Big Blue Blog - Disposable Contamination Control Clothing
BlogCleanroom08.04.2021
In the majority of cases cleanroom clothing is manufactured from re-usable cleanroom fabrics which can be processed, decontaminated and worn many times. In some applications however it is appropriate to consider disposable clothing items, which although generally low comfort and high cost, are available in a wide range of options and are simply disposed of after use.
There are many different types and brands of non-wovens available but the most commonly recognised brand is TYVEKTM which is a registered trademark (DuPont).
Disposable clothing for use as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
When a risk assessment has identified that a specific cleanroom task requires the use of PPE then disposable garments which are CE marked to confirm suitability for the task must be chosen. The clothing must also be compatible with the contamination control requirement of the area of use.
European directives ref 1 require that all PPE must be certified according to category I, II or III.
Category I clothing is identified as simple design with minor risk which can be identified by the user, Garments are labelled with a CE mark only.
Category II describes all PPE except those in category I or III. Garments are labelled with a CE mark only.
Category III garments are identified as complex design and intend to protect the wearer from risk of serious or fatal injury which may not be identified by the wearer in sufficient time. Category III garments are labelled with the CE mark plus a four digit code of the relevant notified body.
In addition the garment type indicates the kind of protection offered by protective clothing as defined by European Standards ref 2.
Category III PPE includes six types:
- Type 1 – Gas-tight clothing
- Type 2 – Non gas-tight clothing
- Type 3 – Protection against pressurised liquid chemicals
- Type 4 – Protection against liquid aerosols
- Type 5 – Protection against airborne solid particulate chemicals
- Type 6 – Limited protection against mist
It is important to note that if disposable garments are required for PPE then advice must be obtained from a Health and Safety professional to confirm the correct choice of clothing.
When disposing of contaminated items after use, safe and acceptable disposable procedures must be identified and used.
For more information on Micronclean's Disposable Contamination Clothing, click here.
References
- Ref 1 – Personal Protective Equipment Directive 89/686/EEC.
- Ref 2 – BS EN 943-1:2002. Protective clothing against liquid and gaseous chemicals, aerosols and solid particles. Performance requirements for ventilated and non-ventilated “gas-tight” (Type 1) and “non-gas-tight” (Type 2) chemical protective suits. Note this has been replaced by BS EN 943-1:2015+A1:2019: Protective clothing against dangerous solid, liquid and gaseous chemicals, including liquid and solid aerosols.
