Title: Risk assessment in safety management of the semiconductor industry in Taiwan

Authors: Yi-Chun Lin, Chyan Yang

Addresses: Institute of Fire Science, Central Police University, 56 Shu Jen Road, Ta Kang Chun, Kwei Shan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan. Institute of Business and Management, National Chiao Tung University, 4F. 114 Sec. 1, Chung-Hsiao W. Road, Taipei 100, Taiwan

Abstract: The high-technology industry has been developing in Taiwan for about 20 years and has become the biggest export industry in Taiwan with the third largest share of the world marked (after the USA and Japan). It not only produces high-tech talents and employment opportunities, but also demonstrates considerable overall growth and is advancing industrial and economic development. However, several severe fire and earthquake disasters that the semiconductor industry has encountered have caused it to suffer uncountable damage to and loss of property, for which the fire underwriters have paid huge compensation. As a result, most foreign fire underwriters are very cautious about accepting re-insurance for semiconductor companies in Taiwan. This research begins with an analysis of the building characteristics of plant and the potential dangers therein. Then it designs an effective safety system for such plants, which may help prevent disasters or lower the loss arising. Finally, this research suggests establishing the ||emergency response and disaster recovery system|| as a reference for the industry to implement safety management.

Keywords: semiconductor; safety management; fire prevention system; risk management system.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAM.2002.002554

International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management, 2002 Vol.3 No.2/3/4, pp.222-233

Published online: 23 Jul 2003 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article