Cleanroom cleaning is essential for anyone in the requisite industries, such as biotechnology or the medical field. By knowing what cleanroom cleaning supplies you need, the overall procedures, and understanding sanitation protocols, you can limit the risk of contamination.
While there are fundamental similarities, some cleaning procedures may vary due to the ISO Class rating differences in different cleanrooms. These classes range from ISO 1, the cleanest, to ISO 8, the dirtiest.
The ISO Class 7 cleanroom cleaning procedure may, therefore, differ significantly from the ISO Class 3 version. It is almost impossible to account for every distinction.
However, this offers a valuable overview and introductory guide to help you understand some basics.
Cleanroom Cleaning Sanitation Protocols
Before entering the cleanroom:
- Wash and dry hands thoroughly
- Put on sterile gloves
- Follow your gowning procedure based on the ISO Class
Wear the necessary protection, e.g.:
- Lint-free shoe covers
- Disposable gloves
- Hair covers
- Beard covers
- Surgical masks
- Gowns/frocks
- Safety glasses
- Bouffant caps
Cleanroom Cleaning Supplies and Equipment
All cleanroom cleaning supplies and equipment must be of high quality and suit the ISO Class of that particular cleanroom. These tend to include but are not limited to:
- Cleanroom wipes
- A cleanroom vacuum, specifically a HEPA Filter vacuum
- Multi-bucket cleanroom mops
- Cleanroom–specified cleaning agents
- Disinfect‐cleaners such as isopropyl alcohol, phenols, or sodium hypochlorite
- The ISO Class 7 cleanroom cleaning procedure may require the sterilisation of disinfecting apparatus before they are used
- Cleanroom-suited brooms and brushes
- Cleanroom sponges
- Adhesive tacky rollers
- Metal-free and heavy-duty plastic buckets
A Guide To Cleaning Procedures
Procedures vary according to the ISO Class. For example, the ISO Class 7 cleanroom cleaning procedure includes annual checks. On the other hand, semi-annual checks are reserved for ISO Class 1 to 5.
However, there are some basics that staff can follow while still considering the differences between the ISO Classes. Even with daily and weekly cleaning, one should view these procedures as a template and then educate oneself on the variations.
The Daily Cleaning Procedure
Prior to the Shift
- Clean the floors with a damp mop using a multi-bucket mopping system.
- Dry them with the cleanroom vacuum cleaner
- Clean the walls with the same cleanroom vacuum cleaner.
- Pass-throughs and windows should then be meticulously washed, wiped, and dried.
- ISO Class 5 cleanrooms require extra attention, and the workstations should be wiped down at the beginning of each day.
Shift End
- Wipe down all work areas, including those that have yet to be used by personnel.
- It is also important to note that the number of times one should wipe these areas down increases with cleanrooms that require a higher quality of cleanliness.
The Weekly Cleaning Procedure
- The walls should be wiped down with a sponge and distilled water and then vacuum-dried with a HEPA filter vacuum.
- The floors should be mopped with a clean-room-specific detergent and distilled water. They should then be dried with a HEPA filter vacuum.
When Required:
- Change mats frequently.
- Wash ceilings with distilled water and clean-room-specific detergent.
- Frequently disinfect all surfaces using a multi-bucket system.
- Clean light lenses when needed with a damp sponge.
Staff Training
Staff training is imperative. Every single individual who will be entering and leaving the cleanroom should be trained. If trained well, they can eliminate stress for everyone around the cleanliness of the environment.
A training plan or curriculum is vital, whether through published guidelines, information made available in the cleaning room, or both. There are many approaches and methods for educating personnel.
It is recommended that the training start at a basic level, as even seasoned personnel need to be well-versed in the fundamentals. It is easy to forget the smaller aspects of maintaining the cleanroom, and these details can make all the difference.
After training staff, regular tests and refreshers could ensure they fully recall and understand their training.
Extra Tips for Cleaning Cleanrooms
- Always clean from top to bottom
- For the most part, cleaning should occur from the cleaner areas to the dirtier areas, for example, from ISO Class 5 to ISO Class 6, then 7.
- Prepare your cleaning materials using the specified methods, such as a water-diluted cleaning solution.
- A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all staff is vital.
- Never wax or buff floors. Use the appropriate mixture for your cleanroom instead.
- Use environmental monitoring tools (EM) to spot contaminants.
- Do not introduce cleaning agents that aren’t specified in cleanrooms.
- Use cleanroom wipes for surface contamination and spills.
- ISO Class 5 to 8 cleanroom cleaning procedures require cleanroom cleaning supplies that are low-lint and produced from synthetic microfibers.
The Importance of Air in Cleanrooms
Beyond cleaning surfaces with equipment and supplies such as cleanroom wipes, cleanroom vacuums, and more, air is another component that maintains an immaculate environment. A fan filter unit is perfect for this.
Fan filters decontaminate the air by taking in unpurified air and then letting out purified air. Fan filter units are also easy to maintain, flexible, and cost-effective.
The Continued Risk of Cleanroom Contamination
Everything should run smoothly if general procedures based on the correct ISO Class are followed. However, contamination can still occur, and the number one source is usually personnel.
Therefore, personnel must take the procedures seriously and ensure cleanliness is a top priority.
If you’re interested in Fan Filter Units and other cleanroom products, please contact us.