Complying with electronic and semiconductor safety protocols in the production facility is essential for the health of your employees and the quality of your products. Researching regulations and implementing prevention programs actually cost less than the treatment of injured workers, a halt in production and possible fines.

Semiconductor and electronic industry safety issues run the gamut: employee injury prevention, proper equipment maintenance to avoid damage, employee protection from chemical exposure and excessive noise, safe transportation of chemicals, properly controlled cleanrooms and consideration of pollution and hazardous substances on the environment. Consider the following:

1. Educate your workforce on cutting edge safety tips and performance improvements.
2. Identify hazardous areas and report injuries or damage to ensure electronic industry safety.
3. Implement practical applications designed to promote electronic and semiconductor safety among employees.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Comply with industry-specific standards for semiconductor and electronic safety

Safety in the electronics industry requires a specialized environment and more safety requirements than at general industrial facilities. Since electronic components must be kept clean, electronics facilities regularly make use of cleanrooms that prevent particulate matter from interfering in the production of minute electrical parts. The standard for electrical safety in the workplace includes installation of electrical components, monitoring equipment, safety tools, electrical fault hazard identification and code updates. In this industry, researching the proper state and federal regulations for electronic and semiconductor safety issues is prudent.

I recommend: Lazar Rosenblat's Electronics and Safety Standards provides a list of places to find standards for safety in electronic industry. For a handbook for electrical safety in the workplace, see Electrical Safety Handbook. Also see the Electronic Industry Code of Conduct.

Implement programs for electronic and semiconductor safety

Implementation of semiconductor safety programs and prevention strategies goes a long way to provide workplace safety. Semiconductor environments and manufacturing fabs require special attention to chemical spills or misuse, exposure to acid and toxic solvents, radiation, mechanical or electrical failures, ventilation, ergonomics, automation and robotics, environmental concerns and even safeguards from earthquakes. Have an onsite safety assessment performed on your facility to locate the areas at risk.

I recommend: Intertek provides semiconductor fab safety assessments. For specialized knowledge of semiconductor safety issues, see Earth Tech Microelectronic Services Group. Visit Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) for semiconductor safety information. Also, keep up-to-date on semiconductor safety programs by consulting the Environmental Safety & Health Association for High Technology (formerly known as the Semiconductor Safety Association).

Consult OSHA and other organizations for regulations on electronics safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal entity that regulates and enforces workplace safety standards for a variety of industries. Investigate other organizations, local or national, that provide guidelines, procedures, advice, protection services, security and statistics and reports for electronics and semiconductors in business safety environments.

I recommend: For semiconductor health and safety advice, check out the Semiconductor Safety Handbook, which also provides semiconductor safety statistics. Visit OSHA’s page on semiconductor health and safety.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Conduct mock inspections akin to a 'fire drill' to keep workers on their toes and always thinking about electrical safety in the workplace.
• •  Find a security consulting service that specializes in electronic industry safety.
• •  Invest in specialized electronics safety equipment and materials to minimize hazards and protect workers.