Introduction to Cleanrooms
Basic principles and protocols
Purpose of Clean Protocol
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Promote Successful Cleanroom Operations
Ensure Safety in the Clean Environment
Provide Operational Conditions that Meet
Process & User Needs
Perspective
The protocol provides basic awareness and general
guidelines for cleanroom users.
Successful cleanroom operation relies on each user’s
understanding, participation and self discipline.
The success of each user relies on trust, understanding and
shared responsibility among all users .
What is a Cleanroom?
A clean environment designed to reduce
the contamination of processes and
materials. This is accomplished by
removing or reducing contamination
sources.
Principles of the Clean Environment
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Air is highly (HEPA)
filtered (99.99% @ 0.3m)
Layout should minimize
particle sources in filtered
air stream
Air flow should remove
most particles generated
by process
Types of Contamination
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Particulate
Dust, skin, hair, makeup…
Chemical
Oil, grease, metal ions, perfume…
Biological
Bacteria, fungi, rodents???
Radiation
Ultraviolet light…
Particle Characteristics
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50 micron particles are visible
Average human hair is about 100 microns
Time to fall 1 meter in still air
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33 seconds for 10 micron particle
48 minutes for 1 micron particle
Humans generate >1x105 particles per minute
when motionless (fully gowned)
Humans can generate >1x106 particles when
walking in the cleanroom
Contamination Sources
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People ~75%
Ventilation ~15%
Room Structure ~5%
Equipment ~5%
Contamination Control
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Personnel Control
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Dress code
Personal Hygiene
Gowning
Environmental Control
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Entrance and exit
Materials and supplies
Cleaning and maintenance
Atmospheric
Dress code
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No sleeveless shirts
No shorts or skirts
No slippers or sandals
No jewelry that can puncture garments or
gloves
Avoid clothing that sheds
Personal Hygiene
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Shower each day before entry
Control Dermatitis & Dandruff
Do not smoke before entry
No chewing gum or tobacco
No Cosmetics should be worn
Facial hair will need to be covered
Gowning
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Proper gowning order
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Hair cover
Hood
Shoe covers
Coverall
Gloves
Face mask
Safety Glasses
Gowning Basics
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Garments should not be removed from
cleanroom unless in approved container
Don’t walk out of the cleanroom with your
garments on
Change garments when soiled or showing
any visible signs of wear
Don’t reach inside your garment while in
the cleanroom
Garment Reuse and Storage
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Reusable – Store in Gown bin or zip lock bag
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Coveralls
Hood
Knee-high Booties (not the blue disposables)
Safety Glasses
Not Reusable – Throw in trash
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Hair nets & Beard covers
Blue disposable shoe covers
Gloves
Face mask
Entry & Exit
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Enter and exit quickly
Only one person may enter at a time
Each user must use their own access card
Pass from the gowning area to the clean
area slowly to reduce migration of
particles between areas
Materials and Supplies
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Do Not carry non-cleanroom items into the
cleanroom
Do not carry cleanroom items out of the
cleanroom
Do not use pencils or erasers
Paper should be kept in a plastic sleeve
Do Not cut the cleanroom wipers
Clean everything you carry into the cleanroom
Chemicals
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Do not take new chemicals into the cleanroom without
permission
Always read MSDS for every chemical you use
Large quantities of chemicals must be stored outside the
cleanroom
Chemicals inside the cleanroom should be properly stored
All chemical containers should be clearly labeled with their
contents and Hazard Classification
Unattended chemicals and experiments should be labeled with
the owners name, immediate contact number, list of all
chemicals involved, and estimated time of return or
completion.
Chemical Handling
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Always use safety carriers with glass bottles 2L
and larger
Do not transport chemicals in open containers
Chemicals should be used inside approved hoods
or under properly positioned snorkel extractors
Full apron, Trionic gloves and full face shield are
required for using all acids
Gloves, lab coat, and safety glasses are
considered minimum personal protective
equipment when handling ANY chemical
Chemical Handling
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In case of a small spill
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Inform all users in the cleanroom
Clearly mark the affected area
Use appropriate absorbent material to clean up the
spill
In case of large spill
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Inform all users in the cleanroom
Clearly mark the affected area and evacuate
Contact VEH&S and cleanroom staff immediately
Chemical Handling
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Chemical waste should be properly disposed of
as outlined by VEH&S
No chemicals may be poured down the drains
Waste containers should be properly marked as
such and have a pink Hazardous Waste tag tied
to them at all times
If you have questions about disposal contact a
staff member
In Case of Emergency
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Always follow the rules set forth by VEH&S
If an emergency requires evacuation,
leave the cleanroom immediately, do not
stop to un-gown
Inform other users before leaving
Equipment use
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All users must be trained before using any
equipment
All equipment use should be scheduled
If you are unable to use scheduled time please
delete your reservation
It is every users responsibility to report
damaged or malfunctioning equipment
It is every users responsibility to properly
operate and clean each piece of equipment that
they use
Housekeeping
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Every user is responsible for keeping the
cleanrooms clean
Always clean your workspace before leaving
Don’t leave or store items on or in equipment
Do not set liquids on any equipment
Properly store all materials before leaving the
cleanroom
Last one out should make sure the room is in a
safe idle mode
Violations of Rules
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First time
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Second time
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Warning
Report to Advisor
Suspension of access
Report to Advisor
Retraining may be required
Third Offense
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Suspension of access
Report to Advisor
Access will not be renewed until an acceptable resolution is
reached between Advisor and Cleanroom Manager
Cleanroom Protocol re-training will be required