Cleanroom Suitable Materials

The category of your cleanroom will determine the specific type of materials that can be used in its construction or within it. For instance, acceptable solvents and garment materials vary amongst the different classes of cleanroom.

There are also typical items used for day to day activities which are deemed unacceptable in cleanrooms. However, items in this category can also be found in cleanroom-approved forms. It’s therefore vital that only the cleanroom approved versions of such items are used in a cleanroom and never substituted for the regular types.

Below are items whose usage is generally prohibited for cleanroom applications:

• Commercial vacuum cleaners or similar unapproved cleaning equipment
• Grease, oils and lubricants
• Wood products
• Leather
• Bare aluminium
• Velcro
• Powders
• Aerosol
• Cardboard
• Food and drink
• Gum
• Makeup
• Unapproved plastic
• Regular writing tools, paper or notebooks
• Books and book bags
• Silica gel
• Open cell foam materials
• Unapproved tape or adhesive
• Plastic bags and bubble wrap

Fortunately, many of these items are available as cleanroom-approved materials and Total Clean Air can provide them in the quantity and quality you require. This includes:

• Paper, notebooks, pens and pencils
• Adhesives or tape
• Cleaning materials and vacuum cleaners
• Wipes and detergents
• Solvents
• Plastic containers

Depending on the class of your cleanroom and laid down protocols, electronics such as laptops, mobile phones, and other similar equipment may not be allowed into the cleanroom.

Modular Cleanroom Benefits

• Modular Construction
• Quick Assembly Time
• Versatility
• Reconfiguration
• Airflow Control
• Inexpensive Modifications

Best Practices To Maintain Cleanliness Levels

To maintain cleanliness levels in a cleanroom, the following personnel behaviours are recommended:

• Move around and operate within the cleanroom in slow, calm movements
• Minimise the amount of talking
• Avoiding smoking or being in contact with second-hand smoke prior to entering a cleanroom
• Washing hands before and after entering a cleanroom
• Using hairnets and beard covers whilst in the cleanroom
• Putting clothes on and taking them off in the prescribed order
• Ensure that cleanroom clothing fits properly before entering the secured environment
• Not bringing unneeded or prohibited materials into the secure environment

Because personnel create more particles than anything else in a cleanroom, it’s crucial that proper garments are worn at all times. Adhering to this and maintaining appropriate cleanroom hygiene and behaviour will significantly contribute to cleanroom integrity.

When in doubt about the suitability of certain materials for cleanroom use, it is advised not to bring them in at all. Effective and personalised training is key to educating personnel with regards what is impermissible in a cleanroom environment. Total Clean Air can provide cleanroom training, as well as validate your controlled environment. Give us a call today to get started.