Video Reports on the Outcome of the NanoRIGO Case Studies 1-7

Seven case studies (CS1-7) were conducted to test the functionality of the NanoRIGO risk governance framework (NRGF). The here provided working materials are part of the deliverables of NanoRIGO project, grant agreement no. 814530, call H2020-NMBP-TO-IND-2018.

The major outcomes of the seven case studies are described in the comprehensive 58 min video deliverable report:

0_D5.8_NanoRIGO Case Study Outcomes

• Intro … start – 6:09 min
• CS1 … 6:09 – 11:36 min
• CS2 … 11:36 – 19:15 min
• CS3 … 19:15 – 27:33 min
• CS4 … 27:33 – 37:15 min
• CS5 … 37:15 – 45:38 min
• CS6 …45:38 – 51:49 min
• CS7 … 51:49 – 54:58 min
• Conclusion … 54:58 min – end

…as well as in seven 5 to 7 min focused video reports:

1_NanoRIGO_CS1 Training the NRGF Process

This case study aimed (i) at testing whether the NanoRIGO risk governance framework (NRGF) can improve training towards safe working practices and particularly in nanorisk governance, and (ii) at demonstrating the usefulness of the NRGF for preparing the training by trainers. The analysis of the gathered survey data provided strong evidence that the NRGF, including its process-guiding Web-platform (available at http://nanorigo.europeanprojects.net/platform/login), represents a beneficial resource collection (data, tools, information) to support knowledge acquisition and enhancement of the understanding of a best practice approach of risk governance, going beyond conventional risk assessment and covering the whole life cycle of risk.

2_NanoRIGO_CS2 Setting up an In Vitro Aerosol Exposure Workplace

This case study aimed at testing whether the NanoRIGO risk governance framework (NRGF) is helpful for setting up a new workplace with potential hazards, obeying mandatory regulations and the principles of best practice. The test is valuated as successful if the facility setup and the definition of user practices was better, cheaper (e.g., by faster and easier development) or safer than would have been possible without following the RGF guidance. For this case study PLUS applied as workplace a specific new facility, including the NAVETTA device for delivering airborne micro- and nanoparticles with high efficiency to lung cell cultures in an air-liquid interface (ALI) setup, using lateral flow and electrostatically enhanced deposition techniques.

3_NanoRIGO_CS3 Occupational Risk Management for Nanomaterials Production

The focus of the case study is to analyze, from the point of view of nanomaterial risk management, how useful is the NRGF framework developed, and its implementation in the NanoRIGO web platform. The scenarios considered have been defined according to key parameters such as: common types of processes in the handling of nanomaterials, most common types of nanomaterials and their characteristics, normal risk mitigation and containment conditions applied. In addition, risk communication tools have been tested.

4_NanoRIGO_CS4 Rubber Tyre Tear & Wear

This case study tested the usefulness and added value of the NRGF with the real-life use of tyres: the use of manufactured nanomaterials in the rubber tyre tread and the environmental release of tyre wear particles (TWP) from this tread during car driving. With a focus on the release and hazards of nano-TWP, a selected group of real-life stakeholders defined an approach for a risk governance process, and a group of scientific experts assessed the usefulness of the available tools and methods.

5_NanoRIGO_CS5 Carbon Nanofibers in Production, Use and End-of-life

This case study focused on the production, use and end of life of two Carbon Nanofibers (CNFs) produced by Grupo Antolin. These CNFs are the only known industrially produced carbon nanofilaments grown by chemical vapour deposition based on the floating catalyst technique, using a Ni compound as catalyst. They are used in different applications: automotive, sport equipment, aeronautics, etc. Due to their high aspect ratio, they are usually grouped with carbon nanotubes thus, raising some concerns about their safety at production, use and end of life. The main goal of the Grupo Antolin case study is to verify the RGF in a real industrial setting, following the main steps defined for the NRGF.

6_NanoRIGO_CS6 TiO2 Risk Classification and Data Readiness

This case study aimed to showcase the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) classification process of TiO₂ as a way to test the applicability and operability of the NRGF: (i) how the NRGF could support the CLP regulatory process in the future, (ii) whether any steps of the NRGF are missing or not conducted optimally, and (iii) how a council-like body could participate in operationalizing the NRGF. This issue has been examined by applying the Data Readiness Levels (DRLs; referred to as Knowledge, information, and data Readiness Levels [KaRLs] here) elaborated within the project to each step of the NRGF process.

7_NanoRIGO_CS7 Economic Benefits from the Insurance Industry Perspective

This case study aimed at the insurance industry as they are clearly an important stakeholder focusing on the economic perspectives, i.e. benefits vs. cost analysis. The “underwriting moment” has a quasi-regulatory function. It may also reside in with the “soft law” mechanisms suggested by Marchant (2014, https://doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2014.889200). The NRGF allows better information flows, more effective risk communication (which has been largely absent) and crucially a better understanding of liability regimes on the part the nanotechnology sector. These are all important advances from the perspective of the insurance industry.