The Institut Scientifique de Service Public (ISSeP) is inaugurating its new “NANO” laboratory on the Colfontaine site, dedicated to studying the accidental risks of nanoparticles (NPs) and nanomaterials (NMx), at 10:30 am on Friday November 25. ISSeP will become the only scientific organization in Wallonia to have a laboratory dedicated to studying the explosiveness of nanopowders.
NPs are used in the manufacture of many everyday products and appliances (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, automobiles, foodstuffs, electronics, etc.). The need for a better understanding of the health, environmental and accidental risks posed by NPs is constantly being highlighted.
Determining the flammability and explosivity parameters of these NPs meets the requirements of the ATEX Directive 99/92/EC and the REACH (Registration Evaluation Authorisation of Chemicals) and CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures) regulatory obligations concerning the preparation of data sheets for chemical substances placed on the market.
The creation of a laboratory at ISSeP is in line with the aims of the proprietary research project NANOGRA (Evaluation des risques liés aux NMx et NPs), since it will enable us to characterize the flammability and explosivity of combustible microscopic and nanometric dusts. ISSeP will thus be able to support manufacturers in drawing up a safety policy adapted to the processes, transport and storage of NPs and NMx in explosive atmospheres.
The morning will be devoted to a presentation of the NANOGRA project and a filmed explosion, followed by the inauguration of the laboratory, which will close with a drink and lunch.
Registration for the inauguration and press conference.
Laboratory presentation sheet.
