The greatest source of contamination in a cleanroom is people. By simply
walking around, the human body can generate five to ten million skin, hair, dirt, and
clothing particles every minute. This is why cleanroom garments have been developed.
Cleanroom garments are generally white suits composed of a hood, coveralls, and booties.
The suits are specially cleaned and packaged garments made of very tightly woven fabrics
that are designed to filter human particles in the cleanroom - reducing them by a factor
of ten in most cases.
Cleanroom Garments
Only approved cleanroom garments should be worn in the cleanroom. Always use the
proper dressing procedure: the hood is tucked into the coveralls, which are tucked into
the booties. Gloves are worn over the coverall arm. Keep hair tucked under the hood at all
times. Never unzip or open the garment in the clean-room. Hang the garments in a vertical
laminar flow bench or on separate racks when not in use. Put garments in
clean-room-dedicated garment hampers after use.
Personal Clothing
Avoid wearing clothing made with natural fibers as they shed particles that can
migrate outside cleanroom garments. Clothing made from synthetic materials are generally
more practical for working in a cleanroom.
Jewelry/Watches
Jewelry and watches should not be worn in the cleanroom, as they retain many dead skin
flakes that can shed into the cleanroom if they puncture a glove.
Cosmetics
Mascara, fingernail polish, hair spray, face powders, colognes, perfumes, and other
cosmetics are a source of particles and should not be used.
Gloves
Gloves are worn to protect hands from corrosive and hazardous solvents and to protect
products from skin and dirt particles. Check to see the gloves specification and process
requirements are compatible. Gloves should generally be disposed of each time after
exiting the cleanroom.
Eyeglasses/Goggles
Wipe glasses and goggles clean of any visible contamination before entering the
cleanroom.
Food
Food, drink, and chewing gum should not be allowed to be brought into the cleanroom.
Smoking
Smoking should not be allowed in or near the cleanroom. When a person smokes, smoke
particles are still breathed out over half an hour later. If a person does smoke on
breaks, drinking a glass of water before re-entering the cleanroom has been shown to
greatly reduce residual smoke particles.