Features of formation of working conditions of workers of the main professions in the production of integrated circuits

Introduction. The modern stage of development of electronics is characterized by the widespread use of integrated circuits (IC). Assessment of working conditions in a promising, developing production of electronic components with hygienic positions is an urgent task.

The aim of the study is to conduct a hygienic assessment of working conditions of workers in the main professions in the production of IC.

Materials and methods. Hygienic research conducted at three modern enterprises for the production of chips and semiconductor devices, included the study of the conditions and nature of work of workers in the main professions. 215 chemical analyses for the content of harmful substances were carried out in order to assess the air environment and 270 measurements of the levels of physical factors at 18 workplaces.

Results. Findings of hygienic assessment of working conditions for employees engaged in manufacture of microcircuits: operators of chemical processing, precision photolithography (PPL), diffusion processes, vacuum deposition, and IMC assemblers are reported. Based on the analysis of the technological process and the list of materials used and time-study data, the studies of workplace air pollution, sound levels, artificial lighting, microclimate parameters (temperature, humidity, air velocity), working process parameters were carried out. The jobs in which work is characterized by toxic chemicals exposure, precision visual operations using optical instruments during 55% of the shift were singled out. Priority occupational health risk factors for workers employed in modern IMC production and main areas of working environment optimization were revealed.

Conclusions. Based on the conducted hygienic studies, musculoskeletal system load combined with visual strain were found to be the priority occupational health risk factors for microcircuit production workers. Manual operations taking up a significant part of the working process and introduction of automated IMC technological processes being insufficient, preventive measures should be aimed at organizing a rational working regime that provides reducing of visual strain and musculoskeletal system load.

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