Cleanrooms are an expensive investment for many companies and research institutes. They are necessary due to increased quality requirements. This makes it more important to ensure that the cleanroom is used properly in accordance with its intended purpose.
Setting up a cleanroom is the first step for working under cleanroom conditions – but nothing more. It must also be ensured that the processes in the cleanroom are arranged according to the air flow so that they do not influence each other.
People are generally regarded as the greatest source of contamination. This is why most companies follow this principle: From ISO class 7/8 cleanrooms upwards, overalls must be worn. A lab coat is not sufficient. This is because it is pulled over normal clothing like a large bell, while every movement pumps potentially contaminated air through the gown into the cleanroom. In addition, class 7, 8 and 9 cleanrooms are usually equipped with turbulent mixed air flow, which distributes the particles throughout the cleanroom. Whether face masks and gloves must also be worn depends on the processes.
More important than such protective measures, however, is that people who work in the cleanroom are appropriately trained. A small example shows the dilemma and is unfortunately not an individual case: I was with a customer when the airlock door to the cleanroom opened. Half the staff came out of the cleanroom with their breakfast dishes under their arms. Why? Because the cleanroom was the only place that didn't smell of ammonia. The employees simply didn't realise that this is not exactly ideal for cleanliness in the airlock and the cleanroom.
Experience has shown that it is not enough to simply define access regulations or similar. It is important that all employees have an understanding of cleanroom processes. For cleanroom users who are deeply familiarised with the subject matter, many things relating to the topic are clear to them. Regularly holding a ‘round table’ in the company, at which all – really all – questions relating to behaviour in the cleanroom that are close to the employees' hearts are asked, can help. Another example from the real world: a lady who works in a cleanroom asked me whether she could wear make-up and use hairspray there. It is precisely these kinds of questions that are not discussed enough, but are very important. Because only those who understand why, for example, make-up (almost all cosmetics are based on powder) must not be used in the cleanroom will not do so in similar applications in the future.
Our colleagues from COLANDIS will come directly to your company and train your employees on the topic of ‘Behaviour in a clean environment’. Make an enquiry now!
Every cleanroom must be cleaned regularly. The cleaning of a cleanroom should only be carried out by qualified personnel who also receive regular training. Ideally, you should have someone on site who specialises in cleaning cleanrooms and does not clean your sanitary facilities on the side. Fortunately, more and more cleaning professionals are actually being used in practice.
Dealing with the cleanliness of machines in the cleanroom is more problematic. It is a misconception that machines in the cleanroom do not need to be cleaned. However, due to unresolved warranty issues, many cleaning staff do not even attempt to clean these machines. However, the machines should also be cleaned in the same way as the cleanroom. And by technically experienced professionals who are also familiar with the individual components in the machine, because a lot can be ‘cleaned to destruction’ unintentionally. Especially with sensitive micromechanical or optical systems, using the wrong cleaning agent can quickly cause major damage. In addition to a technical understanding of the machine or process, close communication between the service provider and user is necessary to ensure satisfactory cleaning.
We customise our training courses to your individual requirements and circumstances. Simply send us a non-binding enquiry. We look forward to getting in touch with you and will be happy to meet your individual needs.
You can also download our free whitepaper ‘Behaviour in a clean environment’ to find out more about rules of conduct.