Cleanroom safety

While a primary purpose of most controlled environments is to protect the product or process from contamination generated by workers, protecting workers from hazards generated by cleanroom processes—and the cleanroom itself—is paramount.

Cleanrooms are complex systems, with tight floor plans, sophisticated equipment, and hazardous materials. Workers are subject to hazards from the physical environment (electrical, heat, fire). Depending on the facility, workers also may be subject to dangerous chemicals and biological materials.

Safety practices should be part of all standard operating procedures. In addition, all workers should be well trained in emergency procedures in the event of fire, power failure, chemical spill, or other catastrophic event.

This cleanroom tip was taken from "Safety First," which appeared in the November/December 2012 issue of Controlled Environments.

Posted by Tim Sandle