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Dear Mr Hindmarch

Firstly 1 would congratulate you on the renewed dynamism and quality of this publication, and wonder if you have considered a reader response section?[Thankyou and yes-Editor]

Contamination Control Corner by Hal Smith clearly identifies the need for a washable contamination control flooring system, or a peel-off mat, to be used at the cleanroom entrance to prevent the ingress of foot and wheel-borne contamination. Hal goes on to stress the importance of taking at least 4 footsteps on the contamination control surface, clearly this is not possible with a peel-off mat(typicallyll5cm/45"x45cm/18"). Operators commonly put only one foot on the peel-off mat or avoid the peel-off mat altogether.

In contrast the washable system as manufactured by Dycem is designed to suit the class of cleanroom, number of operatives and typically covers the whole area of the gowning room thus offering an unavoidable barrier. Dycem dramatically reduces contamination levels in cleanrooms with a consequential increase in product yields. Procedure, as with all cleanroom activities, is important if the maximum benefits are to be gained. Maintenance of a washable contamination control system is simply achieved by cleaning regularly with a high quality detergent containing a biocide, if bacteria is an issue, and a non-particulating PVA sponge mop. When the particulate is released into the cleaning agent the dirt can be simply squeegeed away and the floor is clean immediately and ready for reuse. Alternatively certain cleaning machines can be used.

Dycem has over many years had numerous tests carried out comparing the effectiveness of Dycem's washable contamination control system against the peel-off mat. All the empirical research findings conclude that size is important and that at least 4 steps are essential on a contamination control flooring surface to fully decontaminate the shoe sole prior to entering the cleanroom or clean area.

Further to the above, research strongly indicates that Dycem is particularly effective when contamination levels are high, as the most numerous particles are the smallest.

Below are listed papers on research undertaken at the Universities of Glasgow and Bath and at Clestra European Headquarters in Strasbourg, France.

Best regards

MARK DALZIEL
Managing Director

* see elsewhere in this issue of TCM