The key to a successful and efficient cleanroom is maximizing the reliability of your facility and equipment while minimizing the amount of time for shutdowns. One of the most effective ways to ensure you succeed in these areas is a strong preventative maintenance and cleanroom cleaning program. Preventative cleanroom maintenance is maintenance performed on the facility while everything is in working order to remove the risk of unexpected equipment failure and facility shutdown.

Preventative cleanroom cleaning and maintenance that cleanroom operators should always make a priority.

Cleanroom Cleaning and Maintenance 1. Air filter changes. Air filters are one of the most effective tools for keeping particulates and bioburden outside of the cleanroom. Due to the fact that air is being circulated 24/7 in the facility, the filters will need maintenance more frequently than other equipment. Most systems include three filters: pre-filters, bag or box filters, and HEPA filters. Pre-filters and bag or box filters both work to protect the HEPA filter since it is the most expensive. By properly maintaining the preceding filters you ensure effectively cleaned and conditioned air at all times in your facility, and you also will save by providing protection for the most expensive parts of your equipment.

Cleanroom Cleaning and Maintenance 2. Strong communication with employees. Being aware of the condition of your facility is crucial for a well-maintained cleanroom. The best way to stay on top of this information is by having well-trained employees with strong communication. Workers spending time inside the cleanroom have the best information pertaining to the need for cleanroom cleaning, the frequency of air filter changes, equipment that may be in need of maintenance, and when hygiene supplies and PPE are needed.

Cleanroom Cleaning and Maintenance 3. Routinely clean and check the sanitation status of the facility. Cleanroom workers should regularly check the status of their work stations. By keeping a close eye on the particulate count in the facility, workers can address any potential risks before they cause any damage. Additionally, you should always schedule out your cleanroom cleanings required to meet regulatory standards. By working the shutdown into your schedule it’s easier to reduce the impact of the disruption.

Cleanroom Cleaning and Maintenance 4. Plan ahead for cleanroom maintenance visits with outside technicians that will require the cleanroom to shut down. Like air filter changes, the other machinery inside your facility will need maintenance that requires your cleanroom to shut down. Disruption in a cleanroom’s production is so much more harmful to the business when it is unplanned. By having regular, scheduled cleanroom maintenance visits you greatly reduce the risk of unexpected failure by keeping a close eye on the status of all your equipment. Try to schedule maintenance at the same time as filter changes to reduce the level of disruption.

Cleanroom Cleaning and Maintenance 5. Uphold adequate supplies in hygiene zones. Depending on the cleanroom classification, some pretty rigorous steps are followed to maintain the utmost human hygiene. It’s important to maintain all the supplies needed to meet regulatory standards so you never have disruptions in production due to workers being unable to safely enter the cleanroom.

Unplanned disruptions and shutdowns to your cleanroom can be very harmful to your bottom line. By planning ahead and keeping a close eye on the status of everything needing to be maintained you can avoid these surprise shutdowns altogether. Preventative cleanroom maintenance is all about avoiding the unexpected, keeping everything on your timeline. By implementing a strong cleanroom cleaning and maintenance program you can make sure your cleanroom is reliable and efficient.