Whether you are concerned with chemical purity, the efficiency of your fume hoods, or ICN radiochemicals, you cannot overlook the critical importance of maintaining clean room standards. Even if you acknowledge the importance of keeping up to date, it can still present a set of unique problems and complications that necessitate constant monitoring and ongoing education. Follow our simple guide if you want to be sure that you are operating in accordance with clean room standards.
While you may be aware of the levels of particles that exist in the outside air of chemical manufacturers, it can be helpful to consult with some of the research data that exists to highlight specific numbers. For example, in a typical urban area, the ambient outdoor air contains 35 million particles for each cubic meter in the size range 0.5 micrometer and bigger in measurement, while by comparison, an ISO 1 cleanroom permits no particles in that size range and just 12 particles for each cubic meter of 0.3 micrometer and smaller. When you consider these figures, it is quite apparent why clean room standards exist, and just how difficult they can be to maintain in a proper, sustainable manner that does not lead to further problems or complications. Keeping a close eye on particle matter and establishing strict routines for cleanliness and sanitation can help you stay one step ahead of the contaminant particles that exist in ambient outdoor air.
To maintain clean room standards, it is also a great advantage to keep aware of some of the most common sources of contamination. First and foremost, you should always keep track of anyone that is working inside a clean room. Particles such as hair and skin can easily enter the air and violate clean room standards. Enforcing clear cleanliness protocols for all of your employees is absolutely necessary if you are looking to abide by clean room standards.
Of course, proper sanitation of every piece of equipment and every tool should be a top priority. Again, it is easy for small amounts of unwanted particles to seep into your clean room through any object that is used on a regular basis. Special attention should always be placed on those pieces of equipment that are interacted with on a daily basis.
Although maintaining clean room standards is challenging and difficult for manufacturers of all kinds, thankfully with the right education and procedures you can do your part to contribute to a clean, safe workplace environment for everyone.