GB2416484A - Cleaning system for clean rooms using bagged applicators - Google Patents
Cleaning system for clean rooms using bagged applicators Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2416484A GB2416484A GB0513369A GB0513369A GB2416484A GB 2416484 A GB2416484 A GB 2416484A GB 0513369 A GB0513369 A GB 0513369A GB 0513369 A GB0513369 A GB 0513369A GB 2416484 A GB2416484 A GB 2416484A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- applicators
- applicator
- bagged
- bag
- actuator
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 28
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 14
- 239000000645 desinfectant Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000036512 infertility Effects 0.000 description 4
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012958 reprocessing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
- A61L2/18—Liquid substances or solutions comprising solids or dissolved gases
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
- A47L13/16—Cloths; Pads; Sponges
- A47L13/17—Cloths; Pads; Sponges containing cleaning agents
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
- A47L13/20—Mops
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B1/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools
- B08B1/10—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools characterised by the type of cleaning tool
- B08B1/14—Wipes; Absorbent members, e.g. swabs or sponges
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
- Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A cleaning system for a clean room comprises a plurality of applicators stored within a bag, or within a bag 4 - within -a - bag 5, each of the applicators being wetted or wettable with a sterilising agent, and an actuator [i.e. handle 9] which is attachable to each applicator so that it can be removed from the bag and put to use. In a preferred embodiment the applicators take the form of mop heads, and the actuator is a suitable handle. Also claimed is a bagged set of applicators, and a method of cleaning using the system as defined above.
Description
24 1 6484
CLEANING SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a cleaning system for cleaning a sterile environment (eg a cleanroom) comprising a bagged set of applicators, to the bagged set of applicators per se and to a method for cleaning a cleauroom using the bagged set of applicators.
In maintaining the sterility of higher specification cleaurooms, it is paramount that equipment introduced into the cleanroom has been sterilised. Traditionally, multiple items of cleaning equipment such as mops, buckets, ringers and trolleys have been used to clean cleanrooms but such items are generally difficult to clean and sterilise and to maintain in a sterile condition.
lo The present invention seeks to improve the maintenance of sterility in cleaurooms by rendering multiple items of cleaning equipment superfluous. In particular, the present invention relates to a cleaning system comprising a bagged set of applicators for applying sterilising agent and an actuator.
Thus viewed from one aspect the present invention provides a cleaning system for cleaning a cleanroom comprising: a bagged set of applicators, wherein each applicator is wettable or pre-wetted with an amount of a sterilising agent, and an actuator attachable consecutively to each applicator for remote actuation of the applicator across a surface of the cleanroom so as to apply the amount of the sterilising agent thereto.
The cleaning system of the present invention dispenses with the need for multiple items of cleaning equipment such as buckets, ringers or trolleys and therefore offers improvements in maintaining the sterility of the cleauroom.
The cleaning system will generally observe regulatory requirements for cleanrooms. In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning system of the invention is adapted for use in a cleauroom up to classification 100/IS04/GMP A or B. In an alternative preferred ce: ee. :.
ë ee.e c:e:: . embodiment, the cleaning system of the invention is adapted for use in a cleanroom permitting a low (or ultra low) bioburden.
Each applicator may be pre-wetted to ensure that the amount of sterilising agent is acceptable for the intended purpose.
Each applicator may be wettable (eg dry or partially dry) for user application of the amount of sterilising agent. Preferably each applicator is wettable concurrently with an amount of a sterilising agent. Preferably the amount is a uniform amount.
The bagged set of applicators may be a single or multiple bagged set of applicators. For example, the bagged set of applicators may comprise a set of applicators housed within a lo single bag.
In a preferred embodiment, the bagged set of applicators is a double bagged set of applicators. Preferably the double bagged set of applicators comprises a first bag housed wholly within a second bag, wherein the set of applicators is housed within the first bag.
The or each bag is generally a bag which is at least partially flexible. Suitable materials will be familiar to those skilled in the art. The or each bag may be sealed in any convenient manner. The neck of the or each bag (eg the first bag and/or second bag) may be sealed with a zip or reusable seal. For example, the neck of the first bag and/or second bag may be sealed with a welded seal or a snap seal.
In a preferred embodiment, the or each bag is self standing. This advantageously allows the so set of applicators to be housed upright (such as in a conventional bucket). For this purpose, the bag may be provided with a broad base (eg a broad elliptical base). The or each bag may be gussetted or pleated. Preferably the bag is gussetted. The bag is preferably composed of a material (eg polypropylene or (preferably) polyethylene) which permits it to be folded flat (eg when empty).
eve ee.
e e , Each applicator of the set of applicators may be the same or different. Preferably each applicator is a sponge or mop. The applicator is generally impregnable with sterilising agent.
Before being introduced into the cleanroom, the set of applicators may be sterilised in *itu (ie after having been bagged). This may be carried out chemically or physically (for example thermally or irradiatively eg using gamma- irradiation).
The actuator may be an elongate actuator stem terminating in an actuator foot to which is attachable each applicator. Each wet applicator may be sheathed onto the actuator foot. The applicator may include a loop (eg at an end) to facilitate attachment to the actuator foot.
I o For example, the loop may facilitate pick-up of the applicator by the actuator foot and sheathing the applicator onto the actuator foot. This advantageously minimises contamination of the applicator or the operator. The elongate actuator stem may terminate at its head end with a handle for remote actuation of the applicator across a surface of the cleanroom.
Is In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning system further comprises: a disposable bag for disposing of one or more used applicators.
The sterilising agent may be a liquid (eg a solution) of a disinfectant or sterilant. Suitable sterilising agents will be familiar to those skilled in the art.
Viewed from a further aspect the present invention provides a bagged set of applicators as hereinbefore defined.
The cleaning system of the invention and the bagged set of applicators of the invention are useful in a method for cleaning a cleauroom which itself is independently patentably significant.
Viewed from a yet further aspect the present invention provides a method for cleaning a cleanroom comprising: a. :. .e . .:. ; (a) obtaining a bagged set of applicators as hereinbefore defined; (b) optionally wetting each applicator of the bagged set of applicators concurrently with a sterilising agent; (c) debagging a first applicator; s (d) attaching an actuator to the first applicator; (e) remotely actuating the first applicator across a surface of the cleanroom so as to apply sterilising agent thereto.
Where each applicator is pre-wetted, step (b) is redundant.
Preferably step (b) is not optional. By wetting the bagged set of applicators concurrently in lo a single step (step (b)), the applicators are uniformly and homogeneously dosed with sterilising agent (unlike conventional methods) and by eliminating repeated wetting steps there is less handling required with associated improvements in safety. Moreover the correct dose of sterilising agent may be applied so as to minimise waste and preventing spillage.
In a preferred embodiment, the area of the surface of the cleauroom does not exceed about 20m2. Second and subsequent areas not exceeding 20m2 may be subjected to step (e) with second and subsequent applicators respectively.
Preferably the method further comprises: (i3 disposing of the first applicator; (g) debagging a second applicator; (h) attaching an actuator to the second applicator; (i) remotely actuating the second applicator across a surface of the cleanroom so as to apply sterilising agent thereto.
Preferably step (a) comprises: (al) cleaning and decontaminating the set of applicators; (a2) bagging the set of applicators; (a3) sterilising the set of applicators.
The present invention will now be described in a non-limitative sense with reference to accompanying Figure 1 in which an embodiment of the cleaning system of the invention and its use in an embodiment of the method of the invention is illustrated schematically.
The embodiment of the cleaning system of the invention and its use is illustrated schematically in Figure 1 and designated generally by reference numeral 1. From a cleanroom laundry service (2) is provided a double bagged set of ten mops (3). The set of ten mops (3) is housed within an internal bag (4) which itself is housed within an external bag (5). The internal bag (4) and external bag (5) are self-standing. The set of mops (3) have been cleaned, decontaminated and packed in the internal bag (4) and the external bag 0 (5). The double bagged set of mops (3) is sterilised and the internal bag (4) and the external bag (5) maintain sterility of the set of mops (3) up to and after the point of entry into the cleanroom C and up to the point of use.
The double bagged set of mops (3) enters the clean room C and at the point of use, the external bag (5) is cut at the neck and removed to expose the internal bag (4). The external s bag (5) may be folded and disposed of in a disposal bag (6) (described below). The internal bag (4) bears a welded seal (4a) which is cut (eg using sterile scissors) and a snap seal (7) which is released. Upon release, disinfectant from a disinfectant container (8) is added to simultaneously wet the set of mops (3) in the internal bag (4).
The foot of a mop handle (9) which has been sterilised in an autoclave is attached to one of the disinfectant soaked mops (3a) from the set of mops (3). This is assisted by a loop (16) on the mop (3a) which allows the foot of the mop handle (9) to pick up the mop (3a) and to sheath the mop (3a) onto the foot. The mop (3a) is used to apply disinfectant to an area of the surface of the cleanroom not exceeding 20m2. On reaching this threshold, the mop (3a) is designated in this system as a "soiled' mop (3b). The soiled mop (3b) is removed from the handle (9) and is placed for disposal in the disposal bag (6). Further surface areas of 20m2 may be sterilised using second and subsequent mops from the set of mops (3) in a similar manner. The soiled mops (3b and others) in the disposal bag (6) may be sent for reprocessing.
Claims (20)
1. A cleaning system for cleaning a cleanroom comprising: a bagged set of applicators, wherein each applicator is wettable or pre-wetted with an amount of a sterilising agent; and s an actuator attachable consecutively to each applicator for remote actuation of the applicator across a surface of the cleanroom so as to apply the amount of the sterilising agent thereto.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each applicator is wettable with an amount of a sterilising agent.
l o
3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein each applicator is wettable concurrently with an amount of a sterilising agent.
4. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the amount of a sterilising agent is a uniform amount.
5. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bagged set of applicators is a multiple bagged set of applicators.
6. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bagged set of applicators is a double bagged set of applicators.
7. A system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the double bagged set of applicators comprises a first bag housed wholly within a second bag, wherein the set of applicators is housed within the first bag.
8. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the or each bag of the bagged set of applicators is self standing.
* * .
9. A system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the or each bag of the bagged set of applicators is gussetted.
10. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the or each bag of the bagged set of applicators is composed of a material which permits it to be folded flat.
s
11. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bagged set of applicators is sterile.
12. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the actuator comprises: an elongate actuator stem terminating in an actuator foot to which is attachable each applicator.
13. A system as claimed in claim 12 wherein each applicator is sheathable onto the l o actuator foot.
14. A system as claimed in claim 12 or 13 wherein the applicator includes a loop to facilitate pick-up of the applicator by the actuator foot and sheathing the applicator onto the actuator foot.
15. A system as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising: I S a disposable bag for disposing of one or more used applicators.
16. A bagged set of applicators as defined in any preceding claim.
17. A method for cleaning a cleanroom comprising: (a) obtaining a bagged set of applicators as defined in any of claims 1 to 16; (b) optionally wetting each applicator of the bagged set of applicators concurrently with a sterilising agent; (c) debagging a first applicator; (d) attaching an actuator to the first applicator; (e) remotely actuating the first applicator across a surface of the cleanroom so as to apply sterilising agent thereto.
. ë.
* C C C C CC C C C C C C C C C C.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17 comprising: (b) wetting each applicator of the bagged set of applicators concurrently with a sterilising agent.
19. A method as claimed in claim 17 or 18 further comprising: s (f) disposing of the first applicator; (g) debugging a second applicator; (h) attaching an actuator to the second applicator; (i) remotely actuating the second applicator across a surface of the cleanroom so as to apply sterilising agent thereto.
l o
20. A method as claimed in any of claims 17 to l 9 wherein step (a) comprises: (al) cleaning and decontaminating the set of applicators; (a2) bagging the set of applicators; (a3) sterilising the set of applicators.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0416257.4A GB0416257D0 (en) | 2004-07-21 | 2004-07-21 | Cleaning system |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0513369D0 GB0513369D0 (en) | 2005-08-03 |
| GB2416484A true GB2416484A (en) | 2006-02-01 |
| GB2416484B GB2416484B (en) | 2007-07-11 |
Family
ID=32922543
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0416257.4A Ceased GB0416257D0 (en) | 2004-07-21 | 2004-07-21 | Cleaning system |
| GB0513369A Active GB2416484B (en) | 2004-07-21 | 2005-06-30 | Cleaning system |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0416257.4A Ceased GB0416257D0 (en) | 2004-07-21 | 2004-07-21 | Cleaning system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (2) | GB0416257D0 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2929828B1 (en) | 2014-04-11 | 2018-05-23 | Hydroflex OHG | Cleaning unit comprising a cleaning mop and at least one package |
| EP2929827B1 (en) | 2014-04-11 | 2020-04-15 | Hydroflex OHG | Flat mop, in particular disposable flat mop |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4002264A (en) * | 1975-01-30 | 1977-01-11 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Dispensing means for moist tissues |
| WO1996028262A1 (en) * | 1995-03-10 | 1996-09-19 | The Texwipe Company Llc | Cleaning device and method |
| EP0982237A2 (en) * | 1998-08-26 | 2000-03-01 | The Texwipe Company, Llc | Cleaning device and method |
| US6645930B1 (en) * | 2000-07-10 | 2003-11-11 | Ekc Technology, Inc. | Clean room wipes for neutralizing caustic chemicals |
| WO2004100744A1 (en) * | 2003-05-15 | 2004-11-25 | Reckitt Benckiser France | Cleaning assembly |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3719904A1 (en) * | 1987-06-15 | 1988-12-29 | Schlerf Coronet Werke | MACHINE TO CLEAN OR EDIT SURFACES OR APPLY MEDIA TO SURFACES |
| GB9911671D0 (en) * | 1999-05-19 | 1999-07-21 | Unilever Plc | A cleaning tool and cleaning apparatus incorporating a cleaning tool |
-
2004
- 2004-07-21 GB GBGB0416257.4A patent/GB0416257D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2005
- 2005-06-30 GB GB0513369A patent/GB2416484B/en active Active
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4002264A (en) * | 1975-01-30 | 1977-01-11 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Dispensing means for moist tissues |
| WO1996028262A1 (en) * | 1995-03-10 | 1996-09-19 | The Texwipe Company Llc | Cleaning device and method |
| EP0982237A2 (en) * | 1998-08-26 | 2000-03-01 | The Texwipe Company, Llc | Cleaning device and method |
| US6645930B1 (en) * | 2000-07-10 | 2003-11-11 | Ekc Technology, Inc. | Clean room wipes for neutralizing caustic chemicals |
| WO2004100744A1 (en) * | 2003-05-15 | 2004-11-25 | Reckitt Benckiser France | Cleaning assembly |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2929828B1 (en) | 2014-04-11 | 2018-05-23 | Hydroflex OHG | Cleaning unit comprising a cleaning mop and at least one package |
| EP2929827B1 (en) | 2014-04-11 | 2020-04-15 | Hydroflex OHG | Flat mop, in particular disposable flat mop |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0416257D0 (en) | 2004-08-25 |
| GB0513369D0 (en) | 2005-08-03 |
| GB2416484B (en) | 2007-07-11 |
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