Can you think of how many times you've seen a sign reminding you
to wash your hands? These signs are everywhere, and for good reason;
washing your hands is important to your health and the health of those
around you. Despite this continued message to cleanse hands, organisms
can still reside on your hands.
In cleanrooms and controlled environments, cleanliness is of the utmost importance. Cleanrooms are measured and ranked by the level of particulates in a room. The amount of particles determines the class of the cleanroom that is established through the ISO 14644-1 standards or the previously used Federal 209E standards. Particulates are typically kept in check through HEPA filters, HVAC systems, and humidity control. Even with all these systems in place, the biggest source of contaminates and particulates to enter a clean rooms are humans.
So does the clean hands rule still apply in the cleanroom? Yes it does! Cleanroom operators typically go through rigorous cleaning procedures before entering a cleanroom. This process may range from air showers to wearing full body "bunny suits" or gowns depending on the cleanliness standard of the cleanroom. Some cleanrooms that don't require a high level of cleanliness, may only require finger cots or gloves.
Typically speaking, hands are washed before entering the cleanroom, and then gloves are donned. Gloves are then washed with soap and water to remove any contaminates from the outside of the glove. The problem lies in the fact that protective gloves don't breathe very well. Although this can potentially keep contaminates from escaping it also can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Oddly enough bacteria can still reside underneath sterile gloves. This is especially true for gloves that have been on for long periods of time. Heat and moisture rise causing a ripe environment for organisms and particulates. Extra precautions must we be taken when the gloves are removed to ensure that these items aren't released in the cleanroom, which could potentially contaminate the environment.
Most people typically do not wash their hands the correct way, and focus on the palms. Often forgotten is the cuticles and nails where much of the bacteria and organisms reside. Alcohol hand sanitizers are a great way to combat germs. Alcohol hand sanitizers consist of about a 60% - 70% alcohol and come in foams, gels, or solutions.
By endeavoring to keep hands clean and sanitary you are not just protecting the cleanroom, you are also keeping yourself and those around you healthy by stopping the spread of germs and bacteria.
In cleanrooms and controlled environments, cleanliness is of the utmost importance. Cleanrooms are measured and ranked by the level of particulates in a room. The amount of particles determines the class of the cleanroom that is established through the ISO 14644-1 standards or the previously used Federal 209E standards. Particulates are typically kept in check through HEPA filters, HVAC systems, and humidity control. Even with all these systems in place, the biggest source of contaminates and particulates to enter a clean rooms are humans.
So does the clean hands rule still apply in the cleanroom? Yes it does! Cleanroom operators typically go through rigorous cleaning procedures before entering a cleanroom. This process may range from air showers to wearing full body "bunny suits" or gowns depending on the cleanliness standard of the cleanroom. Some cleanrooms that don't require a high level of cleanliness, may only require finger cots or gloves.
Typically speaking, hands are washed before entering the cleanroom, and then gloves are donned. Gloves are then washed with soap and water to remove any contaminates from the outside of the glove. The problem lies in the fact that protective gloves don't breathe very well. Although this can potentially keep contaminates from escaping it also can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Oddly enough bacteria can still reside underneath sterile gloves. This is especially true for gloves that have been on for long periods of time. Heat and moisture rise causing a ripe environment for organisms and particulates. Extra precautions must we be taken when the gloves are removed to ensure that these items aren't released in the cleanroom, which could potentially contaminate the environment.
Most people typically do not wash their hands the correct way, and focus on the palms. Often forgotten is the cuticles and nails where much of the bacteria and organisms reside. Alcohol hand sanitizers are a great way to combat germs. Alcohol hand sanitizers consist of about a 60% - 70% alcohol and come in foams, gels, or solutions.
By endeavoring to keep hands clean and sanitary you are not just protecting the cleanroom, you are also keeping yourself and those around you healthy by stopping the spread of germs and bacteria.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7507583
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