Though they have built-in systems to remove particles efficiently, daily cleanroom maintenance is still of high importance if you want your space to stay pristine. There is no way around it. Even with the best ULPA filters in the world, if no one wiped down the equipment the day before, the space and your products along with it could be easily compromised.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the daily tasks that must be performed in order to maintain your cleanroom.
Cleanrooms require a significant amount of maintenance, and there are many tasks daily that will need to be informed to ensure that yours is both clean and working as it should. Most of these tasks should be part of your SOP.
A cleanroom’s filtration system is probably its most essential feature, as it is the main defense against contamination. As a result, make sure you do the following.
Check the pre-filters to make sure they’re not clogged, and are otherwise working correctly. The purpose of them is to catch the larger particles before air reaches the HEPA or ULPA filters. If they’re clogged, they ought to be replaced right away, as this can put stress on the more expensive filters, which as a result may not last as long.
Also, be sure to check the pressure between cleanroom zones. If these aren’t right, airflow could move in the wrong direction. What’s more, a change in differential pressure or air velocity may point to a clogged filter or other issue with the system.
Even with all the special filtration technology, surfaces in cleanrooms can still garner many particles, especially from workers, as well as their tools and equipment.
Make sure every bench, pass-through, light switch, etc., is wiped with cleanroom wipes and the approved disinfectant. Always clean top-to-bottom, clean-to-dirty.
For floors, they should be HEPA vacuumed first, then mopped.
Furthermore, tools and equipment themselves can end up taking particles into vulnerable areas if not cleaned properly.
Wipe tools with 70% IPA or whatever your protocol says right after use. Then, let it dry completely.
Take a look over them while wiping, especially for things like rust, cracks, tape residue, or dried product; in other words, anything that can shed should be pulled from the surface.
Clean tools go back into sealed drawers or pass-throughs. Nothing should sit out on the bench.
Operators (personnel) are perhaps the biggest contributors of particles in a cleanroom.
As a result, they should spot-check gowns several times per shift, to see if their hair is contained, gloves are over cuffs, that no skin showing, etc. If there are any issues, these must be fixed on spot.
Also, make sure to keep the gowning room and airlocks in good order. Garments should be restocked and damaged ones should never be used. Benches should be wiped daily, and cleaning stations should have soap and other materials for proper cleaning.
Handwashing is mandatory with every single entry. If the soap/sanitizer is empty, refill them before the next person comes in.
Unfortunately, cleanrooms cannot stay clean on their own, and will require many daily maintenance tasks. Surfaces must be wiped down, filters need to be checked, and always, staff need to follow relevant protocol. Daily cleanroom maintenance helps keep your space working for you.
Sometimes, but only if they’ve been approved beforehand, and are non-shedding and cleaned correctly between uses.
Avoid using chemicals that could corrode wall materials. Also, don’t use linting materials, or personal items like smartphones or pens. Never make shortcuts, either. While cleaning surfaces, you should not wipe in random patterns, but move top to bottom.
Yes, of course. As you might expect, higher-class cleanrooms (ISO 5–6) will require more frequent (and detailed) cleaning, stricter gowning protocols, etc. Lower classes (ISO 7–8), on the other hand, still need to be clean, but their procedures may be slightly more flexible.