How to prepare for a cleanroom installation at your workplace

If you run a company and plan to add a cleanroom at your premises,

then you have to prepare accordingly. No two cleanrooms are

the same, so you will need to consider your requirements

thoroughly before choosing the right

model. You'll also want to be sure that your employees are

appropriatelyprepared to begin work in the new space. Here's a few things to keep

inmind

Consider your manufacturing needsTo ensure you get the most out of

your new cleanroom, be sure you'vefactored in all the manufacturing

requirements you have. For example, you

might be installing a cleanroom to improve your production yield, limit

dustduring certain processes, maintain a

particular ISO rating or all of theabove. Whatever your reasons, be sure they are front and centre at

everypart of the planning process.

Consider the possibility of changeSome cleanrooms do not offer much in the way of modularity,

meaning oftenthey cannot be changed once

they have been installed. This can be

problematic, as, if your company grows or your requirements

develop, youmight need to install a new facility

to cope. Therefore, it is worth looking

into the possibility of a modular cleanroom, one than can be

adapted easilyto changes in your needs.

Plan for expansionEven if you do choose a modular cleanroom, it is advisable not to stick to

the bare minimum space-wise. Always give yourself more

than enough room, inorder to deal with expansion

and allow those inside to work comfortably.

Plan adequate air conditioningIf two or more people are working

in a cleanroom in protective gowns, masks,

gloves and booties, body heat becomes a factor. Add to this the

heatproduced by on-site equipment, and you can end up with a very

stuffy,suffocating atmosphere. If you

think heat will be an issue in yourcleanroom, consider using a

recirculated air design to keep things fresh.

Set written, compulsory guidelines for all staff

The most common cause of cleanroom contamination is

people. Be sure, then,that you minimise risk and maximise effectiveness by

writing up a clear,understandable step-by-step

guideline to cleanroom procedures that every

member of your team can understand and abide by.

For more information please visit

www.technickon.co.uk