Effect of Noise and Redundant Auditory Alarm Signal on Semiconductor Production Operators' Response to Machine Downtime

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of noise and the effect of a redundant impulsive auditory alarm signal on production operators' response to machine downtime in a semiconductor manufacturing system. Machine uptime is essential for productive and efficient production system and therefore downtime calls for an immediate response. Given a higher machine-to-man ratio, there is a difficulty in achieving quick response to machine downtime. For this end, ergonomic tower lamps with visual and auditory displays are used in most semiconductor manufacturing system to alert production operators and therefore minimize response time. The results of this study showed that a less noisy environment enhances operators' response to machine downtime. This proves literatures' claim on the limited capacity of human perception to achieve sharper focus on tasks when noise is present. Furthermore, the results also proved that a redundant auditory alarm signal aside from visual alarm at moderately high to high noise exposure; 85–90 dBA and >90 dBA, respectively, does not improve responses as discussed by literatures. It could be, as literatures say, that on persistent exposure to alarm signals beyond permissible noise level of 85 dBA, production operators may experience alarm fatigue phenomenon - a state of failing to hear the signals. Thus, redundant auditory alarm signals are only added costs and can further increase ambient noise which may, in effect, possibly induce health-related problems.