SNOLAB is a world-class underground laboratory dedicated to science that needs ultra-shielded conditions, such as extremely rare nuclear processes and low-radiation biology. To protect sensitive experiments from background radiation—such as uranium and thorium isotopes naturally present in mine dust—the entire facility operates as a massive Class-2000 cleanroom. Maintaining this environment inside an active mine requires continuous, facility-wide effort. The lab strictly regulates airborne particles alongside key environmental parameters, including temperature, humidity, and pressure. To prevent mine dust on clothing, skin, or hair from compromising the science, all staff and visitors must shower, wash their hair, and change into cleanroom attire before entering. This presentation highlights a number of challenges and how we meet them, from developing evidence-based protocols, to deploying new cleanliness technology, to assessing methods and practices. All of this is done with the goal of creating optimal conditions for low-background science.
Dr. Aleksandra Bialek completed her PhD at the Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences in 2008. She earned a post-doctoral position at the University of Alberta and then later a Research Associate position at the same institution. She earned a Research Scientist position at SNOLAB in 2018. Dr. Bialek’s focus on research since her PhD has been on critical aspects of the SNO+ neutrino detector. She has assessed stress on key mechanical components and later went on to lead challenging leak-checking work on the three-story underground scintillator plant that purifies linear alkylbenzene for SNO+. As a Research Scientist, Dr. Bialek continues a focus on SNO+ as the lead scientist for the scintillator plant. She serves as the laboratory’s Cleanliness Coordinator and has led the evolution of cleanroom practices in the 2km-deep laboratory. This includes scientific assessment of cleaning procedures and the adoption of new technologies to make cleanroom practice easier to implement and maintain. She regularly mentors students and works with them to advance neutrino and cleanliness science.