Producing world-class semiconductors involves the controlled use of hazardous and nonhazardous chemicals and gases.
Selection and screening
To safely manage any chemical exposure risks, we fully assess potential environmental, safety and health impacts of proposed new chemicals, gases and manufacturing materials. We make continuous revisions to this program to include new scientific information.
Chemical handling
After TI approves chemicals for use, we carefully manage their transport, distribution and disposal. The basic goal of our chemical safety program is to minimize human contact with all chemicals. We accomplish this in six ways:
Availability of information. We work closely with our chemical supply chain to ensure that employees and contractors have up-to-date usage and handling information.
Engineering controls and personal protective equipment. We provide engineering controls such as safety interlocks and ventilation to prevent employee exposure to chemicals. Employees who work with or near hazardous chemicals or gases in areas that don't have built-in engineering controls are required to wear personal protective equipment and understand how to properly use it.
Chemical dock operations. We tightly control and protect chemical deliveries and storage by asking chemical professionals to handle all chemicals at one central location per site. An internal numbering system controls internal delivery and safety procedures.
Just-in-time purchasing. We implement inventory controls to reduce potential chemical storage risks while maintaining an appropriate supply.
Closed chemical delivery system. Our chemicals are automatically fed to work locations through a series of carefully constructed distribution systems with appropriate leak detection, ventilation and abatement controls. We use double-walled piping and additional containment systems where needed.
Used chemical management. We minimize any amount of discharged chemicals through several protective measures, including wastewater treatment, wet scrubbers, thermal oxidizers and absorbers. Where on-site treatment is not available, licensed disposal contractors recycle and reuse valuable materials or dispose of waste appropriately.
Chemical use policy and practices
TI is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations for chemical use. For example:
TI prohibits the use of Class I and Class II ozone-depleting substances in manufacturing.
TI prohibits chemicals on the Prior Informed Consent list under the Rotterdam Convention.
TI supports the mission and objectives of the Basel Convention (Annex I, II, III and VIII), which addresses environmental protection through the proper management of used chemicals and materials.
TI products do not contain radioactive substances.
TI requires all sites to be responsible environmental stewards by conserving water and energy.
