Exyte Singapore's Safety Excellence in GlobalFoundries Singapore Expansion Facility Project

Introduction

Precision and innovation are critical in the fast-paced semiconductor manufacturing industry. We recognise the significance of companies like Exyte Singapore in shaping innovative projects. In an upcoming customer success story, we will showcase Exyte Singapore's contributions to the GlobalFoundries Singapore Expansion Facility Project, emphasising their unwavering commitment to safety and their effective utilisation of the Hubble Safety Management System.

Background: Exyte and GlobalFoundries

Exyte Singapore is a top-notch company specialising in designing and constructing high-tech facilities. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, they have a proven track record of delivering successful projects in Singapore. Their legacy of innovation and expertise has made them a reliable partner for businesses in various sectors, offering advanced solutions for intricate projects.

At the other end of this dynamic partnership lies GlobalFoundries, a significant semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in the United States. As a major player in the semiconductor industry, GlobalFoundries is renowned for its proficiency in producing chips created by industry giants such as Qualcomm, MediaTek, and NXP Semiconductors. Their chips are utilised in numerous products, from smartphones and laptops to vehicles and AI systems.

GlobalFoundries Expansion Fabrication Plant

This impressive collaboration is centred around the GlobalFoundries expansion fabrication plant in Singapore. This advanced facility covers an area of 23,000 square metres and is a significant achievement in semiconductor manufacturing. Upon reaching its total capacity, expected sometime between 2025 and 2026, this state-of-the-art facility will produce an incredible 450,000 300-millimetre wafers yearly. Additionally, this expansion is expected to create around 1,000 high-value jobs, thus further improving Singapore's technological capabilities.

A Remarkable Achievement: 69,650 PTWs Issued

As we explore the detailed statistics related to Exyte's participation in the GlobalFoundries initiative, one significant number catches the eye: an impressive total of 69,650 Permit to Work (PTW) documents issued. This figure highlights Exyte's unwavering commitment to careful planning and strict safety measures.

Navigating the Complexities: Parent Permit and Subcategories

The Parent Permit is a commonly used permit for the project, consisting of several subcategories such as Work At Height, Demolition, Hot Work, Confined Space, Work Above Clean Room Ceiling, Floor Opening/Raised Floor/Barricade Removal, Lifting Work, and more. The Work At Height Permit is the most prevalent among these subcategories, demonstrating Exyte's steadfast dedication to safety.

The construction of a semiconductor manufacturing facility is a highly intricate process, requiring meticulous planning, precise execution, and unwavering commitment to safety. At the core of this operation lies the management of various permits, with the Parent Permit being a linchpin. This permit encompasses diverse subcategories that encapsulate the multifaceted aspects of constructing a state-of-the-art facility.

Work At Height: Reaching for Precision

Work At Height involves activities that soar above ground level, demanding skilled workers to install critical components with pinpoint accuracy. The construction of a semiconductor facility necessitates the installation of intricate systems at elevated positions, such as the precise placement of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) units and utility conduits. Each operation conducted at height requires stringent safety measures to safeguard the workers and the delicate equipment they handle.

For this project, the Work At Height Permit stands out as the most important among the various permits issued. Exyte Singapore has issued approximately 32,000 permit approvals in this category, reflecting their unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards for tasks performed at elevated locations throughout the project.

Demolition: Clearing the Path for Innovation

Demolition is an indispensable phase, clearing the path for innovation by dismantling existing structures. In the context of a semiconductor expansion, outdated structures or facilities might need to be deconstructed to make room for cutting-edge installations. The careful removal of these structures is a precursor to the birth of a modern, technologically advanced semiconductor manufacturing facility.

Hot Work: Forging the Future

Hot Work involves processes that utilise open flames or generate high temperatures. In the construction of a semiconductor facility, welding plays a pivotal role. The joining of metals through welding is crucial for structural integrity and the seamless integration of components. However, such operations must be conducted with utmost care and in adherence to stringent safety protocols due to the potential fire hazards associated with hot work.

Confined Space: Delving into the Depths

Construction activities in confined spaces are an integral part of the semiconductor facility's development. These spaces, often limited in access and exit points, require specialised safety procedures. Tasks such as laying utility lines or installing equipment within confined areas demand meticulous planning and adherence to safety guidelines to ensure the well-being of workers.

Work Above Clean Room Ceiling: Where Precision Meets Purity

The clean room in a semiconductor facility demands an environment of exceptional purity. Work above the clean room ceiling involves tasks like installing specialised equipment or maintaining utilities. Any work in this area necessitates extreme care to prevent contamination, aligning with the stringent cleanliness requirements of semiconductor manufacturing.

Floor Opening/Raised Floor/Barricade Removal: A Foundation for Progress

Creating floor openings or modifying the raised floor is fundamental to accommodate equipment and utilities. Additionally, the removal or relocation of barricades facilitates the seamless movement of workers and materials within the facility. These alterations form the foundation for a dynamic and adaptable workspace, essential for the efficiency of the manufacturing process.

Lifting Work: Elevating Potential

Lifting work involves the strategic movement of heavy equipment and machinery, a critical aspect of constructing a semiconductor facility. From installing specialised machines to positioning substantial components, precise lifting is imperative for a smooth construction process. It's a delicate ballet of technology and strength, orchestrated to perfection.

Navigating through these complexities requires a systematic approach, meticulous planning, and the right safety measures in place. The Hubble Safety Management System, with its subcategories tailored to these critical aspects, empowers companies like Exyte to achieve safety and operational excellence throughout the construction phase.

Empowering Safety Through Hubble Safety Management System

Exyte Singapore's safety success story is deeply intertwined with the power of the Hubble Safety Management System. This advanced system has empowered Exyte to seamlessly navigate the intricacies of different work permits. Notably, it played a pivotal role in maintaining a safe worksite during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Hubble Safety Management System ensured compliance with Safe Management Measures (SMM) and facilitated a robust response during the heightened safety period (HSP). Moreover, it enabled Exyte to adapt swiftly to the ever-evolving safety guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), steering the GlobalFoundries Singapore expansion facility project towards sustainable Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) outcomes.

Project Completion: September 12, 2023

The GlobalFoundries project was completed on September 12, 2023, marking a remarkable collaboration and the start of a new era in semiconductor manufacturing that prioritises safety, expertise, and precision.

Conclusion

Exyte Singapore's commitment to precision, innovation, and safety shines in their role in the GlobalFoundries Singapore Expansion Facility Project. Their meticulous use of the Hubble Safety Management System, notably in Work At Height Permits, sets new industry standards. Their impact extends beyond this project, serving as a beacon for the semiconductor industry, emphasising safety, innovation, and technology integration. Exyte Singapore is not just a participant but a guardian of excellence, shaping the future of semiconductor manufacturing. For organisations aiming to elevate their processes, Exyte Singapore's journey is an inspiration. Discover how your organisation can reach new heights with the PTW Module within the Hubble Safety Management System. Request a demo today.