Objective To study the technical characteristics and the critical control points of occupational hazards in a monocrystalline silicon manufacturer and to propose corresponding control measures.
Methods A field investigation on occupational health was conducted to understand technical characteristics and to detect possible workplaces with exposure to occupational hazards in accordance with relevant standards.
Results Chemical cleaning, crystal pulling, processing of silicon rods & chips, and waste water & gas treatment were the critical points in occupational hazards control. The concentration or intensity of occupational hazards could be effectively controlled after relevant protective measures against industrial toxicants and dust were adopted. However, in the surveyed manufacturer, lacks of local ventilation for ultrasonic washing units, separate rooms for acid preparation, and emergency ventilation, irrigation, and drainage facilities for chemical storage were identified. The emergency first aid equipments needed to be further improved. Furthermore, the enterprise had not arranged occupational health checks nor established occupational health records for their workers.
Conclusion Employers should pay attention to occupational hazards control in the locations of hydrofluoric acid storage, acid and alkali preparation and utilization, and ultrasonic washing, so as to prevent potential incidences of chemical skin burns and acute chemical poisonings. It is required to strengthen enterprises' management of occupational hazards, especially emergency reaction plans and related facilities, and to improve employees' emergency response capabilities.
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