Identifying Major Sources of Microbial Contamination in a Cleanroom
Microbial contaminants are present in any environment, and cleanrooms are no exception. These microorganisms—like bacteria, spores, fungus, mites, viruses, and more—can destroy the sterility of the cleanroom and affect the outcomes and the products. The professionals at Total Source Manufacturing have taken a closer look at how microorganisms commonly threaten cleanroom aseptic environments and how to combat them.
People
Studies have shown that people are the largest source of microbial contaminants in a cleanroom environment. This can happen through skin and hair shedding, spreading particulates with movements, bringing in outside items like cell phones and pens, and introducing microorganisms through breathing or even poor donning practices.
The Solution: Make sure your employees have all of the supplies and resources on hand to ensure a sterile cleanroom. Gloves, face masks, hoods, coveralls, shoe covers, and cleanroom documentation supplies are all necessities.
Materials
Equipment and materials in the cleanroom can be a source of microbial contamination when aseptic techniques are not observed. Unwrapping supplies can result in the dispersal of microbes and particulates. These contaminants can then be spread with employees’ movements, shoe covers, and trolleys. Additionally, reaching for supplies in the cleanroom can dislodge contaminants into the work area.
The Solution: Provide sticky mats at all the doorways in the cleanroom so street shoes, shoe covers, and trolley wheels have to pass over them to collect loose dirt and particles. When ordering cleanroom supplies, note the packaging stipulations to ensure they are bagged for cleanroom use. Store supplies in a sterile environment. Finally, make sure employees are trained in aseptic techniques so they know how to move and how to reach for supplies in the cleanroom workstation.
Air and Water
Air flow in the cleanroom is a major concern when considering microorganism dispersal. Water used in production must be circulated regularly and tested for microbial overgrowth.
The Solution: Installation and maintenance of a cleanroom-certified HVAC system is essential. Having the right water source, water storage, and filtration systems in place is also critical.
Get Your Cleanroom Supplies Today
Get the right supplies to support a sterile cleanroom environment by calling us today @ 760-598-5599 or visit us @ Total Source Manufacturing. We offer bulk discounts and competitive prices for cleanroom manufacturing.
