Overview

Cleanroom operators are the leading source of contamination, but also the most manageable variable. A comprehensive cleanroom garment program is essential for capturing static, particles, liquids, powders, chemicals, and even viable biological contaminants such as bacteria and mold. The selection of cleanroom apparel should be tailored to product criticality, cleanliness standards, and operational realities.

Both launderable and limited-use garments undergo rigorous testing for strength, durability, filtration efficiency, splash resistance, and ESD performance, following established industry standards like IEST-RP-CC003 and ASTM test methods. The results inform choices that align with process needs, operator comfort, and sustainability considerations.

In Chapter 1, you'll discover:

• How garments help capture and control operator-generated contaminants.

• The differences between launderable (reusable) and limited-use (disposable) garment systems.

• Key factors for evaluating garment performance, durability, and compliance.

• Why cleanroom apparel selection should be based on process risk, facility needs, and cleanroom class.

You don’t need to be an expert to make informed decisions about garment programs—this guide is here to break down the essentials and give you a clear, practical foundation for your facility.

"The most significant threat to cleanroom integrity is also the easiest to control – the humans working in the cleanroom."

— Jan Eudy, Cleanroom & Contamination Control Expert

EXPLORE MORE RESOURCES

• Chapter 2: Managing a Launderable Cleanroom Garment Program

• Chapter 3: Procuring Cleanroom Garments: Evaluating Ownership vs. Leasing Options

• Technical Series: Standard Operating Procedures for Controlled Environments