Industrial hygiene

Potential safety and health issues that can affect workers engaged in the manufacturing process are of utmost concern for both equipment and chip manufacturers. Besides physical injury to employees, safety and health issues can have secondary effects such as unplanned downtime and reduction of productivity.

UL's machinery assessment services (MAS) team has the resources available to investigate industrial hygiene and hazardous material issues related to equipment and personnel exposure to help reduce the likelihood of equipment damage or personal injury. In addition to conducting tracer gas testing, we conduct tests related to noise and hazardous physical agents such as non-ionizing and ionizing radiation, microwave energy, and electrical and magnetic fields.

We are prepared to examine a product at any or all stages of production:

• Design -- plans are examined to identify potential chemical or physical agent hazards that may be encountered later by people who will operate or maintain the equipment. Alternative design approaches are recommended as needed.
• Prototype -- measurements are taken to evaluate exposure potentials as well as the extent of potential hazards.
• After manufacture -- the equipment is operated to determine that it meets its design criteria for personnel protection with respect to SEMI's guidelines for industrial hygiene.