Nanofabrication Lab Security Project

Summary form only given. Nanofabrication laboratories have well established programs to protect the health and safety of researchers and the nearby communities, but programs to protect the security of reagents and hazardous process gases are just getting started, particularly at universities. Enforcement of security and export regulation has increased. A survey of 51 people (more than half lab managers) from at least 31 nanofabrication facilities explores their views on security threats. The top security concern is theft or diversion of dangerous chemicals. Half of US respondents either want more information or are unfamiliar with Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) though they all have chemicals covered by the regulations. Only 8% are highly confident that stolen or missing chemicals would be noticed within 24 hours of the incident. Other threats include theft of intellectual property, cyber security, the actions of anti-nanotechnology protesters and natural disasters. However, 24% of the respondents do not see any threat to the security of their laboratories. This presentation covers the results of the survey, a review of security threats, mitigation strategies, sources of information and outreach programs to enhance the security of laboratories. Also covered are regulatory issues related to security, including disclosure of restricted technology to foreign nationals in the U.S. ("deemed exports") and CFATS.