Access control in the cleanroom

(Source: Unsplash)

Cleanrooms are complex systems. Processes must be precisely coordinated, and without comprehensive safety concepts, their functionality without contamination cannot be guaranteed. The goal is to maintain a balance: as much safety as necessary, without hindering work processes or losing efficiency.

Access without Compromise

It is precisely regulated and standardized which germ and particle concentrations are permitted in a cleanroom according to relevant classes. Even small changes can become problematic here. The biggest source of contamination: humans. Therefore, it must be clearly regulated who is allowed to be in which area and when. Unauthorized persons must not be granted access under any circumstances. Electronic access systems can directly determine from stored personal data whether a person has the necessary qualification to enter an area.

A modern access control system is therefore indispensable. These systems combine practicality with security. Areas can only be entered by authorized personnel. The unlocking of doors is particularly quick and straightforward, so workflows are not unnecessarily delayed.

Contactless Access

Especially when personnel wear special protective clothing, the airlocks must be easy, precise, and touchless to operate. Technologies such as facial recognition or hand vein scanners are used for this purpose.

To prevent contamination from the outside world entering the cleanroom, both sides of a personnel airlock must work perfectly in harmony to ensure that never both doors are open at the same time. Intelligent airlock systems ensure this.

Many electronic door systems also allow processes to be precisely traced afterward, so in case of problems, it is clear who was where and when. Every activation of the system, every access, is stored in the system and can be checked later.

Temporary Access Authorization

An advantage of today's access systems is their flexibility. Through comprehensive system integration with time recording systems and shift schedules, access can be limited in time for individuals. Exactly for the duration of the shift, ensuring that not too many people are in one area and hindering each other.

Cybersecurity

The technical possibilities offer great advantages and facilitate daily work. At the same time, new security levels must be considered. After all, smart systems are based on stored personal data. These data must be effectively protected.

And the systems themselves must also be protected through strong cybersecurity measures. In the event of a successful hacking attack, unauthorized persons could gain access, and contamination of the cleanroom could no longer be ruled out. A fundamental measure to ensure safety and stability in work processes is a clear separation of the access control system from the regular corporate network and external connections.

However, it does not always have to be active cyberattacks; a smoothly functioning IT environment is also important. The functionality of personnel airlocks largely depends on the technical systems correctly capturing all data and ensuring that only the correct airlocks are opened at all times.

Stability in Crisis Situations
In security concepts, two priorities come into conflict in emergencies: personnel protection and asset protection, which must be balanced. Of course, the safety of personnel always takes top priority. In case of a fire or gas leak, employees cannot go through the regular airlock process during evacuation. That would take too much time and put them at risk.

Modern control systems have emergency circuits linked to the fire alarm system. In case of a fire, doors that are normally locked are immediately unlocked, allowing personnel to evacuate.

The same applies if there is a power outage. Employees can then leave the cleanroom without electronic verification and authorization.

To prevent dangerous substances from escaping the cleanroom into the outside environment (or vice versa), modern building management systems can immediately adjust the supply and exhaust air controls to minimize risks in the current situation without delay. An advantage of smart exhaust management systems is also their ability to reduce energy costs.

Conclusion

Modern access controls are not just a nice-to-have but are a fundamental pillar of process security for the efficient and safe operation of cleanrooms. Only when access systems ensure the necessary security and do not hinder business processes can they truly benefit the company. Over the past years, access systems have been continuously developed, so they no longer aim to minimally delay processes but actively contribute to their efficiency. A sensible implementation in the corporate environment and adequate cybersecurity measures are crucial.

About the Author

Nils Ott has been working as a freelance writer for years on a wide range of topics, including various aspects of the tech world. Among other things, he writes articles on security technology, agricultural technologies, or home modernization and smart homes in general.