Not all single-use disposable garments on the market are suitable for use in all controlled or critical environments. Richard Bryant, from cleanroom consumables supplier Nitritex, identifies exactly what to look for.
The US Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST), via its Contamination Control Division, has issued a Recommended Practice1 (IEST-RP-CC003.4) that gives guidance to cleanroom operators and garment manufacturers alike. The Recommended Practice goes into many facets of cleanroom garments and their design and use, and is a good starting point for evaluating their suitability for use in any grade of cleanroom.
Although IEST-RP-CC003.4 is primarily aimed at defining the requirements for reusable garments, it also includes those for single-use clothing.
While the primary function of cleanroom garments is to protect the product under manufacture from contamination, the cleanroom operator also needs to take into account the safety and general welfare of the wearer. If the cleanroom is used for manufacturing cytotoxic pharmaceuticals or involves the use of other hazardous substances, the cleanroom garments provided for use must also offer the wearer protection. In Europe, the requirements for the level of protection given by any garment are well defined by the European Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Directive2 and any suitable garments should carry the European CE mark.
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