Introduction to Cleanrooms

Basic principles and protocols

 Purpose of Clean Protocol

 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

 Air is highly (HEPA)

0.3m)
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
 Particulate
Dust, skin, hair, makeup…
 Chemical
Oil, grease, metal ions, perfume…
 Biological
Bacteria, fungi, rodents???
 Radiation
Ultraviolet light…
 Particle Characteristics
 50 micron particles are visible
 Average human hair is about 100 microns
 Time to fall 1 meter in still air
 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

 People ~75%
 Ventilation ~15%
 Room Structure ~5%
 Equipment ~5%
 Contamination Control
 Personnel Control
 Dress code
 Personal Hygiene
 Gowning
 Environmental Control
 Entrance and exit
 Materials and supplies
 Cleaning and maintenance
 Atmospheric
 Dress code

 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

 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
 Proper gowning order
 Hair cover
 Hood
 Shoe covers
 Coverall
 Gloves
 Face mask
 Safety Glasses
 Gowning Basics
 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
 Reusable – Store in Gown bin or zip lock bag
 Coveralls
 Hood
 Knee--high Booties (not the blue disposables)
Knee
 Safety Glasses
 Not Reusable – Throw in trash
 Hair nets & Beard covers
 Blue disposable shoe covers
 Gloves
 Face mask
 Entry & Exit

 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
 Do Not carry non-
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
 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
 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
 In case of a small spill
 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
 Inform all users in the cleanroom
 Clearly mark the affected area and evacuate
 Contact VEH&S and cleanroom staff immediately
 Chemical Handling
 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

 Always follow the rules set forth by VEH&S

 If an emergency requires evacuation,
leave the cleanroom immediately, do not
stop to un-
un-gown
 Inform other users before leaving
 Equipment use
 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
 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
 First time
 Warning
 Report to Advisor
 Second time
 Suspension of access
 Report to Advisor
 Retraining may be required
 Third Offense
 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-
re-training will be required