Read on to Learn How Your Cleanroom Might be Being Compromised Without Your Knowledge
In certain processing, assembly, medical, and other industrial uses, cleanrooms provide the required specialised atmosphere. Although historically only used by NASA to manufacture circuit boards, a range of industries have used cleanrooms over the years, such as aerospace, pharmaceutical, nanotechnology, nutraceutical, and medical.
Cleanrooms are generally constructed to meet challenging parameters including airflow, air pressures, temperature, fixtures, and equipment. However, one of the toughest challenges is to maintain a cleanroom.
Airborne pollutants that can cause contamination and compromise clean space are among the most significant risks to cleanrooms. Skin flakes, fibres, dust, microbes, viruses, metals, spores, ions, and film are some of the common pollutants. While cleanroom processes and procedures are commonly implemented for a regulated environment, contamination often occurs from secondary factors that are not often addressed and may be overlooked.
Here are some everyday ways to ensure that you are keeping your cleanroom clean:
- Maintaining The Right Humidity and Temperature
The majority of cleanrooms need a relative humidity of 30% to 40% RH at an air temperature of 21°C (69.8°F) + 2°C. It is the perfect setting for preventing most adverse consequences, including the growth of bacteria, corrosion, and static electricity. It is also appropriate for the employees’ comfort, an equally important aspect. When employees sweat or shiver, more particles are released into the atmosphere.
- Using Cleanroom-Compliant Stationery and Office Supplies
Some of the most forgotten or easily overlooked causes of contamination are general office supplies, such as notepads, books, mousepads, paper, pens, etc. Clean Room-friendly variants of most stationery supplies are available in the market. It is crucial that you only use these compliant variants of cleanroom supplies because even something as small as a pen can compromise the clean environment.⠀
- Limiting Unnecessary Talking
Every time we speak, saliva particles are emitted. While the employees in Cleanrooms wear masks, they aren’t always 100% efficient. To put it into perspective, You may stop emitting about 250 extra particles by reducing 100 words from a conversation. While it is always important to communicate to execute tasks, eliminating unnecessary talk will help prevent contamination.
- Avoiding Outside Personal Products
Although protocols also cover personal hygiene criteria, cleanroom staff must avoid makeup, perfumes, and jewellery which may be contaminants. Things often popular in the office spaces, including food, beverages, snacks, or gum, must not be brought in the cleanroom space.
- Consider Supply Packaging
Although the products you frequently use in your cleanroom may be compatible, the packaging may not always be so. For instance, you might be using cleanroom compliant gloves; however, the cardboard box used to dispose of it probably isn’t as it can release contaminants or particles.
Cleanroom technology is undoubtedly valuable and innovative across industries. However, the operating and maintenance of the same can be quite challenging and demanding owing to the sensitivity of the clean space. Alpha Linear’s expertise and know-how can bring you the latest and best of Cleanroom solutions and maintenance services, tailored to your specific industry requirements.