Basic cleaning in the cleanroom – a task for professionals

(Image rights: CWS International GmbH)

After new construction, renovation, maintenance, or product changes, a cleanroom must be thoroughly cleaned. Using the most professional cleanroom equipment and specially trained staff, specialized service providers ensure that cleanrooms and related systems, including inventory, reliably and continuously meet the limits according to EU-GMP guidelines and DIN EN ISO14644.

Whether in microelectronics or pharmaceutical production; anyone planning or operating a cleanroom has a lot to consider. Much attention is given to the topics of technology, clothing concepts, and staff of a cleanroom. However, what is often only planned late or just peripherally is the cleaning of the cleanroom.

The topic of cleanroom cleaning is more complex than it appears at first glance. Unlike traditional building cleaning, here specialized knowledge and trained personnel are required to consider the requirements of the cleanroom, processes, and much more. "There are some typical mistakes that are often made during basic cleaning," reports Elmedin Sabljica, Head of Operations Germany at profi-con, based on his own experience. The company, which belongs to the CWS Group, has been successful on the market for over 36 years. "For example, basic cleaning is often simply not scheduled before commissioning. Or, due to lack of experience, there is too little time allocated for the basic cleaning."

Classic mistakes also include missing rooms for cleaning utensils after new construction or renovation, or furniture that is either flush with the walls or difficult to access for cleaning. If the tender process then primarily focuses on costs, this can lead to enormous problems, says Elmedin Sabljica. His tip: Instead of focusing solely on costs, emphasis should be placed on quality and qualification. If the cleaning company does not meet the time schedule or if the first basic cleaning does not achieve the required results, a second, more extensive cleaning (re-cleaning) may be necessary, which is time-consuming and costly. The cleanroom then cannot be commissioned on time. "And this is far more expensive than immediately hiring a professional service provider," adds Matthias Duvernell, Head of Operations International.

Qualification of the Cleaning Team

A crucial factor is the qualification of the cleaning team. The necessary slow and controlled movements, know-how regarding the appropriate procedures (always cleaning from the furthest point of the cleanroom and from top to bottom, i.e., ceiling, walls, and floor), wiping techniques, correct application of disinfectants (approach, mixing ratio, and contact times), and relevant expertise for proper documentation make the professional difference.

This is exactly where Matthias Duvernell focuses his team: The company trains and thoroughly tests all employees in theory and practice. All team members undergo qualification as Clean Operators in their own training centers under real cleanroom conditions and are then deployed alongside experienced colleagues at the customer’s site. Ongoing training throughout the year ensures an up-to-date knowledge standard. This guarantees that the limits for the cleanroom class are reliably met with the first basic cleaning.

Short-term deployment possible thanks to flexible team structure & know-how

The training of the team also makes short-term deployment possible, for example in case of an emergency. The teams are usually distributed across the DACH region. In the shortest time, a team can be organized that is ready for deployment shortly thereafter and takes care of restoring the required cleanliness class. This ensures that production does not come to a halt but can restart immediately.

In addition to basic cleaning, regular maintenance cleaning, extraordinary cleaning tasks on complex and sensitive systems, and the removal of unusual contaminations are also offered.