Barrier Isolator Cleaning

Outside Stainless Steel

Cleaning Stainless Steel Outside parts of the Isolator

The outside of the isolator is typically easily accessible and can be cleaned at any time, ideally while the unit is closed. The stainless steel components should be cleaned using a sterile 70% IPA & 30% WFI solution, or a solution specifically designed for cleaning stainless steel.

IPA stands for Isopropyl alcohol, or its technical name of Isopropanol, Anhydrous. It is a decontaminate (Chemical Formula CH3CHOHCH3) which is highly flammable and could irritate eyes with vapours that can cause drowsiness and dizziness. It also can cause a reaction if made in contact with the skin. Operators must wear Chemical googles, protective gloves and clothing to prevent skin exposure. Always use a NIOSH or European standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary. For Pharma cleaning operations, IPA is typically supplied with 30% WFI (Water For Injection) in a spray canister/bottle.

Clean room laundered wipers, composing of 100% continuous filament polyester knit fabric with a high saturation level of 70% IPA and 30% WFI water can also be used. This pre-wetted wiper format provides a cost effective and easy-to-use solution versus traditional bulk handling of solvents, maintenance of squirt bottles and inconsistent wetting and cleaning associated with wetting a dry wiper.

Acrylic Panels

Cleaning Acrylic Outside parts of the Isolator

The acrylic front and side panels should be cleaned with a Pharma grade Wiper and a mild detergent, or a solution specifically designated for the cleaning of acrylic surfaces.

Never use abrasive cleaners or organic solvents on acrylic components as this will scratch and/or effect the transparency of the material.

In a similar way to cleaning any window, it is preferable to work from the top of the acrylic to bottom.

Cleaning Filters & Control panels

DO NOT remove or spray the pre-filter at the top of the unit as this will effect the performance of the filter in its operation.

YOU SHOULD ONLY EVER CLEAN THE HEPA HOUSING USING A WIPE. When cleaning the airlock HEPA filter housings you MUST NOT directly spray any solution. Instead spray the cleaning agent onto the wipe and wipe the outside surface only TAKING CARE NOT DAMAGE ANY FILTER ELEMENT.

NEVER spray cleaner of any type directly at the control panel located above the airlock. Once again, always spray a suitable cleaning solution onto a clean wiper and use this only to wipe the panel surface, switches and knobs using care

Inside the Airlock

Cleaning Inside the Airlock

When it is safe to do so, open the outer airlock door. Any particles, powders or debris should have been safely removed during the SOP (Standard Operating Procedures).

Use a self-wetted sterile 70% IPA & 30% WFI wipe, or spray a clean Wipe with with a 70% IPA & 30% WFI solution, and wipe the top of the HEPA filter protector from front to back moving left to right with overlapping strokes.

Repeat this process, using a clean wipe for the back HEPA filter protector from top to bottom, moving left to right with overlapping strokes.

Spray cleaner on the inside of the outer airlock door and remaining side and wipe with a clean sterile wiper from top to bottom moving left to right with overlapping strokes.

Open the airlock door into the work area and slide the tray out into the work area. Spray the floor of the airlock chamber with cleaner and wipe down with a suitable clean sterile wipe.

Spray the tray with cleaner and wipe with a suitable clean sterile wipe from left to right and from front to back with overlapping strokes. Slide the tray back into the airlock.

Spray the inside of the inner airlock door and wipe with a suitable clean sterile wipe from top to bottom moving left to right with overlapping strokes. Close and latch the inner airlock door.

Repeat steps above using sterile water to rinse any disinfectant cleaner away. Once the surfaces have been sterilized, run a purge cycle with the barrier isolator system.

NEVER LEAVE CLEANING WIPES, SOLUTIONS OR DEBRIS INSIDE THE AIRLOCK. CHECK AND RECHECK.

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Inside the Isolator

Cleaning Inside the Barrier Isolator

When it is safe to do so, open the barrier isolator door(s). Any particles, powders or debris should have been safely removed during the SOP (Standard Operating Procedures).

A water-based, high pH disinfectant cleaner should be used, followed by wiping with a sterile 70% IPA & 30% WFI solution. It is recommended that you clean the airlock prior to the barrier isolator work area.

Spray the high pH disinfectant cleaner on a clean lint-free wiper. Wipe the filter diffuser in the top of the work area wiping from side to side, overlapping strokes. Work outward from back to front.

Spray the back wall of the work area. Wipe the wall beginning at the top and wipe from top to bottom using overlapping strokes, working downward toward the work surface and wipe the rear air return grill. Work sideways left to right. Periodically replace the wipes with clean wipes as required.

Spray the sides of the work area. Using overlapping strokes, wipe from top to bottom working downward toward the work surface. Be sure to clean the entire airlock door surface that is exposed to the inside of the work area, including the handle.

Slide the left tray over the right tray; spray the interior bottom of the isolator. Clean by wiping from the front to the back using overlapping strokes working from front to back. Be sure to clean the sides and back under the sliding work tray and air return grill.

Slide both work trays to the left and repeat the procedure from above. Sliding work trays can be removed for cleaning if you prefer.

Spray the sliding work tray and wipe using a side to side motion, using overlapping strokes working from back to front, and clean all inside and outside edges. Slide the clean tray to the side and repeat this procedure on the other tray.

Remove glove sleeves and spray the inside of the open front access window with a sterile 70% IPA & 30% WFI solution or pre-wetted pharma grade wipe. Clean from top to bottom using overlapping strokes.

Spray a clean wipe with sterile 70% IPA & 30% WFI solution and use it to clean glove ports, hanging bars, hooks and the front air return grill.

Close the front window. Clean the glove sleeves and gloves and replace on the front window.

Open the front window and repeat the previous steps, without removing the sleeves and gloves, with sterile water to rinse away any disinfectant.

Turn on the barrier isolator unit. Close the front access window.

Spray the sterile 70% IPA & 30% WFI solution on all surfaces of the rest of the work area, under sliding trays, the inside of the front access window, gloves and sleeves.

NEVER LEAVE CLEANING WIPES, SOLUTIONS OR DEBRIS INSIDE THE BARRIER ISOLATOR. CHECK AND RECHECK