1. Introduction to Cleanrooms
Basic principles and protocols

2. Purpose of Clean Protocol
Promote Successful Cleanroom Operations
Ensure Safety in the Clean Environment
Provide Operational Conditions that Meet Process & User Needs

3. 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 .

4. 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.

5. Principles of the Clean Environment
Air is highly (HEPA) filtered 0.3m)
Layout should minimize particle sources in filtered air stream
Air flow should remove most particles generated by process

6. Types of Contamination
Particulate Dust, skin, hair, makeup…
Chemical Oil, grease, metal ions, perfume…
Biological Bacteria, fungi, rodents???
Radiation Ultraviolet light…

7. 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

8. Contamination Sources
People ~75%
Ventilation ~15%
Room Structure ~5%
Equipment ~5%

9. Contamination Control
Personnel Control
Dress code
Personal Hygiene
Gowning
Environmental Control
Entrance and exit
Materials and supplies
Cleaning and maintenance
Atmospheric

10. 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

11. 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

12. Gowning Proper gowning order Hair cover Hood Shoe covers Coverall
Gloves
Face mask
Safety Glasses

13. 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

14. Garment Reuse and Storage
Reusable – Store in Gown bin or zip lock bag
Coveralls
Hood
Knee-high Booties (not the blue disposables)
Safety Glasses
Not Reusable – Throw in trash
Hair nets & Beard covers
Blue disposable shoe covers
Gloves
Face mask

15. 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

16. Materials and Supplies
Do Not carry 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

17. 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.

18. 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

19. Chemical Handling In case of a small spill In case of large 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
Clearly mark the affected area and evacuate
Contact VEH&S and cleanroom staff immediately

20. 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

21. 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-gown
Inform other users before leaving

22. 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

23. 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

24. Violations of Rules First time Second time Third Offense Warning
Report to Advisor
Second time
Suspension of access
Retraining may be required
Third Offense
Access will not be renewed until an acceptable resolution is reached between Advisor and Cleanroom Manager
Cleanroom Protocol re-training will be required