Cleanrooms have been fixtures for companies operating in certain medical and scientific research niches for decades. Yet, as one might imagine, cleanrooms have become increasingly relevant for a wide variety of organizations over the past few months due in part to COVID-19. Specifically, manufacturing cleanrooms are essential for any company that produces items that could be contaminated easily by particles in the air. With all of that in mind, today we’ll highlight some key facts about cleanrooms, how you should go about creating one, and what you can do to ensure your employees, partners, and products are safe. Check it out here:
Determine Your ISO Classification Level
Not all cleanrooms are created for the same purpose or with the same challenges in mind. Rather, there are 9 different cleanroom classifications as specified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These different classifications determine how the cleanroom should be designed as well as maintained. They designate the particle count and size allowance, as well as the recommended airflow and air change rates. For reference, most manufacturing cleanrooms are either class 7 or 8, but business leaders should double-check their needs first.
Select Your Wall Type
Cleanroom walls come in three different types: soft wall, hard wall, and a rigid wall. To generalize, soft wall cleanrooms are modular and cost-effective, hard wall cleanrooms are permanent and durable, and rigid wall cleanrooms are a bit of both. It’s key for business leaders to identify how they plan to use their clean room for both the short and long-term. Do you plan to move your cleanroom? Will you need specific machines or equipment within the cleanroom? How will you accommodate electrical systems within your cleanroom? Answer these questions before you decide on the wall type and location in your factory.
Installation & Maintenance
Cleanrooms can be a vital aspect of any manufacturing workspace. As such, it’s imperative for business leaders to determine how best to create and maintain their cleanroom. Some cleanrooms come delivered in pre-manufactured parts. For instance, some organizations choose to assemble their own soft wall cleanrooms. In addition, some business leaders choose to maintain their cleanrooms on their own. While these can be viable options, you may also benefit from enlisting the help of a professional crew for installation and maintenance assistance –– particularly if this is the first cleanroom your company has built.
Budget, Space & Time
As with any workspace renovation, business leaders should consider variables specific to their situation when they decide to invest in a cleanroom. These include factors like your available budget, the amount of space you have to utilize in your facility, and how quickly you need the cleanroom ordered, installed, and operational. While it may be tempting to rush through this transaction if you need a new cleanroom quickly, taking your time could end up saving you significant amounts of money, and, for that matter, stress!
Contact Us
At Key Interiors, we have years of experience working with companies in the medical and manufacturing fields. We know the importance of quality cleanroom design and installation, and we can help your business navigate this potentially tricky investment. Contact us here to learn more about how we can help you improve your organization’s workspace today!
