Physical Contaminant Ratings In Ceiling Grid Tiles – A Guide For Specifiers

The term ‘clean room’ refers to spaces – such as science laboratories, data centres, food manufacturing facilities, healthcare settings, pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, and so on – in which, for a variety of reasons, contamination control and ensuring the absence of airborne particles is critically important.

Across Australia and New Zealand, the design, construction, and maintenance of these clean rooms is closely regulated. They must be certified as suitable for the purpose in question, and they must be maintained and cleaned according to a strict set of guidelines.

In addition, considering their potential for introducing airborne particles, the materials used within these spaces are also closely regulated. They must be capable of handling the relevant cleaning routines without negatively affecting the environment.

In this session of CPD Live, we focus on one particular class of product, ceiling grid tiles, with reference to their suitability for installation in clean rooms. Our speakers will outline all the relevant regulations, as well as the best ways to identify products that are suitable for use in these types of applications.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this presentation, you should be able to:

•   Identify the types of spaces and facilities that require contamination control
•   Define the terms ‘Physical Containment PC1 Facility’ and ‘PC2 Facility Containment Facility’
•   Outline the regulations that apply to contamination control in Australia
•   Explain how to identify ceiling products that are suitable for installation in applications requiring contamination control

(PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT PC 12, PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT PC 16, PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PC 28)

Speakers 

Frank De Mendonca, National Specification Manager, CSR

With over 12 years of experience in the acoustics industry, Frank De Mendonca has been at the forefront of developing and promoting innovative acoustic solutions globally. He initiated his career by establishing the Saint-Gobain Ecophon business in South Africa as the National Sales Manager in 2012. In 2016, he relocated to the United Kingdom to lead the International Specification Team and manage major projects for Saint-Gobain Ecophon. During his tenure in the UK, he also promoted Micro Perforated Timber Acoustics from Saint-Gobain Decoustics in Toronto, Canada, as well as Metal Acoustic Panels from Saint-Gobain Plafometal in France. 

After taking a 2.5-year hiatus to start his own Acoustic Installation Business, focusing on both refurbishment work and large-scale projects such as universities, Frank gained the opportunity to collaborate with many different acoustic manufacturers, integrating innovative solutions into his projects. He returned to Ecophon and was tasked with assisting in the establishment of the Ecophon brand in Australia in 2024, alongside promoting CSR Himmel products. A seasoned presenter, he has delivered numerous presentations to leading global architects, showcasing his deep passion for acoustics. Currently, he holds the position of National Interiors Acoustics Specification Manager for CSR, where he continues to influence the industry and tailor acoustic solutions to meet client and environmental needs.

Adam Carr, Product Manager, CSR

Adam is an experienced product manager with over 15 years delivering products to the FMCG, oil and gas and building industry. He is a PhD qualified chemical engineer with specialty in complex materials and processing methods. During his time in the building industry, he has engaged the market to deliver products and technologies that improve technical and environmental performance, while reducing complexity and improving customer experience. Adam works with diverse stakeholder groups to ensure product compliance, performance, and useability for the end customer.

Jody Seabright, Principal, Lab-works Architecture

Jody joined the team at Lab-works Architecture in 1991 and is based in our Wellington office. He has extensive experience as a Senior Technician resolving technical issues and details associated with the design of laboratories. His work includes the planning, briefing, design and research required to establish a project through to the construction observation and contract management required to bring a project to fruition. Jody has extensive experience in developing functional briefs with users and working with them to provide architectural solutions that solve complicated design issues. He has particular skills in resolving technical issues and details associated with the design and documentation of complex laboratory projects.