The Audit Office has stated that temporary use approval for a semiconductor plant in the Yongin semiconductor cluster is possible, even before receiving quality certification for the fireproof filling structure, provided that safety is objectively confirmed. This measure aims to prevent delays in cleanroom operations due to related procedures and enhance the competitiveness of the semiconductor industry while ensuring facility safety.
On September 15, the Audit Office released a pre-consultation case titled 'Reinforcement Construction of Fireproof Filling Structure and Temporary Use Approval Considering the Specificity of Semiconductor Plants.'
Currently, construction of the semiconductor plant in the Yongin semiconductor cluster is underway, with a target to begin cleanroom operations by February 2027. The plant is required to install enhanced lightning protection systems to safeguard production facilities, which necessitates penetrating some fireproof filling structures and reinforcing those areas with steel plates and fireproof silicone.
The fireproof filling structure is designed to prevent the spread of fire through gaps in fire compartments. However, it is expected that obtaining quality certification for the reinforced fireproof filling structure will take between six to ten months. In light of this, Yongin City applied to the Audit Office for pre-consultation on whether temporary use could be approved before quality certification.
After reviewing relevant laws, the purpose of the temporary use approval system, and public interest needs, the Audit Office concluded that temporary use approval is feasible.
The Audit Office stated, “If it is objectively confirmed that the reinforced fireproof filling structure meets or exceeds the fire resistance performance standards recognized by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, temporary use approval can be granted even before quality certification.”
It was noted that the installation of enhanced lightning protection systems is essential, as lightning damage can affect not only production equipment but also the entire process. To ensure the shortest path for lightning current to flow to the ground through grounding electrodes, penetrating and reinforcing the fireproof filling structure is unavoidable.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is also considering easing regulations on inter-floor fire compartments, taking into account the unique characteristics of semiconductor plants, such as frequent piping changes. Delays in cleanroom operations due to the quality certification process could have a cascading effect on the investment of partner companies, impacting the industry as a whole.
The Audit Office expressed hope that this pre-consultation will support the timely operation of semiconductor production facilities and ensure equipment safety from lightning and fire. They added, “We will proactively resolve issues to prevent delays in major national projects due to uncertainties in laws and administrative regulations.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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