SEMI-S2, S10 and S14 inspections

Equipment used in the semiconductor industry is at the leading edge of technology in manufacturing complex and state of the art semiconductors. Operation of the equipment and the environmental issues that can arise from the usage of highly toxic chemicals and gases in the process steps are a major concern for both the semiconductor industry and governments worldwide.

For each advance in technology, there is a new issue for the equipment manufacturer and end user. How to make the equipment safe to use, safe to maintain and safe for the environment? Just as important is how to decommission the equipment safely at the end of its useful life, which may be as little as five years.

The industry recognised the fact that Government Standards all over the world did not and could not keep pace with the massive steps that the industry was taking in producing more and more complex equipment.

In the early 1970s, the industry decided to form their own guidelines to serve as minimal requirements to help eliminate known safety and health hazards inherent in the operation and maintenance of the equipment. The standards and guidelines are produced by a consensus of volunteers who are involved within the semiconductor industry. They are industry driven to formulate the best safety platform that can be achieved.

The SEMI Guidelines also allow for the usage of individual governments’ safety standard legislation, so that the equipment is examined under the most onerous standards that can be applied to ensure that it is safe.

The Semi Standards are global in the industry and are recognised, especially in the USA as a prime declaration of the safety of the equipment. To ensure confidence it is advisable for only totally independent Third Parties to carry out appraisals of equipment.

Strict rules are laid down as to both the company and the inspecting engineers’ qualifications and experience, to ensure the highest level of confidence in the results of the safety investigation and the confidentiality of the design and operation of the equipment.

SEMI Certification is the gateway to worldwide acceptance of the safety of your semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Laidler Certification meets the strict S7 guidelines, which are laid down as to both the company and the inspecting engineers’ qualifications and experience and can carry out Third Party assessments to SEMI S2, S10 and S14 standards.

Laidler Certification can offer you a practical approach including:

• A company that meets the stringent guideline requirements for total independence and confidentiality in semiconductor machinery safety appraisals.
• Industry respected and experienced engineers who can carry out SEMI Safety Appraisals at your premises – anywhere in the world.
• Cost Effective Certification that can include CE Marking and field labeling
• Continual support and advice on safety issues from initial design to manufacture and beyond.
• Advice on cost effective, best practice design methods.