Design and validation of a tool to assess the safety principles of working with nanomaterials in nanotechnology laboratories

The unique properties of nanomaterials, in addition to their applications in science and technology, can be a threat to human health and the environment. Exposure to these materials may occur in workplaces or in research laboratories. It can be said that about half of people with occupational exposure to nanomaterials work in academic environments and laboratories. So, the present study was conducted to design and validate a tool to investigate the principles of working safely with nanomaterials in research laboratories.

The tool was designed using reports, instructions and articles related to " Methods of working safely with nanomaterials". The validity of the tool was assessed using Lawshe method by calculating CVI and CVR. The reliability of the instrument was evaluated using Cronbachchr('39')s alpha coefficient and kappa coefficient.

The tool was designed in 5 sections: "General Information", "Transportation and Storage of Nanomaterials", "Engineering Controls", "Administrative Controls" and "Personal Protection Equipment". After validation, 5 items did not get the necessary points to stay in the tool and were removed. The Cronbachchr('39')s alpha value for each section of the tool was more than 0.80, indicating that the was "appropriate".

According to the results, it seems that the tool studied in this study is compatible for the designed purpose and is ready to be used as a questionnaire or checklist.