The NEBB clearly outlines the responsibilities of a Cleanroom Performance Testing (CPT) professional – underpinned by the ultimate responsibility to control the quality of the work, and satisfying the quality of the project testing, “exclusive of acceptance criteria or guaranteeing performance.”
Thoroughly understanding the role of the CPT professional forms the foundation for testing success. Below are the responsibilities as outlined by the NEBB:
1. Execution of CPT procedures
2. Technician training
3. Cleanroom procedures training
4. Instrument use and maintenance
5. Coordination/supervision
6. Project communication
7. Field work completion
8. Compilation and submission of final cleanroom reports
9. Project completion
Key tests
At the end of the day, it’s primarily about particle counts, control, and airflow when considering the baseline requirements of a certified controlled environment. The NEBB outlines the following primary tests, with detailed information in their procedural standards guide:
• Airflow velocity and uniformity tests
• Airflow volume and uniformity tests
• Filter installation leak tests
• Airborne particle count cleanliness classification tests
• Room pressurization tests
This cleanroom tip was taken from “Testing Cleanrooms” by Richard Bilodeau, and it appeared in the July/August 2014 issue of Controlled Environments.