Proper cleanroom garments for cleanroom gowning are designed to trap and prevent human contaminants, such as those generated by the skin and body, or carried in on their own cleanroom garments, from entering the clean environment. The procedures for cleanroom gowning vary somewhat by industry, but in general, they follow a procedure of “donning” (putting on sterile cleanroom garments) prior to entering, and “doffing” or “de-gowning” (removing special cleanroom garments after exiting), similar to the following:

Common steps in cleanroom gowning

• Wash and dry hands, then enter general gowning area or room;
• Place bouffant over hair, making sure no stray hairs are left uncovered;
• Walk across tacky mat;
• Place disposable shoe covers over shoes;
• Put on donning gloves;
• Enter sterile gowning area;
• Slide hood over bouffant, covering hair completely;
• Attach snaps in back; don face mask;
• Don coverall without letting it touch floor, one leg then one arm at a time; zip up; fasten snaps at ankles and collar;
• Don boots and snap;
• Don goggles or face shield;
• Either replace first pair of donning gloves and replace, or place second pair over first and cover sleeve cuffs.

The doffing sequence reverses the above procedure. Used items are disposed of or placed in recycling receptacles.3

Proper cleanroom attire also serves to protect employees from potential harm in many settings. Working with harsh chemicals, airborne dust, or microbes without protection may place their health at risk. Cleanroom garments usually provide head-to-toe coverage, including boots or boot/shoes covers, a zipped coverall or frock, face mask, and sleeve cover. Different garment configurations and fabrics are tested and rated by independent laboratories for use in various industries such as aerospace, medicine, and electronics.

Gowning procedures may vary depending upon cleanroom applications; however the gowning sequence is quite similar acrossed all applications. Be sure to check with your local compliance protocols to ensure a cleanly gowning process. Also, be sure to check that your garments and consumables are in compliant with your local clean room operation.