The objective of an environmentally controlled cleanroom is to provide a contamination-free space in which to manufacture and/or test products that cannot tolerate even the smallest particles. Cleanroom classification ratings range from 1 to 100,000 according to the number and size of particles permitted per volume of air. However, cleanrooms specialising in semiconductor, microelectronics and medical device/pharmaceutical manufacturing are among the most stringent. Such facilities require implementation of specific processes to reduce all sources of contamination. This also means using products within the cleanroom that are designed to meet specific cleanliness standards. Contamination can occur unexpectedly without any obvious indication of its origin. It can come from the materials and equipment used for manufacturing, the people in the cleanroom and even consumables like tapes or other paper-based products that shed particulates. Outlined below are five hidden causes of contamination that can compromise a facility's cleanroom standards as well as approaches to minimise these sources' impact. Perhaps the most well known source, most airborne particles from people migrate out of their cleanroom garments. Using improper cleanroom garments, not following proper gowning protocol, gowning insufficiently for a particular facility class or going too long between changing suits, smocks, other garments or floor mats can all increase particle levels in a cleanroom. Particles can escape from even the smallest defects in cleanroom garments, such as tears, loose fabric, etc. Consistent use of cleanroom-optimised cuff sealing tape is one simple way to minimise opportunities for contamination.
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