How Not Knowing Cleanroom Behaviors Makes You a Rookie
Cleanrooms are able to maintain their classification, sterility, and efficacy only if each employee adheres to the standards and modifies his or her behavior. Aseptic technique procedures are essential in producing the high standards needed for sterile products. To help you understand the dos and don’ts of cleanroom behaviors, the pros at Medco Supplies have put together these tips.
Preparing for Work
Before heading to the cleanroom, you should maintain careful personal hygiene and avoid lotions, makeup, perfume, nail polish, and deodorant which all could contaminate a cleanroom. Jewelry is also not appropriate in cleanrooms. Since hands are the most common source of passing contaminants, handwashing should become a regular habit when arriving at work, entering the gowning room, and before putting on gloves. Cell phones are common contaminants and should be left in lockers. Gum should be discarded before gowning.
Understanding Cleanroom Protocol
Spending time memorizing the steps for safe gowning procedures is key to keeping a strict cleanroom. Steps like gowning gloves being changed for cleanroom gloves are designed to maintain the highest standards. Understanding the reason behind these cleanroom protocols may discourage shortcuts that could result in the introduction of particulate matter.
Proper Gowning
Follow the gowning recommendations for your class of cleanroom including hairnets, bouffants or hoods, beard covers, masks, coveralls, shoe covers and gloves. Only properly attired employees should be allowed into the cleanroom.
Personal Conduct
A cleanroom environment is difficult to maintain and takes constant vigilance on everyone’s part. If a spill or mess is made, it should be immediately wiped up with wipers and appropriate cleaning materials designed specifically for the cleanroom. Clutter should be tidied up and waste disposed of properly. Labels need to be orderly and cleanroom documentation should be used.
Talking is kept to a minimum in the cleanroom to prevent the spread of airborne particles. Excess movement is discouraged for the same reason. Particulates on the body can be spread through excess talking or moving. The room’s HVAC-controlled filtered airflow moves best when unimpeded and in a sealed room with doors and windows shut.
Sneezing or coughing into a low-lint tissue or elbow should become a natural habit. If you are experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, you should stay out of the cleanroom. Respect for others and for the cleanroom environment will help you develop these important habits.
Equipment Care
Any equipment malfunctions or breakages should be reported immediately. Care should be used when handling the most sensitive equipment to keep it in good condition. If electrostatic discharge is an issue, employees should be trained in prevention. Supply orders should be submitted as soon as supplies begin to decrease.
Get your cleanroom supplies in bulk
To maintain your cleanroom standards, make sure you have plenty of gowning supplies and cleaning supplies on hand. Contact us today for a quote bulk supplies for your cleanroom. We ship rapidly and internationally so give us a call to place your order.
