Safety and Health at Work

Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (산업안전보건연구원)
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Assessment of Occupational Health Risks for Maintenance Work in Fabrication Facilities: Brief Review and Recommendations

  • Dong-Uk Park (Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University) ;
  • Kyung Ehi Zoh (Department of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University) ;
  • Eun Kyo Jeong (Department of Industrial Safety and Health, Osan University) ;
  • Dong-Hee Koh (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University) ;
  • Kyong-Hui Lee (US Army 65th Medical Brigade, Force Health Protection and Preventive Medicine Unit) ;
  • Naroo Lee (Occupational Safety & Health Research Institute, KOSHA) ;
  • Kwonchul Ha (Changwon National University)
  • Received : 2023.09.13
  • Accepted : 2023.11.27
  • Published : 2024.03.30
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Abstract

Background: This study focuses on assessing occupational risk for the health hazards encountered during maintenance works (MW) in semiconductor fabrication (FAB) facilities. Objectives: The objectives of this study include: 1) identifying the primary health hazards during MW in semiconductor FAB facilities; 2) reviewing the methods used in evaluating the likelihood and severity of health hazards through occupational health risk assessment (OHRA); and 3) suggesting variables for the categorization of likelihood of exposures to health hazards and the severity of health effects associated with MW in FAB facilities. Methods: A literature review was undertaken on OHRA methodology and health hazards resulting from MW in FAB facilities. Based on this review, approaches for categorizing the exposure to health hazards and the severity of health effects related to MW were recommended. Results: Maintenance workers in FAB facilities face exposure to hazards such as debris, machinery entanglement, and airborne particles laden with various chemical components. The level of engineering and administrative control measures is suggested to assess the likelihood of simultaneous chemical and dust exposure. Qualitative key factors for mixed exposure estimation during MW include the presence of safe operational protocols, the use of air-jet machines, the presence and effectiveness of local exhaust ventilation system, chamber post-purge and cooling, and proper respirator use. Using the risk (R) and hazard (H) codes of the Globally Harmonized System alongside carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic classifications aid in categorizing health effect severity for OHRA. Conclusion: Further research is needed to apply our proposed variables in OHRA for MW in FAB facilities and subsequently validate the findings.

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