Hidden dangers of high-tech

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 to personnel.

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
• An enclosed cubicle with optional strip screens to create a decontamination zone that prevents contamination to the surrounding environment
• GRP sump with grating to safely transport contaminated water away from the unit after use. For sites where a drainage point is not close by an optional sump pump model is available.

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. 

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

For more information, visit www.hughes-safety.com