3D Printing Is An Additive Manufacturing Technology That Has Experienced Widespread Growth Across Numerous Industries In Recent Years.
3D Printing Is An Additive Manufacturing Technology That Has Experienced Widespread Growth Across Numerous Industries In Recent Years. It’s used in a wide variety of settings, including laboratories, factories, hospitals and schools.
Still, despite its popularity, “3D printing is still a relatively new technology and there are many gaps in the information available about health and safety risks,” NIOSH cautions.
Potential hazards, the agency says, include breathing in toxic particles; skin contact with harmful substances; and static, fire and explosions. NIOSH offers many ways employers and workers can stay safe when using a 3D printer. Among them:
- Limit equipment access to trained or authorized personnel.
- Use enclosures and ventilation to capture chemical emissions.
- Use materials with lower emissions.
- Reduce time spent near the printer while it’s running.
- Educate workers on potential hazards and how to protect themselves.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, gloves or lab coats.
This news was originally published at Safety And Health Magazine.