Introduction to Cleanrooms

1. Introduction to Cleanrooms Basic principles and protocols

2. Purpose of Clean Protocol • Promote Successful Cleanroom Operations • Ensure Safety in the Clean Environment • Provide Operational Conditions that Meet Process & User Needs

3. Perspective The protocol provides basic awareness and general guidelines for cleanroom users. Successful cleanroom operation relies on each user’s understanding, participation and self discipline. The success of each user relies on trust, understanding and shared responsibility among all users .

4. What is a Cleanroom? A clean environment designed to reduce the contamination of processes and materials. This is accomplished by removing or reducing contamination sources.

5. Principles of the Clean Environment • Air is highly (HEPA) filtered (99.99% @ 0.3m) • Layout should minimize particle sources in filtered air stream • Air flow should remove most particles generated by process

6. Types of Contamination • Particulate Dust, skin, hair, makeup… • Chemical Oil, grease, metal ions, perfume… • Biological Bacteria, fungi, rodents??? • Radiation Ultraviolet light…

7. Particle Characteristics • 50 micron particles are visible • Average human hair is about 100 microns • Time to fall 1 meter in still air • 33 seconds for 10 micron particle • 48 minutes for 1 micron particle • Humans generate >1x105 particles per minute when motionless (fully gowned) • Humans can generate >1x106 particles when walking in the cleanroom

8. Contamination Sources • People ~75% • Ventilation ~15% • Room Structure ~5% • Equipment ~5%

9. Contamination Control • Personnel Control • Dress code • Personal Hygiene • Gowning • Environmental Control • Entrance and exit • Materials and supplies • Cleaning and maintenance • Atmospheric

10. Dress code • No sleeveless shirts • No shorts or skirts • No slippers or sandals • No jewelry that can puncture garments or gloves • Avoid clothing that sheds

11. Personal Hygiene • Shower each day before entry • Control Dermatitis & Dandruff • Do not smoke before entry • No chewing gum or tobacco • No Cosmetics should be worn • Facial hair will need to be covered

12. Gowning • Proper gowning order • Hair cover • Hood • Shoe covers • Coverall • Gloves • Face mask • Safety Glasses

13. Gowning Basics • Garments should not be removed from cleanroom unless in approved container • Don’t walk out of the cleanroom with your garments on • Change garments when soiled or showing any visible signs of wear • Don’t reach inside your garment while in the cleanroom

14. Garment Reuse and Storage • Reusable – Store in Gown bin or zip lock bag • Coveralls • Hood • Knee-high Booties (not the blue disposables) • Safety Glasses • Not Reusable – Throw in trash • Hair nets & Beard covers • Blue disposable shoe covers • Gloves • Face mask

15. Entry & Exit • Enter and exit quickly • Only one person may enter at a time • Each user must use their own access card • Pass from the gowning area to the clean area slowly to reduce migration of particles between areas

16. Materials and Supplies • Do Not carry non-cleanroom items into the cleanroom • Do not carry cleanroom items out of the cleanroom • Do not use pencils or erasers • Paper should be kept in a plastic sleeve • Do Not cut the cleanroom wipers • Clean everything you carry into the cleanroom

17. Chemicals • Do not take new chemicals into the cleanroom without permission • Always read MSDS for every chemical you use • Large quantities of chemicals must be stored outside the cleanroom • Chemicals inside the cleanroom should be properly stored • All chemical containers should be clearly labeled with their contents and Hazard Classification • Unattended chemicals and experiments should be labeled with the owners name, immediate contact number, list of all chemicals involved, and estimated time of return or completion.

18. Chemical Handling • Always use safety carriers with glass bottles 2L and larger • Do not transport chemicals in open containers • Chemicals should be used inside approved hoods or under properly positioned snorkel extractors • Full apron, Trionic gloves and full face shield are required for using all acids • Gloves, lab coat, and safety glasses are considered minimum personal protective equipment when handling ANY chemical

19. Chemical Handling • In case of a small spill • Inform all users in the cleanroom • Clearly mark the affected area • Use appropriate absorbent material to clean up the spill • In case of large spill • Inform all users in the cleanroom • Clearly mark the affected area and evacuate • Contact VEH&S and cleanroom staff immediately

20. Chemical Handling • Chemical waste should be properly disposed of as outlined by VEH&S • No chemicals may be poured down the drains • Waste containers should be properly marked as such and have a pink Hazardous Waste tag tied to them at all times • If you have questions about disposal contact a staff member

21. In Case of Emergency • Always follow the rules set forth by VEH&S • If an emergency requires evacuation, leave the cleanroom immediately, do not stop to un-gown • Inform other users before leaving

22. Equipment use • All users must be trained before using any equipment • All equipment use should be scheduled • If you are unable to use scheduled time please delete your reservation • It is every users responsibility to report damaged or malfunctioning equipment • It is every users responsibility to properly operate and clean each piece of equipment that they use

23. Housekeeping • Every user is responsible for keeping the cleanrooms clean • Always clean your workspace before leaving • Don’t leave or store items on or in equipment • Do not set liquids on any equipment • Properly store all materials before leaving the cleanroom • Last one out should make sure the room is in a safe idle mode

24. Violations of Rules • First time • Warning • Report to Advisor • Second time • Suspension of access • Report to Advisor • Retraining may be required • Third Offense • Suspension of access • Report to Advisor • Access will not be renewed until an acceptable resolution is reached between Advisor and Cleanroom Manager • Cleanroom Protocol re-training will be required