As semiconductor facilities continue to expand and introduce higher-powered equipment, electrical safety is becoming an increasingly complex operational challenge.
In February, Dave Haver, Principal EHS Consultant at Shirley Parsons, delivered a webinar for SESHA exploring how organisations can better manage electrical risk in high-demand fabrication environments.
Drawing on more than 35 years of experience across manufacturing and mission-critical operations, Dave focused on one core message: effective electrical safety in semiconductor environments requires alignment between engineering, risk assessment and workforce capability.
Electrical risk in fabs is evolving.
Semiconductor manufacturing environments present unique challenges. High-voltage systems operate alongside complex production tools, automation, cleanroom constraints and strict uptime requirements.
“Electrical safety isn’t one-size-fits-all. It has to reflect the equipment, the power levels and the way work is actually performed.”
As facilities scale and electrical loads increase, safety programs must evolve accordingly, particularly where energized work, arc flash exposure and multi-energy systems are involved.
Understanding real risk.
A key discussion point during the session centred on electrical hazard assessments and how organisations gather meaningful insight from the field. Dave emphasised the importance of engaging broadly with technicians and engineers during assessments:
“You have to talk to the people doing the work. If ten people operate the same piece of equipment, you can’t speak to two and assume you understand the risk.”
He also highlighted the importance of distinguishing between legitimate hazard and individual perception.
“I’ve worked with electricity my whole life and I still respect it. There’s a difference between healthy respect and unmanaged fear. We can mitigate hazards but first we have to understand what’s real.”
In complex manufacturing environments, clarity around real exposure is essential to implementing effective controls.
Moving beyond compliance.
While regulatory frameworks provide the foundation, Dave encouraged organisations to think beyond minimum compliance.
Effective electrical safety programs in semiconductor environments typically include:
- Structured, workforce-inclusive risk assessments
- Clear hazardous energy control procedures
- Alignment between engineering design and operational practice
- Ongoing workforce training tailored to semiconductor equipment
When these elements work together, organisations are better positioned to reduce exposure while maintaining production reliability.
Following the February session, Dave will continue the discussion at SESHA’s upcoming Annual Symposium in Tempe, Arizona in April:
Navigating Electrical Safety in the Semiconductor Environment
Key learning objectives include:
- Understand the Safety Risks and Mitigation Strategies
- Explore Infrastructure and Design Considerations
- Review Compliance, Standards, and Workforce Training Needs
As semiconductor manufacturing continues to grow and power demands increase, electrical safety will remain a priority for EHS and engineering leaders alike. As Dave concluded:
“If we align engineering design, hazard assessment and workforce capability, we move from reacting to electrical risk to proactively controlling it.”
To find out more about SESHA and their Annual Symposium in April, click here. Or, to get in touch with Dave, email him directly at dave.haver@shirleyparsons.com.
