Cleanroom workwear

In cleanrooms, it is crucial to keep particle concentrations extremely low. Humans are one of the largest sources of contamination. That is why wearing the correct cleanroom garments is essential.

Cleanrooms are controlled environments used in industries where even the smallest contamination can have significant consequences, such as the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and electronics industries. Companies must ensure that their personnel wear appropriate workwear in order to safeguard the integrity of the cleanroom.

Cleanroom garments are specialised clothing designed to minimise particle shedding and prevent contamination in controlled environments such as cleanrooms.

Contamination in cleanrooms

In cleanrooms, three main sources of contamination are identified:

1. Human contamination (85%)

Humans are responsible for as much as 85% of particle contamination in cleanrooms. Every movement, breath or even the natural shedding of skin can release microscopic particles that negatively affect the air quality inside the cleanroom. These particles may compromise product quality and lead to defects or contamination in sensitive production processes.

2. Production process (10%)

During the production process, waste products such as packaging materials and paper may generate particles that contaminate the cleanroom environment.

3. Environment (5%)

Examples include leaks in filtration systems or the opening and closing of doors. Although this occurs to a lesser extent, it still represents a potential contamination source.

Cleanroom garments

Cleanroom garments play a crucial role in limiting particle release from the human body. By applying strict requirements to the design and materials of these garments, the number of particles released can be significantly reduced. This ensures that the cleanroom environment remains clean and safe, which is essential for the production of high-quality products.

Materials

Filament polyester fabrics

• Continuous filaments: Cleanroom fabrics must not generate dust particles themselves. Therefore filament polyester is used, a fibre composed of continuous filaments. This type of fibre minimises fibre shedding and contributes to a cleaner working environment.
• Antistatic fibres: To reduce static electricity, polyester is often combined with antistatic fibres, typically carbon. This helps prevent electrostatic build-up, which can attract and disperse particles.

Manufacturing techniques

Low-particle garment construction

• Ultrasonic sealing of pattern parts: When manufacturing cleanroom garments, pattern parts are often ultrasonically welded instead of stitched. This reduces the risk of particle release and ensures a cleaner finish.
• Use of double seams (felled seams): Double seams provide additional protection and improve garment durability. This helps prevent particles from escaping through seams.
• Minimal design details: Cleanroom garments should be finished as smoothly as possible, without unnecessary details or decorations that may trap particles. The design therefore remains simple and functional, with smooth surfaces.

Adapted accessories

• Carefully selected materials: Accessories such as knitted cuffs, zippers, snap buttons, labels and sewing threads are carefully selected to minimise particle shedding. These components must be chosen with the same care as the fabrics themselves.
• Final inspection: During final inspection, all loose threads are removed or sealed to prevent particle release in the cleanroom environment.

Additional requirements

• Antistatic properties: To prevent the build-up of static electricity, which can attract and spread particles, garments must have antistatic properties. This is especially important in cleanrooms where sensitive electronic components are produced.
• Reusability: Cleanroom garments must withstand multiple washing cycles, decontamination processes and sometimes even sterilisation. This makes them durable and cost-effective.
• Special properties: In certain cases, garments must also be flame-resistant or antibacterial, depending on the specific requirements of the cleanroom environment.

Conclusion

Cleanroom workwear is essential for maintaining a clean and safe working environment. By using materials such as filament polyester and antistatic fibres, combined with specialised garment construction techniques, particle emission can be significantly reduced.

Companies in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and electronics industries benefit greatly from high-quality cleanroom garments. They minimise contamination, improve product quality and contribute to efficient production environments.

Investing in the right cleanroom garments is therefore a smart decision for any organisation that must maintain the highest hygiene standards. It ensures protection for both products and production processes against unwanted particles.

FAQ

How is the quality of cleanroom garments ensured?

During the final inspection of cleanroom garments, loose threads are removed or sealed to prevent particle release. This ensures that the garments comply with the strict hygiene standards required for cleanrooms.

Can cleanroom garments be reused?

Yes. High-quality cleanroom garments are designed to be washed, decontaminated and sometimes even sterilised multiple times without losing their protective properties.

Are cleanroom garments suitable for all types of cleanrooms?

Cleanroom garments can be used in different types of cleanrooms, but specific requirements may vary depending on the industry and the level of cleanliness required. It is important to select garments that meet the specific standards of your cleanroom environment.