‘Contamination control’ is the term used to describe all activities that control the existence, growth and spread of contamination within a specific area. In this case, control refers to controlling airborne and surface contaminants.
The goal of contamination control is to ensure controlled environments achieve a certain level of cleanliness. This is achieved by reducing, maintaining or eliminating all viable and non-viable contamination.
There are severe consequences when contamination control isn’t properly executed or enforced. The major risk is microbial contamination when processes or products are compromised before they’re released on the market.
Cleanrooms are the most popular environments which are required to have a standard protocol for contamination control. Some areas in the cleanroom have a stricter procedure than others, such as the transfer hatches, corridors, gowning rooms and packaging areas. These areas incorporate the most stringent contamination control measures to eliminate the risk of contamination, whilst maintaining their required cleanroom classification.
Modular Cleanroom Benefits
- Modular Construction
- Quick Assembly Time
- Versatility
- Reconfiguration
- Airflow Control
- Inexpensive Modifications
What are the Different Types of Contamination in a Cleanroom?
Chemical Contamination
There are many chemicals used in cleanroom manufacturing environments. Contamination mostly occurs when undesirable chemicals are added to the desired processing materials. The amount accidentally added only needs to be small.
However, the sensitive nature of cleanrooms in industries such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, microelectronics and other manufacturing cleanrooms mean that trace amounts can damage the product and subsequently affect performance.
Bacteria
Bacteria is a major source of cleanroom contamination. It is a natural part of the environment that acts as either a particulate or chemical contaminant. For instance, a cough or sneeze sends both particles and aerosol into the air. Similarly, scratching any exposed skin can send both bacteria and skin flakes into the air. Bacteria can mutate and grow; they are alive and contain ions (electrically charged molecules).
Cleanroom Design, Build & Validation
- Budgeting and planning
- Engineering, design & layout
- Airflow and filtration design
- Construction and Installation
- Full Certification of our product
- Industry-specific equipment installation
- Validation
Sources of Cleanroom Contaminants
Cleanroom Personnel
Humans are the primary generators of contaminants in the cleanroom. Almost every activity in the cleanroom generates contamination. The shedding of skin particles makes personnel a major source of contamination.
For example, personnel who are sitting give off 100,000-1,000,000 particles per minute. The number increases to 5,000,000 particles per minute when walking. In fact, when walking at a faster pace, this goes up to 10,000,000 particles per minute.
Air
Aerosols and particulates in the air behave differently from large particles. For instance, a paper clip that falls to the ground doesn’t generate as many particles as a small particle that floats in the air for an extended period. They are removed through HEPA filters that filter 99.99% of microns 0.03 or larger in size.
Water
Water is used for cleaning surfaces in the cleanroom. However, purity is critical; pure tap water and pure spring water are impure for cleanroom purposes. The water must be treated to remove salts, dissolved minerals, organics (carbon-containing substances) and bacteria.
Gases
A range of gases are used for various purposes in cleanrooms. This could generate contamination if it isn’t of the highest quality, not filtered or used incorrectly. Vapours and by-products from the gases could also produce contaminants in the cleanroom.
Modular Cleanroom Services
- Design & Build
- Free Site Survey
- Free Design Service
- Cleanroom Planning
- Construction and Installation
- CNC Engineered
- Training & Support
- Discounted Service Contracts
- Remedial Works
- Panel Repairs
- Alternations
- BMS Management
- Cleanroom Certification
- Differential Pressure Qualification
- Servicing Testing Validation
- Smoke Testing
- DOP Testing
Consumables and Cleanroom Equipment
Furniture, equipment and consumables in the cleanroom are also sources of contamination. Equipment and furniture for use in the cleanroom must be compatible and made to the highest grade. Consumables must be manufactured from special bonded paper and seating made from high-grade solid resin. Specialised cleanroom wipes, disinfectants and cleaning agents should also be used.
Cleanroom Features
- GMP
- ISO 4-9
- ISO 14644
- Low Power Consumption
- Environmentally Friendly
- HEPA Filters
- Air Filtration
- Fan Filter Units
- Cleanroom Ceiling System
- Temperature Control
- Access Control
- Inter Lock Door Systems
- Air Showers
- Unidirectional Airflow
- Desiccator Cabinets
- Horizontal Flow Wall Modules
- Horizontal Laminar Flow Clean Benches
- Laminar flow cabinets
- Laminar Flow Canopy
How does Total Clean Air help to Control Contamination in the Cleanroom?
Contamination control training is crucial to controlling contamination in the cleanroom.
Total Clean Air will create a contamination training programme for your manufacturing cleanroom, which will be tailored to your industry, size, cleanroom application and any
other variables.
Usually, contamination control begins with a basic understanding of the cleanroom and defining the elements that must be kept outside of the cleanroom. Our comprehensive training programme examines all sources and types of cleanroom contamination. We provide practical solutions on the best techniques to prevent contaminants from entering the cleanroom.
We prepare a Standard Operating Procedure, which all cleanroom personnel must review as part of the contamination control process.
The class of the cleanroom determines proper gowning. This includes shoe covers, hairnets, gloves, frocks, face covers and coveralls. The SOP also lists gowning procedures for exit and entry to the cleanroom.
One of our qualified engineers examines air filtration to ensure it’s working properly. We teach personnel how to properly clean surfaces and equipment in the cleanroom without introducing contaminants. This includes cleaning surfaces, wiping with an approved solution, vacuuming and mopping.
Cleanroom Industries/Sectors
Contact us today to get started
Total Clean Air is a UK based cleanroom provider that delivers proper training, cleaning methodology and cleaning equipment. We ensure your cleanroom attains the desired level of cleanliness by keeping out contaminants and following proper contamination protocols.
