Navigating the Hazards of 3D Printing

HAZARDS OF 3D PRINTERS

In the world of innovation and technology, 3D printing has emerged as a beacon of creativity, offering endless possibilities for makerspaces, schools, libraries, and small businesses. However, as we delve into the realm of creating and materializing our imaginations, it's crucial to address the elephant in the room: the safety concerns associated with 3D printing. Based on recent findings and recommendations from the CDC and NIOSH, this blog post aims to shed light on the potential hazards of 3D printing and guide you through implementing effective safety measures.

A copy of the CDC and NIOSH Publications - Approaches to Safe 3D Printing: A Guide for Makerspace Users, Schools, Libraries, and Small Businesses
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Understanding the Risk

3D printing, while revolutionary, brings with it a set of health risks primarily due to the emissions of ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when polymer feedstock materials are heated. These emissions can pose significant health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Recognizing these hazards, the CDC and NIOSH have published "Approaches to Safe 3D Printing," a comprehensive guide that underscores the importance of mitigating exposure to these potentially harmful emissions.
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ENGINEERING CONTROLS: YOUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

Elevating Air Quality by improvements
Ventilation plays a pivotal role in maintaining a safe environment for 3D printing. Research recommends a minimum of six air changes per hour (ACH) to effectively reduce ultrafine particle concentrations. If your current setup falls short of this benchmark, consider enhancing your ventilation system or incorporating portable HEPA filters to boost air filtration.
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Enclosures and Local Exhaust Ventilation
Enclosing 3D printers within ventilated enclosures or beneath fume hoods can drastically cut down emissions. Coupling these enclosures with LEV systems ensures emissions are captured right at the source, significantly minimizing exposure. Custom enclosures, designed with precise airflow and temperature control, not only contain emissions but also maintain optimal operating conditions for your printers.
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Tailored Solutions for Printer Models
Drawing inspiration from NIOSH's custom engineering controls, like the print head capture hood designed for the MakerBot Replicator+, shows that specific adaptations can lead to a significant reduction in emissions. This approach not only proves highly effective but also offers a blueprint for retrofitting various printer models to enhance safety.
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BEYOND ENGINEERING: COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIES

The safety of 3D printing doesn't stop at engineering controls. Ensuring a comprehensive safety strategy involves adopting additional measures such as:

• Exhaust Ducting: For larger printers or those used extensively, connecting to exhaust ducting that leads outdoors can help manage emissions effectively.
• Negative Air Pressure: Maintaining a negative air pressure differential in the printing area prevents the spread of contaminants to adjacent areas.
• Filtered Ventilation: Using HEPA-filtered LEV, especially when dealing with VOCs, adds an extra layer of protection.
• Safe Post-Processing: Employ ventilated enclosures or downdraft tables for tasks involving chemicals or mechanical finishing to capture emissions and particulates.

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A CALL FOR ACTION FOR INDUSTRIAL HYGEINIST

As we continue to embrace the transformative potential of 3D printing, prioritizing safety through effective engineering controls and comprehensive safety strategies becomes paramount. By adhering to the guidelines and recommendations from authoritative bodies like CDC and NIOSH, we can ensure that our journey into the future of manufacturing remains both innovative and safe. Let's commit to creating not just with imagination but with a conscientious approach towards health and safety.
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2024 UPDATE

UL-200B_1 - Safe Use of 3D Printing for Institutions of Higher Education is a guidance document published on May 8, 2023, by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. It aims to provide a resource for the safe use of 3D printing in higher education institutions. Key sections and topics include:
Overview and Purpose:

• The document emphasizes the importance of managing safety and health considerations associated with 3D printing, which is increasingly prevalent in higher education.
• It focuses on material extrusion and vat photopolymerization printing methods.

Health and Safety Concerns:
The document highlights potential hazards such as exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other emissions from 3D printers.

• It underscores the need for proper ventilation, filtration, and protective equipment to mitigate these risks.

Guidance on Safe Operation:
Detailed recommendations are provided for the safe operation of 3D printers, including pre-printing, during printing, and post-printing processes.

• Guidelines cover the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper handling of materials, and maintenance of a clean work environment.

Risk Management:
The document suggests developing a risk management program that includes inventorying 3D printers, assessing hazards, and implementing safety protocols.

• It recommends a hierarchy of controls, such as elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.

Additional Resources:

• Chemical Insights Research Institute
  
• UL Research Institute
  
• 3dprint.com

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