The Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Division has launched a centralized 3D Printing Equipment website that brings the Lab’s safe-use practices together in one place, making it easier to find what applies to your work.
On the website, you’ll find:
- Guidance on material selection and safe handling
- Hazard assessments and safety controls tailored to equipment and materials
- Emergency procedures in the event of smoke or fire
The guidance reflects a shift toward proactive safety by anticipating 3D printer hazards and putting engineering controls in place during procurement and commissioning, rather than validating them after equipment is already installed.
Who it’s for: This guidance applies to all Berkeley Lab personnel who operate 3D printing equipment, including employees, participating guests, and affiliates across all divisions.
Why it matters: 3D printing carries specific risks depending on the equipment, materials, and processes involved, from thermal and fire hazards to ultrafine particle (UFP) emissions and inhalation risks. The guidance keeps Lab operations aligned with UC-wide codes and standards and recognized industry best practices while establishing consistent hazard assessments, including exposure monitoring where needed, across the Lab’s many workspaces.
Following these steps protects our workforce, the public, and the environment from hazards related to equipment operation, printing materials, emissions, and byproducts — strengthening our shared commitment to a proactive safety culture.
Explore the 3D Printing Equipment website.
For questions or concerns, please contact your Division Safety Coordinator (DSC) or the EHS Robotics subject matter expert.
