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What is Cleanroom | Cleanroom Basics

Learn What is Cleanroom and Cleanroom SOP – Cleanroom Best Practices & Behaviour – Clean Room Entry & Exit Procedure.

Learn What is Cleanroom, ISO Class, Dangers, Clean Room SOP, Best Practices & Behavior, Entry and Exit Procedure.

What is Cleanroom?

A cleanroom or Clean Room is a working environment where concentration of  airborne particles and contamination is controlled to maintain the specified limits. Such working environment is a MUST at manufacturing units of Semiconductors, Pharmaceutical, PCB Manufacturing, Scientific Research, Manufacturing Centers, Testing Facilities and other critical environments where even little contamination can be harmful.

Any contamination in a cleanroom generated by movement of people, manufacturing or research process and equipment should be removed or controlled up to the required standards. The Federal Standard 209E is widely followed clean room standard and guideline.

What is Cleanroom - Cleanroom SOP

Sources of Contamination in a Cleanroom

Here is a partial list of some of the commonly known contaminants:

– Hair – Skin Flakes – Saliva – Makeup
– Lotions – Perfumes – Coughing / Sneezing – Excessive Movement
– Perspiration – Wood – Paper – Cardboard
– Tobacco Products – Gum, Cough Drops – Packing Material – Duct Tape
– Dirty Clothing – Chemicals – Caulks and Paints – Aerosols
– Ions (Rust) – Permanent Markers – Non-Cleanroom Pens – Smoke
– Thinner – Solvents – Food & Drinks

Dangers of Contaminants

Most contaminants in a clean room environment is invisible to naked eyes. They can be as tiny as 0.3 microns. Despite the tiny size, these contaminants can cause serious damage in sensitive and critical manufacturing units and research centers.

Any material, substance, particle, chemical, or other undesirable substance can taint, pollute, defile, make impure or unclean, or adversely effect the process or product. Contamination can take many forms such as: particulate, chemicals (including gases), electro-static discharge, viables (bacteria, molds, etc..), and other forms.

How to Control Contaminants in a Cleanroom

Contamination control in a clean room needs proper planning and execution of these plans.

  1. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) – These filters are very effective in contamination control. They filter particles as small as 0.3 microns.
  2. Design – Cleanrooms are specially designed for better airflow and least contamination.
  3. Cleaning – Cleaning is an essential element of contamination control. All such cleaning job is done as per the class of the unit and the set standards.
  4. Cleanroom Garments – Special garments are required for clean room. ESD Aprons, hand gloves, face mask and head covers are standard garments.
  5. Human Behavior in Cleanroom – Contamination in a clean room can also be controlled by human behavior. There are both physical and psychological concerns when humans are present in a clean room. Fast motion is prohibited in such an environment.
  6. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) – Flow of electrons from one object to another creates electrostatic charge. ESD protective materials are used to prevent damage from ESD. Common products and material used for ESD protection are – wrist straps, ESD-safe aprons, ESD-safe Footwear and ESD-safe garments.

Cleaning Procedures for Cleanroom

Cleaning procedures in cleanrooms depend on the class of the unit. Most commonly sterile cleaning solutions, sticky mats, swabs, wipers and special mops are used for the job.

Video: Cleanroom SOP & Best Practices

Conclusion

I hope after reading this article it is clear what is cleanroom, clean room class and how to maintain a clean room environment. Please feel free to ask any question below in the comment section.

FAQs: What is a Clean Room?

Cleanrooms are crucial for industries that require high precision and purity. They prevent contamination during manufacturing processes, leading to improved product quality, reliability, and safety. This is especially vital in sectors like semiconductor manufacturing and medical device production.

Cleanrooms are classified based on the number and size of particles allowed per cubic meter of air. The classification ranges from ISO 1 (fewest particles) to ISO 9 (more particles). The classification dictates the strictness of cleanliness requirements and the equipment used in the cleanroom.

Cleanrooms are used in various industries. In electronics, they are crucial for semiconductor fabrication and assembly. In pharmaceuticals, cleanrooms ensure sterile drug production. Biotechnology relies on cleanrooms for manufacturing and research involving sensitive biological materials.

Maintaining a cleanroom involves various measures, including HEPA and ULPA filters, controlled airflow, specialized clothing (cleanroom suits), and strict protocols for entering and exiting. Regular cleaning, monitoring, and testing ensure the environment remains within the specified cleanliness standards.

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Santosh Das

Santosh, founder of this Electronics Tutorial Website, is an Electronics Geek, Blogger and Young Entrepreneur. He possesses vast experience in the field of electronics, electronic components, PCB, Soldering, SMT, Telecommunication, ESD Safety, and PCB Assembly Tools, Equipment and Consumables. Keep visiting for daily dose of Tips and Tutorials.

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24 Responses

  1. makcleanair air syatems says:

    very informative article ,thank you….

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