The Hidden Dangers of High-Tech: Safety in Semiconductor Factories

Semiconductors are the backbone of modern electronics, enabling the functionality of countless devices we rely on daily. These materials, with electrical conductivity between conductors and insulators, are essential in creating integrated circuits, transistors, and other electronic components. However, due to the highly sterile working environment and the products needed to maintain this level of cleanliness, the production of semiconductors involves significant chemical hazards that require stringent safety measures.

Chemical Dangers in Semiconductor Manufacturing

The semiconductor industry utilises a wide array of hazardous chemicals, including:

Hydrofluoric acid: Used for etching and cleaning silicon wafers

Sulfuric acid: Employed in cleaning, wet etching, and wet stripping processes

Solvents like acetone and isopropanol: Used for cleaning and degreasing

These chemicals pose serious risks to workers, including severe burns, respiratory issues, and potential long-term health effects.

Chemical burns result from direct contact between skin tissue and corrosive or caustic substances. Both acidic and alkaline compounds can inflict tissue damage, with the severity largely determined by the duration of exposure. Interestingly, bases (alkaline substances) often adhere more tenaciously to the skin than acids, potentially necessitating longer flushing periods for effective removal. Prompt and appropriate treatment is crucial to minimise tissue damage.

Hydrofluoric acid in particular can cause burns that may not be immediately visible, allowing it to seep deeply into the skin and cause severe harm if not flushed quickly. Similarly, when any of these corrosives contact the eyes even low concentrations can cause lasting corneal damage or other long-lasting eye health problems.

In the event of a chemical spill, immediate decontamination is crucial. This highlights the importance of having safety showers and eyewash stations readily accessible near chemical storage and handling areas.

Ensuring Worker Safety with Hughes Safety Showers

A popular solution for many semiconductor factories are cubicle safety showers as they minimise contamination or spread of the chemicals to the surrounding area while the casualty decontaminates. The Hughes Cubicle Safety Shower with ABS Closed Bowl Eye Wash is an exemplary solution for rapid decontamination in semiconductor manufacturing facilities. This unit provides:

• A minimum flowrate of 76 litres per minute for full-body decontamination
• Activation within 1 second for immediate relief in an emergency
• An eye/face wash with a closed bowl design to protect against external contaminants and debris
• GRP sump with grating to safely transport contaminated water away from the unit after use

This unit is highly customisable, making it adaptable for many sites with differing requirements. The closed bowl eye wash can be mounted internally or externally for independent or simultaneous operation. Additionally, a walk on foot panel can be included for hands-free activation.

In addition, Hughes manufacture a range of plumbed-in laboratory safety showers made from powder-coated stainless steel to protect from corrosion with an optional modesty curtain.

Compliance with ANSI standards

In the event of a chemical splash or spill, our plumbed-in safety showers provide 15 minutes of relief at 76 litres per minute, meeting the requirements outlined by ANSI standards. The unit has simple hand lever activation with the option of a foot panel for hands-free operation. For proper compliance safety equipment must be installed within 10 seconds reach and on the same level as the potential hazard.

Hughes Safety Showers: A Legacy of Excellence in Safety

With over 55 years of engineering and manufacturing expertise, Hughes Safety Showers has established itself as a trusted name in safety equipment manufacturing. Our commitment to quality and innovation has made us a go-to choice for industries dealing with chemical hazards, including semiconductor manufacturing.

Hughes' extensive range of safety showers and eye/face wash equipment is designed to meet the specific needs of various industries, ensuring compliance with international standards and providing reliable emergency response solutions. For sites with unique requirements not covered by our standard range our engineers can design and craft bespoke solutions to meet your needs.

For expert consultation on implementing the right safety solutions for your semiconductor manufacturing facility, contact Hughes Safety Showers. Our team of specialists can provide tailored advice to enhance your workplace safety measures, helping to protect your most valuable asset – your workforce.