A Guide to Cleanroom Contamination Sources & Control

The constant goal of a cleanroom is to maintain its level of cleanliness, and various contamination sources can make this difficult. Cleanroom contamination is defined as particulates that compromise the integrity of a cleanroom’s cleanliness and inhibits processes or quality control. Although a contaminant-free cleanroom is unrealistic (even impossible), much can still be done to understand sources of contamination and how to best control them. From there, procedures can be implemented to combat these factors and prevent contaminants from impacting the environment of a cleanroom. 

Contaminants in a cleanroom can come from a variety of factors – many that you may not even consider when entering a cleanroom! Sources of cleanroom contamination can include, but are not limited to:

People: skin, hair, makeup, nail polish, perfume

Equipment: vibrations, brooms, emissions

Products: debris, flakes, chips
 

Facility: walls, paint, room air, leaks

Fluids: bacteria, chemicals
 

Processes: cleaning, maintenance

There are certain actions you can take when entering or maintaining a cleanroom to reduce the risk of contamination within the cleanroom. By incorporating the following tips, your cleanroom can help maintain its level of cleanliness.

REDUCE MOVEMENT WITHIN THE CLEANROOM

A cleanroom's level of cleanliness is heavily influenced by the behavior of cleanroom personnel. Reducing the movement of team members when inside the cleanroom can reduce the risk of further contamination. Read about the dos and don'ts of cleanroom behavior to understand how your cleanroom personnel can contribute to a well-maintained environment.

WEAR APPROPRIATE CLEANROOM ATTIRE

Depending on the ISO classification of the cleanroom, different cleanroom garments may be required to maintain the level of cleanliness required for certain tasks. This may include cleanroom gloves, cleanroom coveralls, cleanroom face masks, cleanroom boot covers and cleanroom bouffant caps. To learn which garments are needed for your specific type of cleanroom, review our Suits and Garments Selection Guide and follow our step-by-step guide for cleanroom gowning procedures.

USE APPROPRIATE CLEANROOM CLEANING SUPPLIES

Cleanrooms should be sanitized using unique supplies that can eliminate microbacteria beyond traditional cleaning products. Again, depending on the class of cleanroom, tasks being performed and your company's guidelines, there are cleanroom supplies to meet every need. Make your selection with our wide variety of Chemicals & Cleaners.

MONITOR YOUR CLEANROOM'S CLEANLINESS

Even after your cleanroom is up and running at the designated class, you must continually monitor your cleanroom to ensure it is being operated at this same standard. One cleanroom best practice includes using particle counters, as they are excellent tools to use to collect data of air particles. Discover the proper testing equipment for your cleanroom with our selection of Particle Counters.

ENFORCE A CLEANROOM CLEANING & MAINTENANCE PROTOCOL

To ensure proper maintenance and cleaning procedures are followed for your cleanroom, consider putting together a protocol. These guidelines can outline the enforced procedures, optimal cleaning products, and cleaning schedule for your cleanroom. This will optimize your efficiencies and share knowledge among team members. For a more in-depth look at maintaining your cleanroom, review our selection of Product Education and Buying Guides.

Ensuring contamination control in your cleanroom is of the utmost importance for keeping a safe environment. The quality of the products being manufactured in your cleanroom depend on strict regulation, so it is very valuable to understand how your personnel and cleaning supplies can maintain this. For more information on controlling cleanroom contaminants, contact us – we’re happy to help answer your questions.