ISO TS 12901-2-2014 PDF

Full title and description

Nanotechnologies — Occupational risk management applied to engineered nanomaterials — Part 2: Use of the control banding approach. The Technical Specification provides a pragmatic control-banding tool focused primarily on inhalation control for engineered nano-objects, their aggregates and agglomerates (NOAA), intended to help organizations limit worker exposure when toxicological or quantitative exposure data are limited.

Abstract

ISO/TS 12901-2:2014 describes the use of a control banding approach to control risks from occupational exposures to nano-objects, and their aggregates and agglomerates greater than 100 nm (NOAA). The purpose of the control banding method is to protect workers by selecting appropriate exposure control measures for inhalation exposures; limited guidance for skin and eye protection is provided in Part 1 of the series. The document is written to be usable by businesses, research organisations and competent occupational health personnel even when detailed toxicity or exposure data are lacking.

General information

• Status: Published (Edition 1: 2014); the project for a revised Edition 2 (2026) has been progressed at ISO.
• Publication date: January 2014 (ISO/TS 12901-2:2014).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 07.120; 13.100 (nanotechnologies; occupational safety / industrial hygiene).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2014); a second edition / revision was under publication activity in 2026.
• Number of pages: 31 pages (first edition).

Scope

Provides guidance on using a control banding approach to manage occupational inhalation risks from engineered nano-objects and their aggregates/agglomerates (>100 nm). It focuses on intentionally produced nano-objects (e.g., nanoparticles, nanopowders, nanofibres, nanotubes, nanowires) and situations where NOAA can be released during the life cycle; the tool is intended for workplaces where quantitative exposure or toxicological information may be limited. Part 1 of the series covers broader principles and some skin/eye protection guidance.

Key topics and requirements

• Introduction to a control banding methodology tailored to engineered nano-objects (NOAA) for occupational settings.
• Classification of work tasks / activities by exposure potential to select appropriate control bands.
• Selection of exposure control measures focused on inhalation: engineering controls, local exhaust, containment and respiratory protection as required.
• Practical decision steps for employers and occupational hygiene practitioners when toxicity or exposure data are incomplete.
• Limitations and assumptions of control banding—emphasis on a precautionary approach and need for professional judgement and periodic review.

Typical use and users

Used by occupational health and safety managers, industrial/occupational hygienists, production and laboratory managers, employers and researchers involved in the manufacture, handling, processing or testing of engineered nanomaterials who need a pragmatic exposure-control method when quantitative exposure and hazard data are limited. The specification is aimed at supporting practical decision-making in workplaces.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside other ISO nanotechnology documents such as Part 1 of this series (ISO/TS 12901-1 — Principles and approaches; revised in 2024), ISO/TR 12885 (health and safety practices in occupational settings) and relevant ISO vocabulary/terminology documents (ISO/TS 80004 series). These related documents provide broader principles, terminology and detailed safety practices that complement the control-banding approach.

Keywords

control banding; nanotechnologies; NOAA; engineered nanomaterials; occupational risk management; inhalation exposure; ISO/TC 229; workplace controls.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: A Technical Specification providing a control-banding tool to manage occupational inhalation risks from engineered nano-objects (NOAA). It helps select pragmatic exposure controls when detailed hazard or exposure data are unavailable.

Q: What does it cover?

A: The use of a control banding approach for engineered nano-objects and their aggregates/agglomerates (>100 nm), including task-based classification of exposure potential and recommendations for appropriate inhalation control measures; it is not a full quantitative exposure standard.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Occupational safety and health managers, industrial/occupational hygienists, laboratory and production managers, employers and researchers working with engineered nanomaterials who need practical guidance to control worker exposures.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2014 Technical Specification (Edition 1) has been the published version; ISO records show a revision project leading to a new Edition (Edition 2) with publication activity in early 2026, which is intended to replace the 2014 edition—users should check the latest ISO publications for the formal publication date and edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 2 of the ISO 12901 series on occupational risk management applied to engineered nanomaterials; Part 1 covers principles and approaches and has been revised (ISO/TS 12901-1, 2024). Other related ISO/TR and vocabulary standards support the series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Control banding; NOAA (nano-objects, aggregates, agglomerates); engineered nanomaterials; occupational exposure; inhalation control; ISO/TC 229; risk management.