Cleanrooms are highly controlled and sensitive manufacturing areas which have to be well maintained so that the quality of the products produced here is optimum. Nowadays, products and materials used in manufacturing are becoming smaller and more sensitive to dust and similar hazards which calls for proper maintenance and taking care of the items in the long run. Cleanroom equipment is most vulnerable to contamination from different sources like the environment, people, process, and tools. The best way to prevent this is routine maintenance that is thoroughly done. In this post, we will share some important tips and criteria that should be kept in mind in order to make sure that the cleanroom equipment is in the best condition and contamination-free.
The cleanroom environment is strictly controlled using HEPA technology to remove all kinds of airborne particles. They have ionizing grids that help to neutralize the static that will attract such particles. Here are a few things that can be done to minimize contamination and keep the room clean-
Have a clean design
The room should be designed such that there is a minimum need for movement and traffic. Any kind of movement within the room like walking, sweeping, vacuuming, cleaning leads to the generation of particles. But when all such tasks are minimized because of the room’s design, the dust and allergen produced are also less. The workers are the major source of introducing contaminating particles in the cleanroom and hence such a design makes sure the traffic is minimized. Also, do not compromise with the quality of the products and materials used for making the cleanroom. For example, if you are working in a cleanroom where static electricity can become a concern, the ESD chairs are the best options.
Active regular cleaning
Daily maintenance is elemental for keeping the surface contamination free. Also, the finish of the flooring and the chemical cleaners used should be wisely chosen keeping in mind the purpose of the cleanroom equipment as they can be major sources of contamination. You should be aware of the cleanroom classification to determine the ideal cleaning routine that is suitable. Use cleanroom friendly cleaning solvents, brooms, and other elements that will not add to the contamination of the room.
Train the staffs
Restrict access to the cleanroom to a very limited number of staff. Since the workers are the major sources of contamination, this kind of restriction is likely to minimize the trouble. Only those who are required to work in the room should be allowed. Furthermore, the staff should be well trained regarding how to work in the cleanroom environment with the equipment without adding to the contamination further. Some items from the human body which can lead to contamination are oils, cosmetics, and perfumes, clothing that shed easily, etc. proper gear and uniforms which are cleanroom friendly should be used by the workers and they should also be cleaned on a regular basis.
Also, train the staff regarding emergency situations so that the accidents do not lead to any major crisis. Train them regarding what to do when the spills occur, different uses of cleanroom equipment, and steps to decontaminate oneself before entering or leaving the cleanroom.
Air monitoring
Regular air quality monitoring is necessary to detect contamination within the cleanroom. This can be done with the help of either air samplers or settle plates. The air samplers will draw in a specific volume of the air from the room. Then this air is passed on through a media plate that will reveal all kinds of viable organisms in the room and also the particle sizes and the volume per cubic feet.
On the other hand, the settle plates contain sterile growth media and look like Petri dishes. They are left out in the open for four hours exposed to the environment of the room and later tested for any kind of microorganism growth. This way it will help to deduce the kind of air quality that the cleanroom has. In case the settle plates are used, the workers should be careful not to touch it or disturb it in any way while it is put to work.
Air monitoring helps to detect the contamination at the earliest and take the necessary steps to prevent it as soon as possible. Also, apart from these, make sure your HVAC system is regularly checked and tested for the pressure, temperature, and humidity requirement in the lab.
Cleanroom equipment is the most delicate and fragile of all kinds of laboratory elements and must be taken care of well. If you are maintaining all the above-mentioned factors thoroughly. You will get optimum results through your cleanroom. With the help of experts and professionals, make sure the maintenance is never compromised on so that your cleanroom continues to give the best outcomes.