NIOSH announces partnership aimed at enhancing safety and health in 3D printing

Washington — NIOSH is teaming up with nonprofit organization America Makes in an effort to advance workplace safety and health in 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

The agency defines additive manufacturing as “the process of taking a design created in software or by a 3D object scanner and then using hardware to create that object out of various materials.” America Makes – founded in 2012 in Youngstown, OH – works with industry, academic and government stakeholders, among others, on technology research, discovery, creation and innovation. The organization serves as a “‘teaching factory’ to build workforce skills” and “strengthen business capabilities in both large and small advanced manufacturing companies.”

NIOSH is researching possible respiratory hazards from 3D printing emissions, including exposure to ultrafine particles, evaluating engineering controls and providing best practices for protecting workers. “NIOSH is particularly well-positioned to contribute to the emerging knowledge and guidance around workplace safety practices, for both employees and workers,” a Jan. 2 press release states.

“We are pleased to enter into what promises to be a collaborative and creative partnership with America Makes,” NIOSH Director John Howard said in the release. “By working alongside industry, academia and other government partners, we can together leverage existing resources, collaborate and co-invest to advance manufacturing innovation.”