Maintaining the controlled environment of a cleanroom is an ongoing process that requires training, careful planning, and regular cleaning. There are a number of industries that need to maintain specific levels of air quality in a cleanroom, and the regulations that govern them can be very strict. The concentration of airborne particles in these rooms must be set to a specific limit, so new contaminants generated by people and machines have to be removed.
There are several elements of contamination control to make sure the integrity of the cleanroom is not compromised. This could include proper air filters (that are up to HEPA standards), the architecture of the room that controls the air flow, the required clothing, and regular cleaning tasks.
Cleanroom cleaning must be done on a regular basis. Many of these activities must, in fact, be done one or more times per shift. Other tasks may be done at differing intervals throughout the week. Whatever the schedule, though, it is important that only approved chemicals and other cleaning products are used in the room. All vendors should also be aware of these strict policies so there is never a question about what cleaning supplies and equipment are used in the cleanroom.
The cleaning procedures must always meet regulatory expectations because any kind of contamination can lead to excess costs as the company tries to sterilize the room again. Any kind of spores, bacteria, viruses or other airborne contaminants can do a lot of harm before the room is once again safe for to perform the necessary work.
Some of the common tasks that must be performed to meet these regulations and maintain the controlled environment include waste management, vacuum services (if the cleanroom policy allows for a vacuum), airflow and filter management, and regular particle analyses. From there, companies must run compliance audits on their facilities, policies, and procedures while making sure that all of their personnel are completely trained on cleanroom requirements.
Cleanroom cleaning is a process that requires ongoing monitoring and a reliable quality assurance program. Companies that are able to maintain the necessary levels of air quality are able to remain productive and minimize the time and costs associated with re-sterilizing a room. Whether the regulations are a company standard or enforced by an outside agency, companies are working hard to make sure their cleanrooms are always meeting the necessary requirements.
