Cleanroom cleaning requires the right mindset. Starting in a new cleanroom at the beginning – the first time – is the ideal learning moment. Only by experiencing it yourself can it be transferred to a regular cleaning crew at a later date. In a new cleanroom, cleaning is therefore best done the first time by the manager together with the operators. This way the management experiences what the critical areas are and what the right mindset is to carry this out on a daily basis. Cleaning is a high-frequency activity that requires discipline.
Unique procedure
Each cleanroom is unique and the practical knowledge during the initial cleaning is the basis for establishing a cleaning protocol. During this phase, users appear to adapt the setup to the cleaning procedures.
The cleaning team
Cleaning a cleanroom is a serious matter that can only be delegated to the cleaning team if the operators and their supervisor have determined together, based on experience, what needs to be done. Every cleanroom is unique; so is the cleaning protocol. Cleaning high-risk equipment is better done by the operator himself.
Visible and invisible
Cleaning seems easy but requires knowledge and discipline. Visible contamination such as construction dirt or post-commissioning contamination are easy to remove, but cleanrooms are all about fine dust. Microscopic, invisible to the eye, and that requires disciplined and motivated cleaners.
Method and order
A reliable cleaning method is one that follows a set schedule. Cleaning should be done at set times and according to a standard procedure. In practice, alternating work motivates and prevents forgetting anything out of habit. Record when you clean and how you clean and keep in mind when drawing up a procedure that it can easily be checked by operators.
Cleaning takes place in a logical order. While cleaning the floor walk from far away back to the entrance door. Several instructional videos can be found on the Internet and are regularly updated
Frequency
The right frequency depends on the activities in the room and how vulnerable the process is to contamination. Fine dust in an environment with “dead” material at semicon companies such as ASML or “live,” such as in the food industry or pharmaceuticals require a different approach.