Cleanroom Garment & Vendor Selection: Recommended Practices

Cleanroom garments are essential in creating a controlled barrier that protects both products and manufacturing processes from contamination. Selecting the right garment is a complex balance between ensuring effective particle containment and providing comfort to operators during long shifts. This chapter guides you through key considerations to make informed garment choices that meet cleanroom standards and support operational efficiency.

In this chapter, you will explore:

• Different garment types and their best use cases
• Key performance factors including filtration and breathability
• Common challenges in garment selection and how to address them
• How to evaluate testing data to ensure compliance and quality

The Role of Cleanroom Garments

Cleanroom garments serve as a protective barrier, containing operator-generated particles and maintaining the cleanroom’s air cleanliness classification. Proper garment selection is essential to safeguard product quality and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Garment Types and Performance Criteria

Common garment types include single-use and reusable options, each with distinct characteristics:

• Single-use garments: Disposable, convenient for high-risk or sterile applications.
• Reusable garments: Durable, laundered per strict protocols to maintain cleanliness.

Key performance factors include:

• Moisture vapor transfer rate (MVTR) for breathability and comfort
• Particle filtration efficiency to contain contaminants
• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) properties where needed
• Seam construction and garment design for durability and particle control

Balancing Protection and Comfort

Highly protective garments often reduce wearer comfort, affecting operator efficiency. Selecting garments requires balancing filtration performance with breathability. Operator involvement in the selection process is vital to address comfort and compliance needs.

Testing and Certification

Garments are tested per IEST-RP-CC003 and other standards for cleanliness, durability, and performance. Tests include Helmke Tumble for particle shedding, filtration efficiency, and physical properties like tensile strength and elongation. Vendors should provide comprehensive test data to validate garment suitability.

“Effective garment selection balances protection and comfort to ensure cleanroom integrity and operator performance.”
— Jan Eudy, Cleanroom and Contamination Control Consultant

Key Takeaways for Selecting Cleanroom Garments

• Choose garment types tailored to cleanroom class and application needs.

• Require verified lab test data to ensure performance and compliance.

• Involve operators in fittings to balance comfort with protection.

• Implement laundering and retirement protocols for reusable garments.

• Focus on balancing effective particle containment with wearer comfort.

• Prioritize task-specific garment selection supported by robust testing.

• Leverage operator feedback to enhance acceptance and adherence.

EXPLORE MORE RESOURCES

• Chapter 1: Cleanroom Consumable & Vendor Selection: Recommended Practices

• Chapter 2: Cleanroom Gloves & Vendor Selection: Recommended Practices

• Chapter 3: Cleanroom Wiper & Vendor Selection: Recommended Practices