Introduction to Cleanrooms

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
  users 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 (99.99 _at_ 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 gt1x105 particles per minute when
  motionless (fully gowned)
• Humans can generate gt1x106 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
• Dont walk out of the cleanroom with your
  garments on
• Change garments when soiled or showing any
  visible signs of wear
• Dont 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
• 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 VEHS and cleanroom staff immediately

20
Chemical Handling

• Chemical waste should be properly disposed of as
  outlined by VEHS
• 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 VEHS
• 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
• Dont 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
• 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-training will be required