[labnetwork] After Hours Policies - Wet Processing

[Ida Noddeland]

Dear Michael,

We have the same rules 24/7 for working with dangerous chemicals: You have to agree with another user that she/he is your buddy. The buddy should be in the same area, but can work with her/his own processes. For HF use the buddy too needs a HF-license, because of the special treatment needed in case of an incident.

We do have a camera system, but do not use it for safety during chemistry use. The response would be way too slow. It can be used to see if the buddy rules are respected, though.

To ensure that the buddy is alerted if something happens when she/he is not in visual contact with the user, we have a personal alarm on the wall in the wet etch bay. Just pull out the pin to get your buddy’s attention.
[http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/io0AAOSwuAVW08R-/s-l1600.jpg]
Best regards
Ida Noddeland

Head of Laboratory
NTNU NanoLab

Sem Sælands vei 14, K1-123
7491 Trondheim
+47 41288808
www.ntnu.no/nanolab<http://www.ntnu.no/nanolab>



From: labnetwork-bounces at mtl.mit.edu [mailto:labnetwork-bounces at mtl.mit.edu] On Behalf Of Noah Clay
Sent: Friday, September 30, 2016 12:13 AM
To: Michael Hume <michael.hume at ualberta.ca>
Cc: labnetwork at mtl.mit.edu
Subject: Re: [labnetwork] After Hours Policies - Wet Processing

Michael,

We allow working with the chemistries listed below after hours and with a buddy.  During staff hours, a buddy is not required.  Fortunately, all of the low/high pH work is confined to one bay in our fab and, with HD cameras, enforcing the buddy system is relatively straightforward.

The requirement for a buddy is simply that they're a trained user who must be in the fab at all times while work is in process.  We do not require that they shadow the person conducting work.  Staff hours are posted during orientation and holiday/buddy reminders are broadcast through email and on a flat screen in the gowning area.  So, our users are hopefully respecting and aware of when a buddy is required.

Best,
Noah
Noah Clay
Director, Quattrone Nanofabrication Facility
University of Pennsylvania

On Sep 29, 2016, at 15:30, Michael Hume <michael.hume at ualberta.ca<mailto:michael.hume at ualberta.ca>> wrote:
Dear Colleagues,

We are in the process of re-evaluating our after-hours policies, specifically in regards to wet chemical processing (eg. HF/BOE/KOH/TMAH/Piranha cleaning). Historically, we have not allowed these processes after hours, primarily due to safety concerns. That said, as demand within our facility grows, and the competence of our user base increases, the question has been raised as to why these processes can't be performed within a framework of proper procedures to ensure user safety (eg. buddy system, etc..)

I am interested in the general approach of other facilities. Does anyone allow these processes? Does anyone forbid them? In either case what is the general reasoning for your decision? If you do allow them, what sort of protocols or policies do you have in place to provide a safe working environment?

Any feedback you may have is much appreciated!

Regards,

--

Michael Hume

Operations Manager

University of Alberta - nanoFAB

W1-060 ECERF Building

9107 - 116 Street

Edmonton, Alberta

Canada T6G 2V4
www.nanofab.ualberta.ca<http://www.nanofab.ualberta.ca/> Ph: 587-879-1519
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