It seems like in a cleanroom, it’s almost impossible to overthink every move and decision you make. Sometimes people make mistakes they couldn’t have anticipated until they happen. Here are 5 common dangers that not everyone is cognizant of when working in a cleanroom.
Poking holes in the HEPA filter
Take a look at your HEPA filter. Are there any round holes in there? It is not uncommon for someone to get a little too aggressive when pulling the mop out of the bucket, sending the handle straight into the HEPA filter.
Improper gowning and face mask use
Without proper training and awareness, it’s really easy to, for example, let parts of the gown hit the floor when putting it on. It is also possible to wear your facemask inside out. Make sure everyone knows how to properly dress and undress in and out of cleanroom attire.
Touching furniture
If you’re wearing a sterile glove and adjust the height on your chair, you can pick up contaminates from the movement of the adjusting cylinder. Remember that any time you’re dealing with moving pieces, that movement can create electrostatic discharge or release particles.
Outlets
If outlets are not sealed properly, they can become a portal for bugs. Enough said.
Tacky mats
These are great for capturing contaminates off the bottoms of your feet. However, if the mat is too sticky, it can be a tripping hazard. Additionally, if your sticky mat is too small, it’s easy to only hit one foot on the mat when walking across it.
As you can see, the little things can lead to big problems when you’re working in a controlled environment. It’s the things that are easily overlooked that can make compliance very frustrating. Hidden problems are very difficult to fix. If you need cleanrooms contact Gerbig Engineering Company. Not only do we perform these services, but also we have been in this business for thirty years and can help you identify potential problems. 888-628-0056; info@gerbig.com.