Anatomy of a Cleanroom Suit

Cleanrooms are widely used in the biotech, microelectronics, and life sciences sectors, as well as certain other industries that need to manufacture or process sensitive materials in a way that minimizes exposure to harmful airborne contaminants. These specialized environments are commonly classified according to the guidelines of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). There are nine distinct classes, from ISO Class 1 (most clean) to ISO Class 9 (least clean). The type of cleanroom needed depends on the kinds of materials being processed and their degree of sensitivity to airborne particles.

It can be difficult to reduce airborne contaminants below the threshold necessary to maintain the cleanroom’s ISO classification. That’s why personnel in these areas must wear specialized clothing that has been designed for cleanroom use. In more strict cleanrooms, it is common to wear a full head-to-toe hooded cleanroom suit that sharply curtails the amount of contaminants that the wearer releases into the room. In less strict cleanrooms, clothing requirements are comparatively relaxed.

Prudential Cleanroom Services (PCS) has prepared a helpful infographic that provides a brief overview of the various accessories that constitute a complete cleanroom sterile suit. Please view the infographic posted in the space below to learn more about this topic.