Why specialization in cleanroom cleaning is so important

Timo Speck, © Reinraumschmiede

Timo Speck, Matthias Alber

Episode 5 of the "Cleanroom Forge" focused on the topic "Why specialization in cleanroom cleaning is so important." In a reversed role, this edition featured the cleanroom expert Timo Speck sharing his many years of experience.

In a role reversal, episode 5 of the "Cleanroom Forge" featured the cleanroom expert and founder of Mikroclean GmbH, Mr. Timo Speck, being interviewed. The role of guest moderator was taken by Matthias Alber from Briem Steuerungstechnik.

"What is important for the topic of cleanroom cleaning? What are the key points?" were the first questions to the cleanroom expert Speck.

Using a Swiss Army knife as a visual aid, the expert explained how a modern service provider in the cleaning sector operates. Just like a Swiss Army knife offers various functions, a traditional cleaning service provides a range of cleaning services, such as window cleaning, carpet cleaning, etc., and also cleanroom cleaning.

However, in daily practice, for example, a professional chef does not rely on a Swiss Army knife with multiple functions but focuses on the essentials and uses a professional knife to cut meat. Similarly, cleanroom cleaning requires specialization in this field.

Specialization is absolutely necessary

As the technical manager at a traditional building cleaning company, Mr. Speck first encountered the topic of cleanroom cleaning through a random request from a customer. He agreed to the task but quickly realized that it couldn't be handled with the Swiss Army knife portfolio.
The recurring problem was always the know-how of the staff. If they only clean a cleanroom occasionally, the desired quality standards cannot be guaranteed. It all started with putting on the overalls in a personnel airlock. From these experiences, the idea emerged to offer this service exclusively in a specialized form and at the highest quality. He founded Mikroclean GmbH for the exclusive cleaning of cleanrooms.

Key points in cleanroom cleaning

In the discussion, the cleanroom expert explained, based on a compelling graphic, which points are particularly important in cleanroom cleaning.

The foundation is an inventory of the current situation in the cleanroom, a hygiene plan, and proper SOPs. SOP stands for "Standard Operating Procedure," a procedural instruction for the cleaning process.

Furthermore, clothing concepts and specialized cleanroom equipment are of great importance. However, the most critical role falls to the cleaning staff. They should be regularly trained, physically fit, possess a health certificate, and have sufficient knowledge of the German language to properly fulfill documentation requirements.

And finally, the staff needs enough time for cleanroom cleaning. Speed and quantity are not the priority; accuracy is.

Invisible dirt

"In a cleanroom, I don't necessarily see the dirt. How can I still ensure it is clean?" asked Matthias Alber. Timo Speck clarified that at Mikroclean, a strict implementation of SOPs ensures the process and guarantees compliance with required cleanliness standards. This way, employees also know that the cleanroom is truly clean.

Timo Speck emphasized again that personnel are a crucial factor. "If the office isn't cleaned, that's not so bad. Work can still proceed," said Speck. However, cleanroom cleaning is part of the customer's manufacturing process. If it is not performed or documented properly, production cannot take place. For this reason, Mikroclean works with double staffing and on-call personnel to ensure proper cleaning.

In-house or external cleanroom cleaning?

The next question from the guest moderator was directed at the cleanroom expert. "There is no standard answer," explained Timo Speck. The decision also depends on trained personnel who understand how cleanroom cleaning and the manufacturing process in the cleanroom work. It requires hygiene plans, documentation, and appropriate equipment. It is also important to implement alternative products into the hygiene plans, as COVID-19 has shown. "If product A is unavailable, product B must be available, and it must be included in the hygiene plan beforehand," said Speck. As a tip, he recommends consulting an external hygiene expert.

Quality assurance of personnel

There was also a discussion on how to ensure the quality of personnel. At Mikroclean, comprehensive basic training on cleanroom systems and cleanroom cleaning is indispensable. Since cleanroom cleaning is not a recognized profession, the company trains its employees at its own academy and collaborates with an external hygiene expert from FH Sigmaringen. Basic and refresher training are mandatory for all employees on their way to becoming cleanroom experts.

The onboarding always takes place together with an experienced cleanroom expert. After the first 10 working days, the first re-audit occurs, where the employee demonstrates what they have learned under supervision and is audited by the experienced expert. Subsequently, semi-annual refresher courses on specific topics, such as "Annex 1" (legal changes), are conducted. "Especially on such an important topic as standards and regulations, employees must always be kept up to date," explained Speck.

Finally, Matthias Alber asked for the top three tips regarding cleanroom cleaning, which the cleanroom expert listed as follows:
1. Listen to experts with expertise
2. Staff must be trained and retrained
3. Staff must be exclusively dedicated to cleanroom cleaning."

In the coming weeks, episode 6 will continue with an exciting interview about the "Cleanroom Forge" itself. Interested parties can stay up to date at www.reinraumschmiede.com or subscribe to the "Cleanroom Forge" channel on YouTube. If you are an expert in the field of "cleanroom" and are interested in being a guest on one of the upcoming episodes of the REINRAUMSCHMIEDE, you can contact Timo Speck directly at blog@reinraumschmiede.com.