Safety/Environment
Chemicals/Safety Management
Protocol for Safe Management of Chemicals
The facility will maintain SEMI certifications and implement Process Safety Management (PSM), a proactive system that identifies potential hazards, plans for emergencies, and ensures safe operation during every stage of production to help prevent any incidents.
Three-Layer Safety Protection System
1) Storage
- Flammable materials such as gasoline and diesel, during the construction period, and chemicals used, during the chip packaging process, will be stored in appropriate and separate containers.
- The storage of the chemicals will also be equipped with a series of safety systems. These systems include outdoor spill prevention trenches, fire suppression systems, real-time leak detectors, and monitoring equipment.
2) Transportation and Usage
- The chemicals will be transported using vehicles specialized for chemical transport and will be stored and supplied in the chemical room within the SK hynix building.
- The safety tools on the site include real-time leakage sensors, monitoring devices, fire protection system, utility ditch, flood barrier, pressure control device, real-time pressure/temperature sensors, and leakage interlock system.
Chemicals
The chemicals to be used at the SK hynix facility include ammonia, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, phosphoric acid, and formic acid, as well as alcohols, organic hydrocarbons, fluorinated chemicals, nitrogen compounds, photoresists (PR), developers, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, argon, helium, and several specialty gases.
These materials will be stored and used safely in compliance with the relevant laws, regulations, and SK hynix protocols.
PFAS will not be intentionally used in the production process. However, because PFAS are found widely in the environment, trace amounts may be present in materials or resources such as pipes, water, or other industrial supplies.
To ensure safety, all PFAS will be carefully monitored and treated through a dedicated wastewater system, with discharge levels expected to meet drinking water standards.
SK hynix is taking a proactive and conservative approach to prevent any PFAS from entering waterways, not because regulations require it, but because we are committed to protecting the environment and surrounding communities.
First Responder Planning, Training, and Collaboration
SK hynix is actively working with the West Lafayette Fire Department to share its monitoring system and response protocols.
A plan including regular training and drills and the presence of staff for emergency action is in place.
Risk Reduction Measures
Collaboration Framework with the West Lafayette Fire Department
SK hynix plans to collaborate on various support measures-such as integrating its monitoring systems and installing training hydrants-to enhance the fire department's emergency response capability.
SK hynix will closely coordinate with the fire department on all aspects of emergency response, including dispatch standards and response equipment, to establish an effective response system through regular training and joint drills.
For the integration of the company's monitoring systems with the local fire department, the necessary data will be defined and implemented through ongoing consultation.
Fire Drills with the Fire Department
SK hynix will share its risk mitigation plan for emergency actions from the initial stage of the construction, while discussing how to address residents' concerns on traffic congestion with the Fire Department near its site.
Incident Response
Immediate response
SK hynix will have a network of emergency contacts ready for efficient response to potential accidents. Any accidents involving chemical leakage will be immediately reported to 911 and emergency coordinator and a systemic response in accordance with the reporting protocol from the emergency action plan will follow.
Employee Evacuation
An alarm from the emergency broadcasting system will be sent out for a swift evacuation. Evacuation training will be provided on a regular basis to enhance the capabilities of the employees in emergencies.