Contamination Control Under Foot

Control of airborne and surface microorganisms and airborne particles in a cleanroom is achieved through the physical operation of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system and cleaning and disinfection techniques.

Even with these factors taken into account, contamination can still occur. One area of concern is the entry of personnel2 and the movement of equipment into and out of cleanrooms.3 Traditional ways to control these activities have centered on gowning techniques and the cleaning of equipment. To accomplish this, cleanroom mats are frequently used to remove particles from footwear and from trolley wheels.

Research undertaken at an independent laboratory evaluates the performance of temporary adhesive mats and semi-permanent polymeric flooring in retaining contamination from footwear, and particle generation from removing layers of the adhesive mats.

To view the research and the article, see: Controlled Environments magazine.

Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle