showers

Emergency safety showers fed with water have proven to be useful for fire extinction in case persons have caught fire and for the removal of contaminations with hazardous substances.
Both in laboratories and in many production sites these emergency showers are an established measure. :: read on

You can reach the German-language version of the article with a single click on the flag-symbol.


Nanomaterials in the Laboratory

Tips on protective measures

Nanotechnology is an important field for research and development, which is where nanomaterials are manufactured or processed. As defined in international standard, the key focus with nanotechnology is on the tiny structures (from approximately 1 nm to around 100 nm) in the context of the special properties caused by their tiny size (e.g. the extremely large surface area relative to the mass or also quantum mechanic effects). Nanomaterials differ from other common dangerous substances not only in terms of their chemical composition, but also because their complex spatial structure has a significantly further reaching influence. The influence of the typically very large specific surface is discussed. Highly reactive oxygen radicals may be created.

"Nanomaterials in the Laboratory – Tips and handling information" supplements the laboratory guidelines (DGUV Information 213-851 "Working Safely in Laboratories") with pragmatic protective measures for activities with nanomaterials in laboratories. Many useful tips provide concrete assistance for daily practice.

The German (DGUV Information 213-853) and the English version (DGUV Information 213-854) are available at the Downloadcenter of the BG RCI. Member companies of the BG RCI will get the printed version of both brochures for free in the media shop. The printed brochures can be ordered in the DGUV-Publikationsdatenbank (DGUV publication database) for a fee.

Visit the Downloadcenter of BG RCI

Visit the media shop of BG RCI

Go to the DGUV-Publikationsdatenbank

Go to the online version of the Laboratory guidelines

You can reach the German-language version of the article with a single click on the flag-symbol.


Laboratory guidelines online

"Working Safely in Laboratories" also available online

An English version of the eagerly awaited laboratory guidelines "Working Safely in Laboratories – Basic Principles and Guidelines" (DGUV Information 213-851) is now downloadable for all users free of charge as a PDF document from our download centre. It is frequently adopted to the state of knowledge and published in print regularly.

The online version is available in German and English language.

The print versions in German (DGUV Information 213-850 "Sicheres Arbeiten in Laboratorien") and English language (DGUV Information 213-851 "Working Safely in Laboratories") can be obtained from the media shop.

Recommendations for frequency of periodic inspections of equipment in laboratories in addition to the requirements according to section 7 "Inspections" of DGUV Information 213-851 can be found in section "work aids".

Online Access to the Laboratory Guidelines is offered here

Visit the media shop of BG RCI

Go to "laboratory inspections" in section "work aids" 

You can reach the German-language version of the article with a single click on the flag-symbol.


Increased level of caution when working with trimethylsilyldiazomethane

Danger of pulmonary oedemas

Trimethylsilyldiazomethane is often used to replace the dangerous diazomethane as a reactant. Due to a recent fatality, it should be noted that it is vital to avoid inhalation, as this can lead to the formation of pulmonary oedemas.

You can reach the German-language version of the article with a single click on the flag-symbol.