To maintain the cleanroom clean according to ISO, all of the factors in the cleanroom have to be tested for its suitability in the cleanroom and if necessary adjusted. In addition to equipment, assemblies and some cleanroom processes, it is primarily the workers who work in this room that contribute to the purity of the room. This article will give you a glimpse into the most critical standards of ethics that have to be respected by employees to function under clean conditions.
Staffs in a Cleanroom
The cleanroom workers are considered one of the most primary causes of contamination. The cleanliness of the room can be seriously impaired, particularly by the particles present in the human body, such as dust, skin fragments, hair or even bacterial particles. With high intensity of employee activity, these individual particles enter the clean air rapidly so that intensive moving will multiply the particle emission.
In addition to the cleanroom-compatible dress code, the staff’s behaviour in such an environment is of great significance in maintaining the air cleanliness class of the cleanroom.
How Must Employees Behave in a Cleanroom?
Every employee, guest and even the management should strictly follow the principles of professional behaviour in a clean environment such that the cleanroom does not get unnecessarily compromised.
The behaviour rules can be classified into various different categories:
- Personal traffic: Only trained personnel can operate in a cleanroom is one of the most relevant laws. Only the minimum required workers must be present in the clean environment. When not engaged or simply supervising, the workers should remain as far as possible from the sensitive area.
- Personal items: Personal goods such as jewellery, food or handbags should be banned from being taken to the clean environment. Usage of makeup must also be not allowed.
- Food and beverages: Carrying food and beverages to the cleanroom must be prohibited. They can result in high particulate emissions. A water dispenser in the personnel lock can come very convenient for the staff.
- Movement: An intense motion can lead to a stronger emission of particles. This is why the workers in a clean setting should move cautiously. It should be discouraged to move quickly or hectically.
- Diseases: Do not cough or sneeze towards the vital field of operation. In any circumstances, it must be prevented. If an employee is unfit to work temporarily or indefinitely in a cleanroom, the employee should be shifted to another equivalent workplace in the company after a physician’s consultation.
- Miscellaneous: Only clean the area with the approved cleanroom wipes and special cleaning materials. Only ball points or fibre tip types should be used for taking notes or sketches (no pencils). When paper is brought into the cleanroom, it should be appropriate for cleanroom use.
If trained staff follow and strictly adhere to these and other essential codes of behaviour during their work in the cleanroom, substantial particle contamination by humans can be minimised. The dress code and comprehensive awareness of procedure during entering and leaving of the clean environment will also make a major contribution to maintaining the air quality in the room.