Policies & Training

Safety is our top priority.

Cleanroom Policies 

At the Nanofoundry Cleanroom of the University of North Dakota (UND-NFC), safety is our top priority. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to the following guidelines, which are essential for the efficient and safe operation of our shared facilities. Your understanding and commitment to these policies help create a secure environment for everyone—staff, faculty, researchers, and users alike. 

We ask that all users follow the rules and protocols established by UND-NFC. To maintain the integrity of the cleanroom, please enter and exit only through the gowning zone, except in emergency situations. UND-NFC will provide the cleanroom garments necessary for your work. 

Thank you for your attention to these important guidelines, and for being proactive in supporting a safe and productive cleanroom experience for everyone. 

Guidelines for Cleanroom Entry 

To ensure a safe and contamination-free environment, please follow these important guidelines: 

• Food and drinks are not permitted in the cleanroom.
• Wear closed-toe shoes that cover your toes, ankles, and feet. Note that sandals, slides, flip-flops, and Crocs are not allowed to maintain a safe environment. Make sure your shoes are free from salt, rocks, or mud. If you’re visiting during winter, please bring sneakers, as winter boots can tear the shoe cover.
• For safety reasons, rings, bracelets, and any jewelry with sharp points or long fingernails are not permitted in the cleanroom.
• Backpacks or coats are not allowed in the cleanroom. Store them in the designated office or gowning area.
• You may bring a cleanroom-compatible notebook and pen for your notes. Please use pens only—pencils and erasers can create dust.
• For contamination control, materials such as corrugated cardboard, styrofoam, and foam rubber are not allowed in the cleanroom.
• Earphones and headsets should not be used in the cleanroom as they can be distracting. Additionally, please ensure that smartphones are wiped by a cleaner prior to entering.
• Avoid opening your gown while inside the cleanroom, and do not touch your skin with your gloves.
• After completing your work, please clean up your area and notify staff if you need assistance.
• If you need any supplies while in the cleanroom, feel free to ask the staff for assistance.

Gowning Procedure

1. Begin by putting on shoe covers.
2. Gently don a bouffant head cover and a face mask.
3. Inspect your cleanroom garment carefully before putting it on, ensuring that it is lifted off the floor to avoid any dust contamination. Remember to only touch the sleeves of the garment.
4. Once you're ready, take a seat on the bench and, if available, put on the boots.
5. Next, put on your gloves, ensuring that they are pulled over the sleeves of the jumpsuit for a secure fit.
6. Clean your glasses, smartphone, and sample carrier by wiping them with isopropyl alcohol (IPA).
7. Lastly, wear safety goggles for added protection.

Garment Policy 

We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a cleanroom environment. Please adhere to the following guidelines regarding garment management:  

• Garments should remain within the cleanroom or gowning area at all times. Please avoid walking out while wearing them, unless it's an emergency.  
• Kindly return all garments to their designated hangers rather than placing them in trash receptacles or on the floor.
• If any garments become contaminated due to small spills or stains, please place them in the provided plastic bags with clear labels and return them to the garment rack.
• To maintain the security of our cleanroom, if you need to access your phone or keys, please return to the gowning room instead of reaching under your garment.  

Emergencies

In case of an emergency that requires evacuation, leave all labs – including cleanroom immediately – don’t try to de-gown first!  

Become an Authorized User 

1. Please contact our staff to begin the onboarding process and review the policies available online.
2. Submit Application: Complete and submit the research application form, which outlines the details of your project.
3. Safety Training: As part of your preparation, we encourage you to complete the UND Science Lab Safety Training.
4. Orientation Training: Our staff will invite you to participate in cleanroom orientation training. This session will cover essential topics such as cleanroom gowning, wet bench procedures, solvent use, and proper cleaning and disposal practices.
5. Acid Use Training: If your project involves acid etching or acid cleaning, please be aware that acid hood and acid use training will be provided.
6. Demonstration of Procedures: After completing the training, users are required to independently demonstrate the donning and doffing procedures to ensure understanding.
7. Written Quiz: To ensure everyone's safety, users must pass a written quiz on cleanroom safety and chemical handling.
8. Standard Operating Procedures: We recommend reviewing and requesting the standard operating procedure documentation before attending the training.
9. Equipment Training: Attendance at in-person equipment training is a vital part of the process.
10. Final Certification: Staff will conduct the final certification to verify your readiness.

We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to supporting you throughout this process!