What You Need to Know About ISO Classifications for Cleanrooms
Cleanrooms are used extensively for manufacturing, research and life sciences. Knowing you need a cleanroom to control particulates and potential contaminants is one thing, adhering to the International Standards Organization (ISO) classifications is another. Do your employees need lab coats and hairnets or do they need full coveralls and hoods? The classification of your cleanroom will answer these types of questions.
At Total Source Manufacturing, we understand the complexities of the cleanroom and we work to provide the best information and supplies to support your facility. Here are some things you need to know about ISO classifications as you establish your cleanroom.
The higher the number, the lower the standards
ISO classifications come in different classes. Class 1 is the most stringent with only 10b ³0.1µm maximum allowable particle concentrations. Class 9 is the most lenient, allowing 293,000 ³5.0µm particulates. Whatever class your cleanroom needs to be will determine everything else about its construction and processes.
Air exchange is determined by class
Your HVAC system will need to be carefully designed to fit your cleanroom class. A Class 2 cleanroom has 500-750 air exchanges per hour and uses HEPA or ULPA filtration. A Class 6 cleanroom can get away with fewer air exchanges, or 90-180 per hour. Laminar air flow creates constant, unidirectional flow and is used in Classes 1-4. Class 5 uses unidirectional airflow with high efficiency filters to achieve 240-360 air exchanges per hour.
Chambers and gowning rooms are determined by class
Airlocks, gowning rooms and chambers are predetermined by the class of your cleanroom. An ISO 7 cleanroom has an airlock and gowning room prior to entering the chamber. An ISO 5 cleanroom has an anteroom and 2 or 3 airlocks as employees traverse from Class 8 to Class 5 in steps.
What types of cleanrooms are available?
Cleanrooms can be temporary structures, such as plastic walls or vinyl curtains and can be made movable by adding wheels. Or, they can be permanent structures made traditionally of wood, metal and drywall. Prefabricated modular walls can assemble into a fast, easy cleanroom that is cost-effective. Whatever structure is used, raised floors and ULPA ceilings will be needed.
Buy in bulk
We source our cleanroom supplies with ten factories to ensure your products meet the sterile standards of your cleanroom classification. Order a bulk shipment from Total Source Manufacturing to supply your cleanroom with some of the best products available.
