NIOSH 3D printing guide aimed at small businesses

Washington — Employers whose workers use 3D printers in non-industrial settings can take steps to limit employee exposure to emissions from heated filaments, polymers and powders, NIOSH says.

“Because 3D printing is an emerging industry with a relatively short history,” the agency notes, “it is difficult to know the potential occupational health outcomes stemming from exposure to these emissions.”

After examining emissions in work environments and chamber studies, the agency recently published a guide to address concerns from employees in small businesses, schools, libraries and other workplaces.

Tips include:

• Train workers on 3D printing hazards and available controls.
• Limit printer access to essential workers.
• Use printer materials with lower emissions.
• Capture chemical emissions by using enclosures and ventilation.
• Keep as much distance as possible between the worker and printer, and reduce time spent near printers in operation.
• Clean work areas between print jobs or daily.
• Provide an emergency eyewash station in the immediate vicinity of printing processes that include alkaline chemicals or other solvents.
• Follow manufacturer recommendations for the use of personal protective equipment.

“Always remember that no set of safety recommendations can be ‘one-size-fits-all,’” the guide says, “because a variety of printing types, processes and print materials can be used in different frequencies and durations while 3D printing in different settings.”