Cleanroom operators are often one of the most important sources of particle contamination in pharmaceutical manufacturing. But how much does human movement actually contribute to particle levels—and which behaviours create the greatest risk?
In his latest article on European Pharmaceutical Review, Dr Tim Sandle examines the key factors influencing particle accumulation in pharmaceutical cleanrooms, with particular attention to operator movement, speed and the number of people present. Understanding these factors is essential for effective contamination control, particularly in environments where stringent particle limits apply.
The article highlights why cleanroom design and sophisticated air-handling systems are only part of the solution. The way operators move and work inside the cleanroom can have a significant impact on particle generation and distribution.
For pharmaceutical manufacturers, the question is therefore not simply how to remove particles from the air, but also how to prevent operators from generating and dispersing them in the first place.