OHS026
Completed by: Abu Rifat Ullah
Safe work procedure
Staff/Student number:
The Writing Safe Work Procedures Guideline (OHS027) should be consulted to assist in the completion of this form
Faculty/Division:
School/Unit:
Science
Physics/Nanoelectronics
Document number
Initial Issue date
21 Nov 2011
Current version
1
Current Version
Issue date
21 Nov 2011
RA11
Next review date
21 Nov 2012
2.Safe work procedure title and basic description of activity
Title: Safe work at the LG51 probe station
Description of activity: The LG51 probe station is used to characterise semiconductor devices.
3.List Hazards and risk controls as per risk assessment
Associated
risk
assessment
number and
location:
RA11, LG51
Probe station
LG51
Hazards
Controls
Sharps from changing
probes.
Electrocution from
energising probes.
Training
Heavy weight falling
onto person from
moving electronics
units.
Heavy weight falling
onto person from
opening and closing
shield.
Cryogen burns from
transferring liquid
nitrogen into liquid
nitrogen trap.
Asphyxiation from
characterising device
in liquid nitrogen.
The only bare parts of the probe station are the probe needles. The probes are not
handled directly, but using a dedicated controller. Voltages are only applied to probes
when they are on a device and steady – otherwise devices may be damaged.
Additionally, probes are held in place with vacuum pump.
The electronics rack does not normally move – this is important for accurate
measurements. Using proper manual handling methods.
The shield door is hinged and is easy to open and close. Wooden steps are available
in LG51, if required.
Gloves, faceshield, and laboratory coat are available in LG51.
LG51 is ventilated. Oxygen level sensor and alarm.
4.List resources required including personal protective clothing, chemicals and equipment needed
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
2 Keithley k236 source measure units,
1 Keithley k6517a electrometer,
1 Fluke 8842 multimeter,
probe station or liquid nitrogen dip rig with breakout box,
laptop with LabView,
cryogenic gloves, faceshield and coat.
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5.List step by step instructions or order for undertaking the task
Using probe station to contact to device:
1. Place device on measurement stage.
2. Ensure k236 are in standby mode.
3. Ensure electrometer has zerocheck enabled.
4. Ensure vacuum pump is running.
5. Ensure device is held in place with vacuum - use switch on right of station to switch vacuum on and off
to measurement stage.
6. Move probes and contact to device – use switch on base of probe units to switch vacuum on and off to
these units.
7. Use electrometer and SMUs to manually probe device.
8. Use LabView routines to characterise device.
Using liquid nitrogen bath to contact to device:
1. Ensure there is sufficient liquid nitrogen in the trap.
2. Ensure retort stands are in place to support dip rig.
3. Ensure breakout box is grounded.
4. Place device (packaged onto charntec) onto liquid nitrogen dip rig.
5. Lower dip rig into liquid nitrogen slowly.
6. When in place, use retort stands to fasten rig.
7. Ensure k236 are in standby mode.
8. Ensure electrometer has zerocheck enabled.
9. Remove grounding plugs on breakout box and connect to device using coaxial cables.
10. Use electrometer and SMUs to manually probe device.
11. Use LabView routines to characterise device.
6.List emergency shutdown procedures
None:
7.List Emergency procedures for how to deal with fires, spills or exposure to hazardous substances
In case of electrical fire:
Hit red emergency power shutdown button near entrance door. (note this is only to be used in an emergency as
this power shutdown may damage equipment)
In case of cryogen spill:
Ask people to leave room. Shut off cryogen flow.
Splashes: If a person is splashed with cryogen, immediately shut off cryogen flow. Remove affected clothing if
not stuck to skin, flush cold or mild warm water from safety shower/eyewash if available or tap if outside for 10
mins. Seek medical attention while flushing, either 1st aid (Ph No. on box), UNSW health centre 55425, or 5666 if
ambulance required. Do not smoke or drink alcohol.
Stay with affected person till help arrives.
8.List Clean up and waste disposal requirements
None.
9.List legislation used in the development of this SWP
NSW OHS Act 2000
NSW OHS Regulation 2001
AS 1894 Code of Practice for the safe handling of cryogenic fluids.
AS 2243.2 Safety in Laboratories:Chemical Aspects
10a.List competency required – qualifications, certificates, licensing, training - e.g. course or instruction:

UNSW/Physics Liquid Nitrogen Training.
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OHS026 safe work procedure
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
UNSW Laboratory Safety Awareness training.

Hands-on training in cryogens transfer and the use of low temperature equipment by an authorized user.
10b. List competency of Assessor
Senior Experimentalist and cryogen user.
11.Supervisory approval, And review
Supervisor:
A/Prof Adam Micolich
Responsibility for SWP review:
Signature:
Date of review:
12.SWP Sign off sheet
SWP name and version:
Probe Station SWP
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In signing this section the assessor/ authorisor agrees that the following persons are competent in following this
SWP
Name
Signature
Date
Competent
Name of Assessor/Authoriser
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Assessor/Authoriser
signature