Best Practices for Using Sticky Mats
After a sticky mat has been in use for some time, its top film layer will become contaminated, necessitating its removal. Many people make the mistake of starting at the corner with the label and pulling the film off diagonally. This approach is ill-advised, as it can easily cause the contaminants trapped on the mat to become airborne and enter the cleanroom. Therefore, even the simple act of removing a film layer requires a specific, careful technique.
I recommend the following procedure for removing a contaminated film layer:
1. Locate the colored label on the edge of the mat.
2. Grasp the label and slowly peel the film layer away from the edge of the mat.
3. Continue peeling the film upward until all four corners are detached from the mat.
4. Pull the four detached corners toward the center of the mat, creating a "tent" shape.
5. Slowly peel the film away from the center of the mat.
6. Fold the film inward repeatedly until it is small enough for disposal.
7. The contaminated film should be discarded outside the changing room (anteroom).
Following these steps ensures that dust particles remain trapped and do not escape from the film. Personnel should avoid tearing off the film haphazardly; instead, they must adhere to this procedure to ensure the film is removed in a controlled manner.