When designing an ante room, be sure to use low level returns near the wash sink and the gowning stool/bench. The dirtiest operation in an ante room is the washing of hands and gowning procedure. The location of returns near the processes will remove contaminates generated during these operations. Placing HEPA filters strategically to move clean air across the process areas toward the returns will limit the migration of these particles to less desirable areas. Use gravity and air flow to remove particulates from high generation areas, since these personnel carried or generated particles can attach to garments and be transported into the main cleanroom/buffer room. It does no good to clean without removing the dirty particles you have generated immediately.
This cleanroom tip was contributed by Rick Meyer, President of Superior Laboratory Services Inc. in Pasadena, Texas. Rick has 35 years of experience in the business. He is an inspector for Texas State Board of Pharmacy, an ISO-14644 TAG team member, and IEST Education VP. rick@slsi.net; www.slsi.net
This cleanroom tip appeared in the March/April 2016 issue of Controlled Environments.
