Big Blue Blog - Cleanroom Undergarments

If normal street clothes are worn under outer cleanroom clothing then these garments will have great variation in fabric type and soiling levels.

Body box testing show that particles are released through the cleanroom garments and a proportion of any contaminants released will be from the undergarments.

It is therefore essential that in high grade cleanrooms undergarments are used and are manufactured from a fabric that does not itself shed large numbers of particles or fibres. The undergarment layer will also provide additional filtration for the wearer thus reducing the particulate challenge to the outer garments and the cleanroom.

As these garments are worn next to the skin, fabrics must be used which provide a high level of wearer comfort. Fabrics with a soft “feel” and the ability to wick moisture away from the skin will usually be the most acceptable.

Fabrics which are dark in colour and non see-through are preferred.

When control of electro-static dissipation (ESD) is a key area for contamination control then an undergarment fabric with ESD properties is required.

Cleanroom undergarments are usually a two piece set of tunic and trouser (sometimes called PJs - pyjamas) and loose, comfortable-fitting styles are needed.

Elasticated trouser ankles prevent dragging on the floor and the tunic is usually short sleeved. A long sleeved tunic provides a more effective barrier to the realised of skin particulates; however, the cuffs can become wet during hand washing and produces a source of microbial contamination.