Introduction
A cleanroom is a controlled environment designed to maintain low levels of airborne particulates, such as dust, microorganisms, and aerosol particles. These spaces are used in industries where small contaminants can compromise the quality and functionality of products, such as in semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, aerospace, and precision engineering.
Key Characteristics
Cleanrooms are designed to tightly control contamination levels using specialised HVAC systems, HEPA or ULPA filtration, and positive air pressure. These systems reduce airborne particles to defined limits, with cleanliness commonly classified under standards such as ISO 14644-1.
In addition to particle control, cleanrooms regulate environmental conditions including temperature, humidity, airflow, and pressure.
Cleanrooms are classified by the number and size of particles allowed in the air. ISO 14644-1 is the most widely used standard, ranging from ISO Class 1 (highest cleanliness) to ISO Class 9, alongside other standards such as U.S. Federal Standard 209E and GMP guidelines for pharmaceutical environments.
Gas detection in Cleanrooms
In addition to maintaining strict control over airborne particles and environmental conditions, many cleanroom environments require continuous gas monitoring to help maintain safe and stable operating conditions. Oxygen (Oâ‚‚) monitoring is particularly important, as changes in oxygen concentration can occur without obvious warning and may create hazardous atmospheres. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) may also be present and can impact air quality.
Gases to be aware of
Oxygen
Monitoring oxygen levels in clean rooms is important because changes in oxygen concentration can occur without any obvious warning. An oxygen deficient atmosphere can quickly create serious safety risks, reducing a person’s ability to work effectively and respond to changing conditions. Continuous oxygen monitoring provides immediate notification of atmospheric changes.
VOCs
VOCs are found in clean rooms because they can be generated as a by-product of normal operations and may be released into the atmosphere over time. Due to the highly controlled nature of clean room environments, even low concentrations can impact air quality and affect sensitive processes.
Suitable gas detectors
BW Clip 2 Years O2 Single Gas Detector
The BW Clip 2 Year Oâ‚‚ Single Gas Detector provides continuous oxygen monitoring in a simple, maintenance-free design. Once activated, the detector operates continuously for up to two years with no need for charging, battery replacement, sensor replacement or routine calibration. Compact, lightweight and easy to use, the BW Clip delivers reliable oxygen monitoring and immediate alerts to changing atmospheric conditions. Suitable when in the clean room.
Click here for more information: BW Clip 2 Year Single Gas Detector | Rockall Safety
Crowcon Xgard Fixed Gas Detector
The Crowcon Xgard Fixed Gas Detector is well suited to oxygen monitoring in clean room environments, providing reliable and continuous detection of changing oxygen levels within controlled areas. Available in flameproof, intrinsically safe and safe area configurations, the Xgard offers the flexibility to meet a wide range of installation requirements while delivering dependable long-term performance. Rockall Safety can come to your facility, install your Crowcon Xgard and provide you with training on how to use it. This is a fixed gas detector so it provides 24/7 monitoring and will inform you whether or not it is safe to enter the room or not.
For more information, click here: Crowcon Xgard Fixed Gas Detector | Rockall Safety
Teledyne OLCT 100 Fixed Gas Detector
The Teledyne OLCT 100 Fixed Gas Detector provides a reliable and adaptable solution for the continuous monitoring of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in controlled environments. Supporting a range of sensor technologies and available in both explosion-proof and intrinsically safe configurations, the OLCT 100 can be tailored to meet specific site requirements while delivering dependable long-term performance. This gas detector monitors a range of VOCs and will alarm when readings hit a certain level. It will also inform you whether or not it is safe for you to enter the room or not. Just like the Crowcon Xgard, it monitors gas levels 24/7.
For more information, click here: Teledyne OLCT 100 – OLC 100 Fixed Gas Detector | Rockall Safety
