This article looks at the essential differences between containment laboratories (which try to keep harmful microbes from escaping) and cleanrooms (which try to stop the microbes from getting in).

There’s also a brief look at the kinds of facilities which use both types of environments, and the services which Tecomak Environmental Services can provide.

This article is a three-minute read.

Cleanrooms and containment laboratories are two of the environments that Tecomak Environmental Services commonly work in. But what are the principal differences between the two?

Cleanroom and Containment Laboratory Services from Tecomak

There is one similarity between the two; Tecomak Environmental Services is equally proficient in working with either of them – whether that’s making sure they are regularly checked for levels of cleanliness, some of the equipment requires updating, or there has been a spillage or accident which needs dealing with.

Containment Laboratories Explained

Containment laboratories have a controlled environment, which prevents hazardous materials from escaping into the outside world. They are often categorised into four different levels, where Level 4 has the most stringent safety measures, while Level 1 is the least severe (although they still have strictly controlled access, need a safety protocol in place, and the ventilation systems need to be checked at least annually).

These types of labs are often used for research into high-risk biological agents such as viruses, bacteria, and some genetically modified organisms. They also handle some hazardous chemicals.

For a full rundown of the four levels, and their various safety requirements, check out our previous article here.

The airflow system used in these labs typically uses negative pressure. This means the air is drawn into the room and then filtered and exhausted outside, preventing any leaks of contaminants.

Containment Laboratory Services from Tecomak Environmental Services

At Tecomak, we offer a full range of containment laboratory services, including refurbishment, testing and inspection, certification and decontamination. Refitting a cleanroom might be necessary if it is showing signs of age, or it has outdated safety systems which don’t comply with new regulations.

H3: Cleanrooms Explained

With cleanrooms, however, it’s essential to keep a sensitive product, process or patient clear of contaminants which could be introduced from the outside world. The classification of cleanrooms is based on the number of particles per cubic meter of air at a specific size.

Examples of cleanrooms include pharmaceutical production and sterile compound areas. Patients who have compromised immune systems, or who have highly infectious airborne diseases, are often put into isolation units, which are effectively a type of cleanroom. And operating theatres and hospital pharmacies need to obey cleanroom protocols as well.

Airflow systems in cleanrooms generally use positive pressure. The air inside is cleaner than the air outside, and the pressure pushes air out of the room through vents or between rooms, preventing unfiltered air from entering. 

Cleanroom Services from Tecomak Environmental Services

We provide a comprehensive range of cleanroom services, including inspection, testing, air pattern recording and decontamination. We can also refurbish your facility if it needs modernisation. For more information about our cleanroom services, follow this link.

Containment Laboratory and Cleanroom Decontamination

There is another similarity between the two environments – the method of decontamination offered by Tecomak. The Devea Phileas® range of devices use ionised hydrogen peroxide to achieve a 4-log, 5-log or 6-log reduction in potentially harmful micro-organisms, depending on client requirements. The devices have a quick operating cycle, can be programmed to operate remotely, and don’t leave any harmful residues behind.

For more information on all the Devea Phileas® devices we use (we can either clean your premises for you, or train your staff to do it themselves), check out our products page here. If you have any questions, feel free to call us on 01732 852250 or follow this link and complete the online form.

FAQS:

Q: How often should cleanrooms be inspected or decontaminated?

A; Cleanrooms require ongoing maintenance, with major inspections and certifications conducted annually or semi-annually, depending on their ISO classification and regulatory requirements.

Cleaning and decontamination, however, are performed much more frequently, with many tasks carried out on a daily basis. Either may also be necessary if there has been a spill or known contamination event.

Q: How often should containment labs be checked?

A: Containment laboratories require regular inspections, with the specific frequency dependent on the containment level, the type of equipment, and the regulations being followed. Most critical systems are checked at least annually, with some high-risk equipment and environments requiring more frequent testing, even every six months.

Decontamination and cleaning should take place more regularly than that, either as part of a regular safety regime or because of a change of use, spillage or leak.

Q: What regulatory standards apply to containment labs and cleanrooms?

A:  The principal standards applicable to cleanrooms are the ISO 14644 series and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. The specific standards required depend on the industry and the sensitivity of the product or process involved. 

The regulations which apply to containment laboratories vary, depending on the safety level of the facility. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 are also relevant.