Sop # 56
 
Title: Gowning Procedures and Cleanroom Access Protocol
reviewed by Dr. Walsh on 8-6-97

Purpose: This SOP establishes the correct procedure for Gowning
and the proper protocol for general Cleanroom Access. Bunny suits are
required for all personnel in the Cleanroom at all times.  Bunny suits
are effective at containing contamination originating from clothing
and skin. In general, one gowns from the head down and de-gowns from
the feet up.

Preparation:  If you are a visitor, consult the cleanroom manager
and he/she will assign you a temporary bunny suit.  If you are a regular
user, the cleanroom manager will assign you a specific suit and location
in which to keep your cleanroom items. Regular users are also required to
view the TWINSTAR VCR tape on proper gowning procedures and cleanroom
protocols. 

Precaution: The fabric of the bunny suit is relatively fragile. 
Take caution not to tear the garmet during the gowning procedure and while
working in the lab.  If any tears occur, immediately return to the gowning
room to obtain a new bunny suit from the lab manager. If articles of
clothing beneath the gown need to be removed, do this in the gowning area
only.

Cleanroom Restrictions and Rules:
All users of the cleanroom must first read the document entitled 
Rules of Operation for the Microfabrication Cleanroom  
in its entirity and agree to conform with every aspect of this document.

Picture of a Properly Gowned Cleanroom Operator


Procedure for Entering the CLeanroom:  (Entering the Cleanroom)

1.  All personnel entering the cleanroom must first sign the SIGN-IN SHEET
posted on the front of the Cleanroom door. List your name, date, purpose,
and time in.

2.  Upon entering the cleanroom gowning area, clean the soles of your
shoes using the STICKY MAT located on the floor just inside the
cleanroom entrance by taking 5-10 baby steps on the sticky mat.

3.  A limited number of coats can be hung on the wall-mounted coat
rack in the gowning room.  There is limited space available for coats,
so the preference is for you to find another location outside the
gowning room to store your coats and bookbags.

4. Store all remaining personal items not needed inside the cleanroom in
one of the plastic containers provided in the cabinets located in the
gowning room.

5. Remove a hair net from the first cabinet or from your personal plastic
container box, and place it over your hair.  If you have facial hair, use
one of the beard covers provided in the first cabinet as well.

6. Remove your bunny suit from the gowning room cabinet (visitor
suits are in the first two cabinets, regular users suits are in the
third cabinet).  Unzip the suit and climb into it, making sure that the
bunny suit does not unnecessarily touch the ground. Zip the smock up all
the way to the top. 

7.  Remove a set of shoe covers (booties) from the first cabinet.  Sit
on the bench and place the booties over your shoes.

8.  Remove a pair of POWDER-FREE gloves from the cabinet.  Place
these gloves on your hands and pull the sleeve of the smock over the
gloves. 

9.  Use the mirror in the gowning room to inspect that all your cleanroom
apparel is on correctly and properly fitted.

10.  Collect all items that you plan to take in the cleanroom. The
following items are not allowed: pencils, books, book bags, make-up, food,
drinks, and any other unneccesary items.  Allowed items include pens,
approved notepads, and processing items. 

11.  Before opening the interior cleanroom door into the class 1000 area,
step on the STICKY MAT located in front of the sliding door and take
5-10 baby steps on the sticky mat.

12.  After insuring that the outside door has been properly closed, push
the interior door button to automatically open the interior sliding door. 
Step directly into the cleanroom quickly and completely allowing for the
door to close behind you.  Do not block or hold the door open for the next
person. 

13.  Computer LOG-IN (to be added later).


Procedure for Exiting the Cleanroom:

1.  Insure that you have all items that you will need before leaving the 
cleanroom.

2.  Recheck all equipment that you used in the cleanroom to insure they
have been properly shut down. 

3.  Make sure that you have cleaned up any mess that may have occurred in 
your processing area.

4.  COMPUTER LOG-OUT (to be added later).

5.  Press the sliding door button and step directly into the gowning room 
allowing for the door to close behind you.

6.  Place any items temporarily on the bench.

7.  Remove and place your gloves in your personal storage box. If the
gloves are contaminated due to chemical spillage, dispose of them in
the cleanroom waste container. Visitors should discard their gloves
in the waste container.

8.  Sit on the bench and remove your booties.  Place them in the
designated USED BOOTIES container in the first cabinet.

9.  Unzip and remove your bunny suit without letting it touch the ground.  
Rezip the suit, put in back on its original hanger, and place it neatly in
the appropriate cabinet.

10.  Remove your hairnet and either place it in the designated hairnet
container in the cabinet or in your personal plastic container box.

11.  Place your storage box in the proper cabinet.

12.  Collect all of your articles and exit the cleanroom insuring that the 
door in pulled tightly behind you.

13.  Sign out on the door sheet.