[labnetwork] Cleanroom Lab Coats

[Tony L Olsen]

Peter

I echo previous comments.  I know of no cleanroom clothing or lab coats that are appropriate for chemical protection.  In most cases, cleanroom clothing is seldom considered as PPE (exception: flame resistant fabric).  It is not to protect people, rather protect the cleanroom from people.

We use standard cleanroom bunnysuits, a polyester blend with 1-2% carbon, which provides some minor ESD protection.  The material is also used for cleanroom frocks/lab coats.  For those parts of our lab that are not in the cleanroom, our EHS department suggests flame resistant lab coats, but I haven't done so, yet.

For chemical protection, we use Tychem-SL full-sleeve aprons (now branded as Tychem 4000).  They are polypropylene coated Tyvek.  They are re-usable, but disposable.  I insist on full-sleeve aprons.  Surprisingly, there aren't many options available.  These actually offer better protection than vinyl and are lighter and much more tolerable when wearing for extended periods of time.  The wrist elastic isn't really great for the cleanroom, but I accept it anyway.

I also have Tyvek bunnysuits on hand as a backup - especially for contractors and personnel involved with tasks that are likely to damage garments.  And, I have some Tyvek lab coats, used occasionally for large tour groups.

BTW, I know some industry facilities require flame resistant Nomex cleanroom bunnysuits for maintenance staff - I used to work for one.

tonyO


Tony Olsen
Nanofab Cleanroom Supervisor/Process Engineer
University of Utah
36 S Wasatch Dr, Suite 2500
Salt Lake City,  UT  84112
801-587-0651 office
801-587-3077 fax
www.nanofab.utah.edu<http://www.nanofab.utah.edu/>



From: Peter Hung <peter.hung at aero.org>
Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2018 16:15
To: labnetwork at mtl.mit.edu
Subject: [labnetwork] Cleanroom Lab Coats

Hi Everyone, I know that this had probably been discussed before, but can you tell me what material/vendor you have for your lab coats? It looks like what we're currently using are more suited for ESD protection for the parts and not necessary the best for protecting users from chemical. The chemical lab coats we have here would seem to shed and not be compatible with cleanroom. Is there some sort of hybrid that you use? Or maybe just something that protects the users a bit more and still suitable for cleanroom? Thanks!

Peter Hung, PhD
Project Leader
S&T Strategy and Development
The Aerospace Corporation
Peter.hung at aero.org<mailto:Peter.hung at aero.org>
310.336.5238

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