Determined the cause of sudden increase in particle counts and corrected the problem
THE CLIENT
One of the worlds largest manufacturers of photographic equipment and supplies, employing over 50,000 people worldwide.
THE CHALLENGE
A sudden increase in particle contamination affecting product yield.
MC2 ACTIVITY
Performed a Contamination Control Assessment of the anufacturing areas for HEPA filter integrity and airflow.
FINDINGS
It was discovered that air entered the cleanroom from the air return ducts and the anteroom, and exited the cleanroom through the HEPA filters putting the room at a negative pressure and creating a highly contaminating situation. A technician performing overnight electrical work on the HVAC system inadvertently reversed the polarity on one of the blower motors providing recirculating air to a large portion of the cleanroom.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Management was notified and the cleanroom shut down. Electrical wiring problem corrrected. Affected HEPA filters were replaced. Cleanroom was primary cleaned. Cleanroom pressure gage installed in visible location at entry to cleanroom. Personnel retraining short course implemented.
RESULT
The cleanroom particle counts returned to normal and product yields improved dramatically.