Common Cleanroom Hazards

Maintaining stringent standards for a controlled cleanroom environment requires a commitment to staff training as well as regular inspections. Unfortunately, there can be a number of challenges involved when people work within the environment and equipment can malfunction as well. Put simply, things can go wrong. Let’s go through some common cleanroom hazards to rectify or avoid in order to minimize contamination. 

Common Cleanroom Hazards

Uncovered Electrical Outlets

Electrical outlets need to be properly sealed. Uncovered outlets invite contamination, including insects which can crawl through the sockets. 

Moving Furniture

Contamination can result from the slightest movement, including picking up a sterile glove or adjusting a chair. Electrostatic discharge can occur whenever two objects come into contact. Cleanliness depends on continuous airflow which is why cleanroom design is so critical to performance. Moving furniture from their positions should be avoided and staff should keep their movements to an absolute minimum while they are working within the space. 

Improper Gowning

Workers can accidentally introduce contamination into the cleanroom just by letting their coveralls touch the floor when putting them on in the gowning room. This is why training in proper gowning procedure is essential for all employees. 

Improper Masking

Wearing a face mask wrong side out can cause contamination, so workers should be trained to tell the difference and be mindful of it when masking. They should know and understand how contamination results from improper masking and gowning so they can better avoid it. 

Improper Storage of Communication Devices

Items like cell phones are commonly prohibited within a cleanroom space. Because they are constantly handled, they are extremely hard to keep contamination free. Sometimes workers must have cell phones, pagers, or radios in the cleanroom with them to do their work. These items should never be clipped to clothing, however. They can easily fall and break that way. Use a specially designed sterile pack to carry a communication device if you must have one with you. 

Entering and Exiting

Entering and exiting can also introduce particles into your cleanroom.  Workers should limit the amount of times they need to enter and exit during their shift. Pass through cabinets, either stationary or cart, should be used to bring product or equipment into the cleanroom whenever possible to limit traffic in and out of the cleanroom.

While it’s not possible to avoid every occurrence of contamination because people’s movements are often chaotic, training staff in proper cleanroom procedures will go a long way towards avoiding common cleanroom hazards.