Objective To investigate and identify the occupational hazards in all crystal solar cell production elements, and to suggest occupational hazard control measures.
Methods An occupational hygiene survey was conducted in nine crystal silicon solar cell manufactories in Jiangsu Province. Occupational hazardous factors were monitored and work tasks exposed to occupational hazards were classified according to relevant national regulation.
Results The production process of the nine manufactories contained one or more techniques including silicon wafer, solar cell, module, and research and development. The main occupational hazardous factors in the silicon wafer production were silicon carbide dust and noise, in which the slurry preparing was classified as lever-I hazardous job because the dust exposure exceeded the relevant standard, and the polishing and cleaning were classified as level-II. A variety of inflammable, explosive, and highly corrosive chemicals were used in the cell production and the research and development, and the employees were exposed to silicon nitride dust, nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, chlorine, phosphorus oxychloride, phosphorus pentoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, silanes, aluminum silver paste, terpineol, isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, methanol, heat stress, microwave, and ionizing radiation. The main occupational hazards in the module production were lead, tin, copper, noise, and awkward work posture. The chemical concentrations were below the related national occupational exposure limits. The coverage rate of occupational health examination was low. Anemia, abnormal liver function, excessive urine fluorine, excessive urine lead, and hearing loss in the employees were recorded. All the plants were equipped with established occupational health management.
Conclusion Dust and noise are identified as the outstanding occupational hazards in wafer production. There is a potential risk of acute poisoning and chemical burns in the crystal silicon solar cell production. Therefore, occupational health examinations should cover every employee.
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