A cleanroom’s sole purpose to is to maintain the environment free of all contaminants such as dust and bacteria. It’s vital to keep out as many particles and contaminants as possible as it might cause serious issues or damage to research projects, experiments, or products during the manufacturing process, such as food.
To keep contamination to a minimum there are things that you absolutely shouldn’t do as well as items that shouldn’t be worn.
Do Not:
- Run or make sudden, fast movements.
- Touch, run, or scratch skin, hair, eyes or scalp.
- Write on walls, equipment, gloves or garments. Use only cleanroom approved supplies and garments.
- Use a cell phone, unless for an emergency.
- Use duct tape or other unapproved cleanroom supplies.
- Sand, drill, weld or file.
Do Not:
- Remove any piece of cleanroom clothing. It’s worn to prevent contamination from street clothes coming into the cleanroom or any hazardous fluid from splashing on your unprotected skin or clothing.
- Remove any articles from underneath cleanroom garments. Again, street clothes are highly contaminated and should not be revealed or removed inside the cleanroom.
- Wear garments that shed lint or fibres.
- Wear contaminated, soiled or torn cleanroom garments.
- Street clothes such as shorts, midriff tops, tank tops, hats, open-toe shoes, sandals or any other unapproved cleanroom clothing and shoes.
- Re-use disposable clothes. Always grab a new pair after washing your hands.
- Prepare or consume food or drink.
- Use tobacco.
- Wear or apply cosmetics.
- Wear contact lenses.
- Work in the cleanroom if you are sick and are coughing or sneezing.
Before entering a cleanroom, these don’ts should be made clear to all staff. There are also other rules and procedures that need to be taken into account before entering the highly sensitive area:
- Any item that is brought into the cleanroom should be wiped down with cleanroom approved wipes first. The wipes need to be soaked in an alcohol solution and DI water.
- Get approval before bringing in items such as toolboxes, chemicals and instruments.
- All supplies must enter through the gowning area and they must be approved cleanroom tools and equipment.
- Unbox and remove packaging before bringing items into the cleanroom.
- Any unapproved cleanroom materials such as wood, pencils, cardboard, non-cleanroom paper should be kept out of the cleanroom.
Cleanrooms are generally used in manufacturing and scientific research. It’s essential that these rules be followed to keep a low level of pollutants such as dust, particles and other contaminants. Take a look at this list and keep the cleanroom clean by adhering to these guidelines.