Metal tubes (to collect ICs) are used in the semiconductor
manufacturing testing process because of
their conductive ability to disperse the static charge induced.
The tubes in the CL testing area knock against
each other during the auto-load tube-changing process,
generating loud noise (110 dB). Noise irritation
in the trim–form and testing areas in CL is considered
a factor leading to long-term negative evaluation
of working conditions. The Malaysian Factories and
Machinery Act and Regulations (2001) specifies that
no employee shall be exposed to noise levels exceeding
the equivalent continuous sound level of 90 dB,
but the noise generated in the CL testing area was
20 dB more than the limit. Current findings indicate
that noise influences musculoskeletal health, and the
influence shows up in the dissatisfaction ratings displayed
by workers. These findings are confirmed by
those Bongers, de Winter, Kompier, and Hildebrandt
(1993) and Vasseljen and Westgaard (1993) in their
work on musculoskeletal disease.