Government to Inspect 25 Semiconductor Firms, Including SK Hynix, After Fluorine Leaks

South Korea's Ministry of Employment and Labor is intensifying safety inspections across 25 semiconductor manufacturers, including SK Hynix, in response to a series of recent incidents, notably fluorine leaks. The inspections, beginning March 26, will target businesses identified as high-risk due to repeated serious accidents or those designated as such earlier this year.

The semiconductor industry is classified as high-risk due to its extensive use of hazardous and volatile chemicals and high-pressure gases. Accidents involving fires, explosions, or leaks in this sector can lead to large-scale casualties. SK Hynix's Cheongju plant, for example, experienced two consecutive fires in its gas rooms on March 1 and March 12, forcing the evacuation of over 3,600 employees and resulting in one injury. A minor leak of toxic fluorine (5ppm) also occurred during the March 1 fire.

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The semiconductor industry is a key industry leading our economy, but as it handles hazardous and dangerous chemicals and high-pressure gases, even a single accident can lead to major casualties.

During the inspections, the ministry will rigorously examine safety protocols related to the handling of flammable liquids, gases, and acutely toxic substances. Key areas of focus include measures to prevent leaks, fires, and explosions, as well as compliance with fundamental safety rules designed to prevent injuries like entrapment or falls. Violations found during the inspections will be met with strict enforcement actions according to relevant regulations.

For facilities with a high risk of serious industrial accidents, the ministry plans to order safety and health diagnostics and the development and implementation of safety improvement plans. Labor Minister Lee Ki-ho emphasized the critical nature of the semiconductor industry to the South Korean economy, while also highlighting the inherent dangers. He pledged the ministry's full commitment to preventing industrial accidents and major incidents by thoroughly inspecting risk factors within the sector.

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We will do our best to prevent industrial accidents and serious industrial accidents by intensively inspecting the risk factors of semiconductor manufacturers.