IEST sets goals for new nanotechnology Recommended Practice Working Group activities.

By John R. Weaver II, Senior Member, IEST

The Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST) is taking a leading role in addressing the needs of the important nanotechnology discipline through the formation of relevant Recommended Practices. The IEST Nanotechnologies Standards and Practices (S&P) Committee has defined its scope as follows: “To take the lead in the development of Standards and Recommended Practices and to establish related educational efforts in the field of nanotechnology by building on the established experience and expertise of IEST’s membership. In addition, the Nanotechnologies S&P Committee will strive to enhance IEST’s participation in this field by seeking out experts outside of the IEST from business, academia and government.”

Working Group 200 (WG-CC200) is developing an overview document, “Nanotechnologies Overview: Planning, Design, Construction, and Operational Considerations for Facilities Engaged in Research or Production at the Nanometer Scale.” This work is well underway and should be completed and ready for publication in 2008 as a Recommended Practice/Guideline.

In addition, Working Group 205 (WG-CC205), “Nanotechnology Safety: Applying Prevention through Design Principles to Nanotechnology Facilities” has recently been formed and held its inaugural meeting on November 14 at the IEST Fall Conference in Chicago, with a subsequent meeting planned for ESTECH 2008. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has indicated its interest in participating in this Working Group’s activities through a Memo of Understanding (MOU).

End users, vendors, and governmental and public participants are encouraged to attend the nanotechnology working group meetings.

ESTECH 2008, the 54th annual technical meeting and exposition of IEST, will be held May 4