Strengthening On-Site Safety Management for 3D Printing That Causes Health Risks

Strengthening Safety Across 3D Printing: Work Environment, Equipment·Materials, and Usage Methods

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] The government announced measures to strengthen 3D printing safety on the 8th. This action was taken in response to concerns that fine particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted during 3D printing processes, where high heat is applied to 3D printing materials (filaments), could pose health risks.

The Ministry of Science and ICT has prepared the "3D Printing Safety Enhancement Measures" in collaboration with related ministries to create a work environment where 3D printing users can safely use equipment and materials that emit fewer harmful substances.

First, the Ministry of Science and ICT will provide 3D printing safety usage guidelines and establish a support system. The "3D Printing Safety Guidelines" will be completely revised to clearly guide safe 3D printing practices. When distributing the guidelines, information on harmful substances that may be emitted during 3D printing and their effects on the human body will also be provided. A "3D Printing Safety Center" will be established at the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) to offer safety information and consulting services to users.

Additionally, support will be provided to ensure that safe 3D printing practices are firmly established on-site. To this end, an annual survey will be conducted to inspect the safety of institutions utilizing 3D printing, and institutions with inadequate safety measures will be advised to refrain from use. If the survey confirms insufficient 3D printing safety at schools, efforts will be made to improve the safety environment of 3D printing labs.

The distribution of 3D printing materials and equipment that emit fewer harmful substances will also be expanded. The procurement standards for 3D printing materials will be revised to ensure that materials passing tests and verification for harmful substance emissions during 3D printing are procured, and schools and public institutions will be required to use these procured items.

Finally, the system for strengthening 3D printing safety will be improved, and publicity will be expanded. The "Three-Dimensional Printing Industry Promotion Act" will be amended to provide 3D printing operators with guidelines for safe work environments and to impose obligations to establish such environments. To enhance the safety of 3D printer users, employers will be given declarative obligations to create safe work environments, and regular surveys will be stipulated to manage and supervise the fulfillment of safety-related obligations such as employee safety measures and safety training completion by 3D printing operators. Furthermore, participation in research and development (R&D) projects and demonstration projects using 3D printing will require a safe work environment.

The government introduced these 3D printing safety enhancement measures because it judged that safety management at 3D printing sites was insufficient. The government has been promoting safety measures such as mandatory 3D printing safety education, surveys and consulting for work environment improvements, safety technology R&D, and mandatory caution labeling on public procurement 3D printing equipment. However, safety management at 3D printing sites still requires improvement. To avoid exposure to harmful substances generated during 3D printing, workspaces (printing space, design space, post-processing room) should be separated, but most schools and vocational training institutions did not have separated workspaces. Most vocational training institutions (76%) and schools (65%) ventilated through windows without ventilation facilities.

The government plans to operate a public-private joint "3D Printing Safety Response Team" with related ministries and safety experts to ensure the plan is implemented without setbacks.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.