PARTICLE CONTAMINATION

A cleanroom is a chamber within which the concentration of airborne particles is controlled, and
which is constructed and used to minimize the introduction, generation and retention of particles
within it.

The main reference for controlled contamination environments and their plants is the international standard EN ISO 14644, which consists of 10 parts.

Classes can be measured in 3 typical occupational conditions:

1. The first occupational condition is that of a newly built cleanroom, as built, functioning but without process equipment and operators inside it (As built).
2. The second condition is that of rest (At rest), indicating a cleanroom equipped for the production process with all the equipment in operation but in the absence of production and personnel.
3. A cleanroom that is in operating condition, is with the production in progress and the present personnel is indicated with the operating occupational condition or status (Operational).