Cleanroom contamination is defined as particulates that compromise the integrity of the cleanroom’s cleanliness & inhibits processes or quality control. Although a contaminant-free cleanroom is unrealistic (even impossible), the constant goal of a cleanroom is to maintain its level of cleanliness.
To maintain the correct standard of cleanliness in your cleanroom, you must be able to recognize the potential sources of contamination in a cleanroom. You can then begin to combat these factors and implement procedures to prevent.
Sources of Cleanroom Contamination
Where do particles come from?
Cleanrooms have many variable factors that could pose a potential source of contamination.
Sources of cleanroom contamination can include, but are not limited to:
People: skin, hair, makeup, nail polish, perfume
Equipment: vibrations, brooms, emissions
Products: debris, flakes, chips
Facility: walls, paint, room air, leaks
Fluids: bacteria, chemicals
Processes: cleaning, maintenance
Contamination Control in the Cleanroom
How to control contamination in the cleanroom?
There are certain actions that can help reduce the risk of contamination within the cleanroom. By incorporating these tips, your cleanroom can help maintain its level of cleanliness.
REDUCE MOVEMENT WITHIN THE CLEANROOM
A cleanroom's level of cleanliness is heavily influenced by cleanroom personnel. Reducing the movement of team members can reduce the risk of further contamination.
Learn more about common cleanroom behaviors here.
WEAR APPROPRIATE CLEANROOM ATTIRE
Depending on the class of the cleanroom, different cleanroom garments may be required to maintain the level of cleanliness required for certain tasks. This may include cleanroom gloves, cleanroom coveralls, cleanroom face masks, cleanroom boot covers and cleanroom bouffant caps.
Check out Angstrom's Cleanroom Suits and Garments Selection Guide to help decide which garments are needed.
USE APPROPRIATE CLEANROOM CLEANING SUPPLIES
Again, depending on the class of cleanroom, tasks being performed & your company's guidelines, there are cleanroom supplies to meet every need.
Check out Angstrom's Cleanroom Chemicals & Cleaners to see our selection.
MONITOR YOUR CLEANROOM'S CLEANLINESS
Even after your cleanroom is up & running at the designated class, you must monitor your cleanroom is being operated at this same standard. Some cleanroom best practices, include using particle counters, as they are excellent tools to use to collect data of air particles. Learn more about cleanroom particle counters here.
Check out Angstrom's selection of Particle Counters to see if testing equipment is right for your cleanroom.
ENFORCING A CLEANROOM CLEANING & MAINTENANCE PROTOCOL
By putting together a cleanroom maintenance and cleaning protocol, you are able to outline the enforced procedures, optimal cleaning products & cleaning schedule. This will optimize your efficiencies and share knowledge among team members.
