3D Printing with Filaments: Health and Safety Questions to Ask

This poster from the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC) cites health and safety questions with different control options and information to reduce exposure to potential hazards.

Characterization of Potential Hazards: What potential hazards are associated with 3D printing? Are there known health effects from
the filaments (for example, see safety data sheets)? What is the work environment like (for example, open or isolated area)?

Work Activities: Could the work activity cause exposures? What is the likelihood of exposure? Can you change the way you do
the activity to reduce the likelihood of exposure (high potential to low)?

Engineering Controls: Based on the work activity, what engineering controls will reduce the likelihood of exposure? What are the key design and operational requirements for the control?

Administrative Controls: Have you considered your workplace practices and policies? Have you set up a plan for waste management? Have you considered what to do in case of a chemical spill?

Personal Protectice Equipment (PPE): If the measures above do not effectively control the hazard, what PPE can be used? Have
you considered PPE for other safety hazards (for example, thermal gloves to prevent burns from hot printer heads)?

3D Printing with Filaments: Health and Safety Questions to Askpdf icon

Suggested Citation

NIOSH [2020]. 3D printing with filaments: Health and safety questions to ask. By Glassford E, Dunn KL, Dunn KH, Hammond D, Tyrawski J. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2020-115, https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2020115external icon