Hydrofluoric Acid Leak at Icheon SK Hynix Manufacturing Plant... 3 Workers Injured

Three Workers Inspecting Environmental Analysis Equipment Exposed to Hydrofluoric Acid, Suffer Burns and Injuries

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] Three workers inspecting equipment at SK Hynix's Icheon plant were exposed to hydrofluoric acid and sustained injuries.

According to SK Hynix and fire authorities on the 6th, at around 11:34 a.m., a small amount of hydrofluoric acid was released from an inspection device on the 5th floor of the M16 semiconductor factory in Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do. However, the fire authorities who investigated the scene immediately after the accident determined that the amount of hydrofluoric acid exposed was less than 500ml and did not leak outside the work area.

As a result of the accident, worker A (30) suffered burns on his arms and legs, and two others, including B (27), who were working together, inhaled hydrofluoric acid and were taken to a nearby hospital, but all are reported to be out of life-threatening danger.

The police believe that hydrofluoric acid began leaking from the equipment while a maintenance company was conducting a trial operation of environmental analysis equipment.

As of 1:40 p.m. on the same day, the concentration of hydrofluoric acid was measured at 0%, indicating it had completely dissipated.

Meanwhile, a police official stated, "The amount leaked was relatively small, and when the fire authorities arrived at the scene, the leak had already stopped," adding, "We are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.