When we get the go ahead for a cleanroom build, my first task is to identify and appoint the right team for the build. There are different challenges with each build and time is spent selecting the right partners with the specific skills we need. Of course part of the selection criteria is to ensure they have the relevant qualifications and documentation to work to the level of cleanroom required, as well as having all the necessary Health and Safety certifications.’ I will also put together a full project programme, setting out critical stages and timelines to ensure the design is completed on time to a high standard. We build in contingency, but it gives a clear indication of when we expect the cleanroom to be finished and operational.

Before the construction contract is finalised we will hold a pre-contract site meeting. The aim of this meeting is to walk through the project with the client and ensure that we all have the same understanding of the project requirements and identify any potential issues early. We discuss things like, site access and logistics, verification of measurements, structural and utility constraints, placement of HVAC equipment and duct routes, power requirements, ventilation needs, material storage areas, safety considerations, timeline expectations, and responsibilities for permits or inspections. On the first day on site, I will meet with the client’s representative to run through the project and undertake site inductions with our team. This ensures everyone is well informed of any safety matters, understands any access restrictions and site rules, and are fully informed of the design and specification. It’s also a great opportunity for everyone to meet up and see the site. This sort of contact is essential because it enables the trades to start working together effectively – building the relationships so that they can dovetail their various parts of the cleanroom build together seamlessly. ‘We will conduct safety inductions for any subcontractors and our own team members on site where we run through the formal Health and Safety requirements, Risk Assessments and Method Statements – all of which have to be signed by each team who will be working on the project. These must also cover any site specific standards and requirements, including any customer production risks, depending on what is being produced. We have to be fully aware of all the operations being carried out in a customer's premises, not just those involving the cleanroom. It could be that other processes involve hazardous substances etc. in the production area – so we have to be fully aware of any restrictions which may impact how and when we undertake our work to ensure continued safety of all staff on site.

We mostly work directly with the customer and more often than not we are working in their existing premises. We are very conscious that sharing your workspace during construction work can be difficult and disruptive, but we always do our very best to minimise any disruption and work around the customer’s needs. Teams calls and drilling are a difficult mix! It’s all about minimising the impact we have on each other throughout the cleanroom build – either physically or in terms of time. We communicate the tasks for the day with the onsite contact to make sure we work well together and respect each other’s tasks. 

This a huge part of my job. Before we get onto site I take time to carefully produce and assess all risk assessments and method statements to ensure they are reflective of the tasks to be undertaken and any site risks A key reference document will be our checklist (something we will have prepared earlier… it will be tailored to each specific job – and can be anything from 2pp to 20pp.

There’s lots of monitoring of progress on a day-by-day basis. We are always ready to hold Toolbox Talks: short, informal meetings, typically before a work shift begins, to discuss a specific health and safety issue or to reinforce an aspect of the plan. For me, a good first day is where everyone attends on time, with the right equipment. Deliveries can often be a challenge, and if materials don’t arrive on time, go astray or have been damaged, that can mean delays to the whole cleanroom build plan. My job is solving any problems and getting us back on track. I am also keeping a close eye on safety equipment such as correct PPE and safe working practices. Time on vibration equipment is all documented to keep our labour and subcontractors safe. We’re often working up in ceiling voids etc. – so there’s a risk of banging your head – hence the hard hat - never mind the issues working at heights generally which are all carefully managed. Once we get a little further into the build the site will slowly become clean. Here we will be working with our teams to make sure they understand what is required of them and the sites are kept clean and orgainsed. Once we near completion and testing stages, there will be protocols about what we have to wear (i.e. gowns / lab coats) and what tools are appropriate for use. Cleanliness is paramount towards the end of a project and we always ensure cleaning is an integral part of any build to minimise the risk of any contamination at completion. Our knowledge and training in cleanroom design means it will be built correctly in accordance to any manufacturing design standards and to our own high standards: there is no margin for error as all our cleanrooms are tested and certified on completion. Because we test as well as build, we build easy testing accessibility and maintenance into our design – in existing cleanrooms, when you try to perform a filter integrity test, you’d be surprised to find how inaccessible they sometimes are, often with no consideration given as to how you can access those test ports – or worse still, they’ve not been included at all.

We understand that if we don’t get it right first time, the cleanroom won’t be certified and we won’t have a happy client! As a job it is hugely rewarding: if anyone has experience in construction and project management, cleanroom build is a really interesting area and one that could help further their career progression. The key attributes you need are to be very organised and thorough with high attention to detail and quality. You also need to be a good communicator, with the ability to build, manage and motivate a team and liaise with customers. Add this to a well thought out plan – and you have a winning formula!