Cleanroom Products and Supplies

Why do cleanrooms require special supplies?

Cleanrooms are designed to minimise contamination. ISO-5 cleanrooms, for example, have a maximum of 3,520 airborne particles sized 0.5 µm or larger per cubic metre of air, compared with millions of such particles per cubic metre in a normal office. To get to that level of cleanliness, workers have to abide by strict rules of conduct, and the equipment and supplies used inside the cleanroom itself must be designed to release as few particles as possible. Everyday paper naturally produces fibres, writing with a pencil releases particles of graphite (a potential conductor), and normal pen ink is a potential source of ionic contamination. Everyday products have no place in cleanrooms, and so special cleanroom supplies should be used instead.

Using the right cleanroom products is essential for meeting both industry and ISO 14644-1 standards for a particular cleanroom class. Each of the nine ISO classes (with ISO-1 being the cleanest) has its own set of regulations, which determine how the cleanroom should be designed, which equipment should be used, and what the code of conduct should be to maintain its class’s level of airborne particles.

Useful cleanroom supplies for different ISO classes

Woman looking at clipboard in sterile factory production

Cleanroom paper and notebooks

Taking notes should always be done using cleanroom supplies designed for that purpose. Cleanroom paper is non-shedding, and has been coated to seal individual fibres and minimise the release of particles and the absorption of microbes. Likewise, cleanroom notebooks make use of this specialised paper and are bound using a poly spiral.

Man making notes in a sterile production

Cleanroom markers

While normal writing instruments can release particles of dust, cleanroom markers and pens are designed so that taking notes doesn’t result in unnecessary contamination. Cleanroom markers use low-dust fibre or non-fibre nibs, and use ink that reduces the risk of ionic contamination.

Cleanroom tape

In cleanrooms, tape serves many functions, like marking the floor and colour coding tools. The properties of cleanroom tape allow for the creation of strong bonds without leaving any residue, and it is often laminated so it remains particle-free. It can also include properties that make it easy to tear, anti-static, non-outgassing, and durable.

Scientist in steril coverall gown cleaning the clean room facility

Cleanroom supplies for cleaning

Cleaning a cleanroom rids its surfaces of as many particulates as possible. Vacuum cleaners should therefore be equipped with filtration systems. Mops, used on walls and ceilings as well as floors, shouldn’t distribute fibres. Specially woven cleanroom wipes and sponges are essential for picking up and disposing of contaminants.

Factory worker in blue lab uniform and facemask

Garment systems for cleanrooms

Depending on the class of a cleanroom, the appropriate apparel will be more or less extensive. Required attire may range from a lab coat without pockets and a hair net to garment systems that fully cover personnel with oversleeves, frocks, hair and beard nets and hoods, gloves taped securely, face masks, and shoe covers.

HEPA Filter Leak Test of Technician Clean room

How is a cleanroom test conducted?

Once a cleanroom has been built, it is important for it to be tested periodically (annually or semi-annually) to ensure that it is being maintained to the standards of its ISO 14644-1 class. Cleanroom tests determine whether the air flow design and filtration systems work properly so that the amount of airborne particles do not exceed the specified maximum.

Cleanroom tests focus extensively on making sure the airflow system functions as it should. Not only should the air flowing into and out of the cleanroom be adequate, but it should also flow properly inside the cleanroom itself and from area to area.

HEPA and ULPA filters are also tested for leaks, and any leaks found are checked to make sure that unfiltered air is not entering the cleanroom.

Finally, the concentration of airborne particles is measured using particle counters that use a light scattering principle to measure both the size and amount of particles per cubic metre.

Depending on the industry requirements of a cleanroom, more tests will be conducted to ensure that it is up to standard, such as tests of the cleanroom’s temperature and humidity, as well as vibration, sound and light levels. If products are used in the specific environment they need to be tested as well. For example, edding’s 8011 cleanroom marker underwent testing on its outgassing and surface cleanability by an external institute. Regarding air cleanliness, the black colour was awarded class 2, and blue received class 3 according to the ISO 14644-1 standard. This kind of test also needs to be conducted for other cleanroom products.

edding 8011 cleanroom marker

This marker is certified for use in ISO-2 and 3 class cleanrooms. With its metal and label-free design and 0.6mm round nib, the edding 8011 releases a minimal particulate matter such as dust, is water and smudge-proof, and comes with a convenient cap with clip.

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edding 8014 laboratory marker

Certified by the German Association for Technical Inspection (TÜV), this laboratory marker can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -183°C to +500°C, is waterproof and lightfast, making it a reliable tool for use in laboratory environments.