NFPA 70E “A Cultural Change”
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Doug Thornton, MSPH, CIH, CSP; Fairchild Semiconductor
Since the 2004 publication of the NFPA 70E, many have asked: “is this standard applicable to the semiconductor industry with all the clean-room requirements?” and if so, “how do we comply?” This article will focus on these two questions by reviewing a step by step approach of what is being asked in the standard and why change in semiconductor electrical safety is needed. The article will also discuss many methods and ideas on implementation of the electrical safety requirements. In the end, full compliance with NFPA 70E in most semiconductor facilities will require a cultural change.