To etch and clean silicon wafers, wet bench stations use aggressive and toxic chemicals that have to be handled carefully. Ergonomic design ensures that employees don’t have to perform risky or strenuous maneuvers in normal operation of the facility. To load trays, control processes and dispose of waste, employees should not have to lift especially heavy weights, stretch to the limits of their reach or perform repeated strenuous actions. The Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) S8-0712 – Safety Guidelines for Ergonomics Engineering of Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment can help manufacturers design equipment for comfortable and safe operation.
Key safety aspects of semiconductor equipment manufacturing include safe chemical handling and fire prevention. The FM 4910 specification and the Cleanroom Materials Flammability Test Protocol help manufacturers avoid using flammable materials in their equipment. Wet bench stations that adhere to these guidelines provide a better and safer working environment.
How Modutek Design Wet Bench Stations for Ergonomic and Safe Operation
Modutek designs its wet bench chemical stations according to the SEMI S8 guidelines and minimizes the use of flammable materials in its designs. Examples of safe and ergonomic
design measures applied by Modutek include the following:
- Wafer holding trays are easy to load
- Operator interface is on a swing arm
- All stations are built around your ergonomic requirements
Ergonomic and safe design means that operators must be able to load equipment without strain. The wafer holding trays on Modutek’s wet benches can move to the front on robot arms that position the trays for optimal loading and unloading. Operators don’t have to stretch and can perform this often repeated action with a minimum of effort.
Operators have to be able to see the operator interface while monitoring the process. The interface monitor is usually off to the side of the wet bench station. The interface monitor is mounted on a swing arm that allows operators to adjust the position where they can view it while monitoring the process. The interface mounting arm can rotate and tilt to an ideal position and then can be locked with one hand. The operator can continue working while adjusting the interface monitor and doesn’t have to assume any unnatural positions.
All of Modutek’s wet bench stations are built and designed around your ergonomic and process requirements. Modutek does not sell stations which customers order from a catalog. Wet bench stations are built based on a customer’s specifications and incorporate features for ergonomic safety and repeatability. Besides ease of use Modutek also designs each station around your facility requirements. When the station is delivered all facility connections are pre-approved so your system will be up and running in a very short time. All of these added features save customers time and money.
In addition to these specific examples, Modutek applies ergonomic design principles and safety features across its full product line of wet process equipment. All its wet bench chemical stations satisfy safety regulations and are designed to keep employee physical effort to a minimum.
Equipment That Meets Ergonomic and Safety Guidelines
Modutek’s extensive line of wet process equipment and wet bench chemical stations are all designed according to the latest applicable ergonomic and safety guidelines. When customers need special equipment, Modutek can design customized systems to satisfy specific requirements. In that case, ergonomic and safety features are customized as well to make sure the special equipment meets or exceeds the guidelines.
Older equipment is often not compliant with new regulations. When that is the case, it’s a good time to purchase new or upgraded equipment. Whether new or an upgrade, the equipment comes with improved ergonomics and safety features. When employees work with reduced physical stress and feel safe in the workplace, employee morale and job satisfaction increases. If you need help selecting a wet bench station for your process requirements and also all ergonomic and safety regulations, contact Modutek for a free quote or consultation at 866-803-1533 or email modutek@modutek.com.
