Open Government Status

Fully open

Author Unit/Section

Manufacturing Sector, Policy Group

Target Audience

FOD inspectors, Occupational Hygiene Specialists and Occupational Health Inspectors participating in the audits.

Aim

This SIM describes a planned audit of all the GB semiconductor manufacturing plants, concentrating on the management of hazardous substances.

Justification

Since the early 1980s there have been allegations of increased health risks to semiconductor manufacture employees. Research has been inconclusive. HSE carried out an inspection of semiconductor manufacturing sites in Feb - May 2002, which showed, overall, that the industry had acceptable controls for the management of hazardous substances, including carcinogens

However, a stakeholder group known as Phase Two, and more recently UNITE union, remain concerned about excess of certain types of cancer in the industry. While it is the manufacturers’ responsibility to continue to control hazardous substances, there is heightened expectation on HSE to check that good standards are maintained and fully meet legal requirements for control of hazardous substances.

Audience/industry

Sites commercially manufacturing semiconductors.

Messages

HSE needs to exercise oversight of the semiconductor industry’s arrangements to control known hazardous substances, including carcinogens. 2009 is an appropriate time for a review, in view of the time lapse since the last coordinated audit, and the 2008 publication of COSHH Essentials guidance on Microelectronics, and HSG 258 – Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work.

A public report will be produced summarising the outcome of the audits.

Activities required

Audits of all the GB semiconductor manufacturing plants (by a team comprising FOD inspector, SG Occupational Hygienist, Sector inspector), using a centrally prepared protocol.

Diversity

Inspectors should be aware of who (in terms of diversity e.g. men, women, disabled etc) is the target group in the sector they are dealing with. Give consideration to, and factor into the approach, any issues that may surround this audience such as literacy issues, English as a second language and disability. The Diversity pages give more information on these areas.

Further information

A training day for all participants is planned for 6 May 2009, at HSE Birmingham office.

Further background information, visit schedules, question sets and other guidance will be available on TRIM (‘Audit of semiconductor manufacturing plants 2009’).

Contacts

Julian Nettleton, HSE Manufacturing Sector, Arden House, Regent Centre, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3JN. Tel: 0191 202 6280 VPN 519 6280 email: Julian.nettleton@hse.gsi.gov.uk

or

Peter Woolgar, HSE Manufacturing Sector, 1 Hagley Road, Birmingham, B16 8HS. Tel: 0121 607 6254, VPN 510 6254 email: peter.woolgar@hse.gsi.gov.uk