When one works with unknowns, it is prudent to take precautions to protect oneself along with co-workers from possible dangerous situations.\u00a0 If the circumstances are unknown, how can we provide the learning needed to understand the situation?\u00a0 Obviously, this is not a simple question to answer.<\/p>\n
There are a number of steps that can be taken without knowing the exact magnitude of the risk.\u00a0 This starts with having a proactive approach to learning about the potential dangers, both real and hypothesized.\u00a0 This requires a constant search of the publications.\u00a0 It is possible to set up automated notices for new material that has certain keywords.\u00a0 Being proactive requires a continual search for additional knowledge.<\/p>\n
Organizations need to have plans in place to address contingencies.\u00a0 This is probably one of the most difficult areas for emerging businesses.\u00a0 In a beginning business (a start-up), there is normally a lot more work to be done than there are available hours for the people in the company.\u00a0 There is no easy answer.\u00a0 It would be advantageous for a member of the company to have some background education in nanotechnology safety, but that aspect is just starting to become available.\u00a0 (As has been discussed in the last three posts.)\u00a0 Safety efforts are required.\u00a0 As more information becomes available to the general public, the people\/organizations who fund start-ups will look for more documentation on how various aspects of the processes\/materials being developed are controlled. \u00a0The organization needs to have an understanding of the issues to provide adequate answers to any questions in this area.<\/p>\n
Business education is still an issue.\u00a0 The vast majority of education or professional development courses have a \u201ctoxicity\u201d focus.\u00a0 That is not the entire scope of the safety issue.\u00a0 In fact, it does not make a difference whether something is classified as a potential toxic material or it is an \u201cunknown\u201d, the methods for handling and controlling the substance are what is important.\u00a0 In many cases, it will take years to decide the appropriate classification.\u00a0 In the case of unknowns, caution and safety procedures are most important.<\/p>\n
Rick Management is a complex subject, which we will try to provide an overview in the next few blogs.\u00a0 There are some basic concepts that can provide a basis for understand the topic.<\/p>\n
One final thought for this blog.\u00a0 It is necessary to understand that Risk Management and Risk Mitigation are related but are not the same thing.<\/p>\n
Reference:<\/p>\n