Laboratories that produce medicinal products must adhere to the highest quality of cleaning due to the bacteria and solutions used to create their products. As well as requiring a cleaning room on-site to keep workers sanitary, the lab needs frequent cleaning and a deep clean every year.

ICE Cleaning is a professional cleaning company that specialises in laboratory cleaning services. Its technicians are qualified to work with biohazardous waste and clean pharmaceutical equipment efficiently.

Read on to learn more about laboratory cleaning and the process of cleaning pharmaceutical equipment.

Why do pharmaceutical labs require specialist cleaning?

Laboratories require the highest standard of cleanliness, from decontaminating surfaces to polishing glassware and hotplates. Chemicals and hazardous chemicals are used daily in a laboratory, so there is a practice of cleaning as you go to keep the workspace clean.

A deep clean is required annually, consisting of a thorough decontamination of the workspace and a cleanroom if one is on-site. These procedures keep workers safe and prevent any cross-contamination of medical products.

What guidance do cleaners need to follow?

Outsourced or on-site cleaners must follow strict guidelines when deep cleaning a laboratory. Whilst adhering to health and safety guidelines, they are exposed to chemicals, microorganisms, and potentially radioactive materials.

Some chemicals used in these labs are hazardous to the lungs and skin, and the micro-organisms present could cause illness. Most of these are harmless, but depending on their containment level, they could cause severe illness.

Every laboratory will have a specific rule set that their cleaners must follow. It depends on the hazards present and what areas are off-limits to those underqualified to enter the area. Only qualified, specialised cleaners with the correct PPE and equipment can handle these tasks.

What does deep cleaning consist of?

Most laboratories will have a ‘clean-as-you-go’ rule or perform weekly housekeeping duties. They will also have an annual deep-cleaning procedure, which laboratory staff may perform – but outsourced cleaners could be required on-site to assist.

The first phase of the deep cleaning will consist of the cleaning process itself, which normally consists of:

• Cleaning all surfaces with specialist solutions
• Emptying and cleaning sinks
• Removing equipment for individual cleaning
• Cleaning behind storage containers
• Removing all objects from the floor
• Sweep and mop floors with industrial solutions

After completing the general cleaning procedure, a thorough disinfection of the area will proceed. A strong, specialist industrial solution is applied to all surfaces, including sinks and laboratory equipment.

Biocontainment equipment like biological safety and laminar flow cabinets, fume hoods, and glove boxes will be disinfected. This ensures that all equipment is safe to use again, and staff can continue to work safely.

ICE Cleaning’s expert technicians offer laboratory cleaning services that effectively sterilise and decontaminate equipment and surfaces using specialist equipment. They are available nationwide and can arrive on-site in a few hours in an emergency.