Cleanroom Sticky Mat Usage Instructions
It is very common to use multi-layer adhesive sticky mats in cleanrooms. However, how to use sticky mats is unique to each cleanroom. The size, color, location and number of mat layers may vary depending on the use of each cleanroom.
Placement Location and Method
The mat layer should be placed on a clean, hard floor. For each cleaning or control change, the disposable sticky mat should be placed before or after the entry/exit point. It is recommended that the placement be made from the clean area or cleanroom backward.
• Cleanroom Decorative Area
• Cleanroom Transition Area
• Gown Control Area
• Control Area – Common Corridor
• Common Corridor Public Area
• Common Corridor – Warehouse or Receiving
The mat should be placed so that all people passing through that point must step on the mat. The placement size of the cleanroom sticky mat should be in the same direction as the traffic flow to maximize the foot traffic on the mat. The minimum number of footsteps should be two per location.
Size
The appropriate size of the cleanroom sticky mat for each placement area depends on the width of the opening and the direction and change of traffic. Typically, the width of the mat should be 2/3 to 3/4 the width of the doorway. It does not usually need to cover the entire width, as normal traffic will pass through the middle of the doorway rather than along the edges when approaching from a perpendicular direction.
However, if traffic enters from the side of the entryway or at an acute angle, the cleanroom sticky mat needs to be wider than the doorway to allow for adequate foot traffic.
The length of the cleanroom sticky mat should be long enough to provide two footfalls per foot in each location. Typically, this is a standard 45-inch minimum.
Colors
The colors of our cleanroom sticky mats can vary from standard white, blue, and gray to custom colors and printed messages. The color has no effect on the function of the mat. Generally, white shows the most dirt and particulates, and most users prefer to ensure that the color is replaced at sufficiently frequent intervals. However, blue and gray disposable sticky mats can also work well after a maintenance schedule is established.
How often it should be removed depends on many circumstances:
• How dirty is the area where the personnel are coming from?
• The difference in cleanliness between areas.
• Number of people or feet per shift or hour.
• Size of mat and how many mats or locations in the series.
Typically, areas further from the cleanroom will be dirtier. Changing layers of a cleanroom sticky mat every ½ hour at this point of use would be a benchmark. The final entry area into the cleanroom might be from a clean area to a very clean area and each layer might last 4 to 8 hours.
However, this is only a rough starting point and each point of use will vary greatly. A few days of use and observation will help determine the best mat change interval.
Installing Disposable Sticky Mats
Before putting down a new mat or replacing an existing mat, clean the surface thoroughly to remove contaminants that could become an obstacle and prevent the mat from sticking. If you are replacing an existing mat, make sure to remove any residual adhesive. We recommend using a pre-saturated wiper with a percentage of isopropyl alcohol. Make sure the surface is completely dry before applying.
To apply the mat, remove half of the release liner in the direction of the long side of the mat. This will help with the alignment of the mat.
Once the mat is in the desired location and aligned correctly, begin smoothing half of the mat with the adhesive exposed. Start at one end and work your way toward the middle, making sure not to trap air under the mat as you move, then remove the rest of the release liner and smooth the rest of the mat in the same direction you removed the release liner.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
Cleanroom sticky mats should be stored flat for several hours in a climate close to where they will be used. The mat should be used in a controlled environment for optimal results, but may be placed in any area with a temperature of 12-35 C (54-95 F).
Long-term storage of cleanroom sticky mats should always be on a hard, flat, and sturdy surface. Storage on the original shipping pallet is recommended. Normal warehouse conditions are generally acceptable, but extreme temperatures (below 0 or above 40 C / 32 or 105 F) should be avoided. It is not recommended to store the product for more than one year from the date of purchase. However, under normal storage conditions, these cleanroom sticky insoles will not show any change in performance for up to three years.