From a construction site to a cleanroom

If you want to operate a cleanroom in accordance with all applicable standards and guidelines, there is a lot to consider. Setting everything up for the first time already presents many challenges. But how does a newly built cleanroom actually become clean for the first time? Manfred Martin, Supervisor Operations at CWS Cleanrooms Cleaning, tells it.

Like any building, a cleanroom must first be constructed. This normally involves conventional construction measures. Every particle- and germ-free environment was therefore once an ordinary construction site. After completion, when all the systems are in place and connected, the question always arises: How is the cleanroom now freed from all the particles and microorganisms that were inevitably spread during the construction phase? Many operators rely on external cleaning companies that specialise in this. Like the cleaning experts from CWS Cleanrooms Cleaning.

A precise overview is the basis for maximum cleanliness

Every cleanroom runs differently. Therefore, every cleanroom cleaning system must be perfectly integrated into running operations. Cleaning personnel should therefore be very familiar with the conditions on site. To ensure this, an on-site inspection is usually necessary. The cleaning experts pay particular attention to the size, condition and equipment of the cleanroom: “Is it a large cleanroom? How is it integrated into the company building? Are there adjacent grey or black areas that also need cleaning? Which equipment or machines are in the room? According to which standard (GMP/ISO) and to which degree of cleanliness should the cleanroom be cleaned? In which order are the sub-areas to be cleaned? All of this flows into the planning of an optimally coordinated cleaning process,” explains Manfred Martin.

Multi-stage cleaning process & disinfection procedure

Before the actual cleanroom cleaning and disinfection can take place, the specialists must first carry out a so-called rough cleaning. The cleaning staff first remove the coarsest contamination with a hoover, wipes, brooms and shovels to prepare the cleanroom for fine cleaning. After these first two thorough cleaning steps, the cleanroom cleaning follows. This takes place in three stages: Firstly coarse, then fine and finally the employees completely disinfect the area. There are various options for this. Disinfection by hand with a mop and pre-soaked wipes or nebulisation with the SteraMist® system, which achieves a germ reduction of 6 log levels for all types of microorganisms.

In practice, this is how it works: “For GMP areas, two to three cleaning cycles are usually necessary to achieve the desired cleanliness status: rough and fine cleaning as well as disinfection. For ISO areas, only the rough and subsequent fine cleaning are usually performed without disinfection,” says Manfred Martin.

A task for experts

Preparing a cleanroom for sterile or particle-free processes is no trivial task. In addition to the numerous standards and guidelines that apply, material procurement and personnel qualification also play an important role. To enable cleanroom operators to focus on their core competences, experts such as the cleaning professionals from CWS Cleanrooms Cleaning can take over this task. With a basic cleaning, the company takes over the cleaning steps described above completely and realiably. Ongoing, regular routine cleaning tasks are also possible. CWS Cleanrooms also has a mobile team of jumpers for short-term assignments with limited time windows.