Materials introduction in CMi cleanrooms

Strict rules apply to the material that can be brought into the clean room from the outside. Basically nothing should be brought into the clean room. Paper, books, and pens from the outside are not allowed. Normal paper releases fibers, and graphite pens are a terrible source of carbon particles. Inside the clean room special lintfree paper is used. This paper, as well as felt pens, can be found on the tables near the entrance to each zone. A copy machine in the entrance room serves to make copies from normal paper onto clean room paper.

As general rule, no material is supposed to be transferred through dressing rooms. If material must be brought into the clean room from the outside, such as a wafer box, it needs to be done through the material air-lock.  The material has to be decontaminated (See the detailed procedure) and place in the cabinets used for material transfers In/Out (if any). Then, the user enters the clean room by the user entrance, puts on the clean room suit, and can pick up the material from the service area.

For the introduction of any other kind of material and more details, please contact [email protected].

The introduction of chemicals in CMi without authorization is strictly forbidden. 

Before introducing and using of a new chemical (not already in the standard CMi products list) in CMi cleanrooms, the procedure detailed here below must be fully completed:

  1. CMi staff is provided by the user with the following documentation:
    1. Safety Data Sheet (SDS). English version is required. Usually, this is accessible from suppliers’ website.
    2. Standard Operation Procedure (SOP). SDS is required to complete important points of the SOP.
    3. Any additional information if needed.
  2. Documentation is reviewed by a CMi committee to:
    1. Make a decision on the storage location and on the disposal procedure.
    2. Check equipment needed to ensure safe use of the product.
    3. Ask for modification/additional information if needed.
  3. Upon approval from committee:
    1. SDS and SOP are posted on CMi website.
    2. The product is introduced in CMi by CMi staff together with the user.
    3. The product is labeled with date of introduction, username and name of the lab.
    4. The product is stored at the location specified by CMi staff and mentioned in the SOP.

 

In CMi cleanroom, the use of zone PCs – connected to the internet – is the preferred way for accessing data. For long-term projects, CMi has limited space to accommodate users’ devices such as laptops and tablets.

The introduction of any device must be approved by the CMi. The device must remain in the CMi cleanrooms. Any removal must be announced and will be irreversible.

Introduction of a new device:

  • Requests must be sent to [email protected]
  • All requests will be carefully analyzed. Following criteria must be met:
    • The user must have been charged for at least 235 hours over the last 12 months AND / OR his group must have been charged for at least 1000 hours over the last 12 months.
    • Per group, the maximum number of devices cannot exceed 25% of the total number of users, with a maximum limit of 5 devices (Except for devices introduced before 2026).
  • If the request is accepted:
    • The device must be suitable for use in a clean room environment.
    • The device must be presented for its serial number to be recorded.
    • The device will be identified as an approved device by means of a sticker “CMi Device Registered”.

General rules:

  • Devices must be clearly labeled with the name of the group and contact information.
  • Devices must only be recharged/stored in CMi cabinets designated for this purpose.
  • Devices are not allowed to be connected to CMi computers for downloading / uploading files, and they are not allowed to be used as wireless sharepoint.
  • Devices must not be used as an alternative to mobile phones (+ video calls meetings forbidden)
  • Devices usage must remain for professional purposes.

Places of use:

  • Devices must not interfere with cleanroom activities.
  • Device must not be used close to chemicals.
  • Devices are not allowed in:
    • Zone 07 – Ebeam zone
    • Zone 14
  • BM0: Devices must be transferred (back and forth between BM-1 & BM0) well protected in a plastic bag.

 

Reminder: Approved devices will be dedicated for use in CMi cleanroom and must remain in the cleanroom. In other words, they are not to be transferred back and forth between the cleanroom and outside.