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INTRODUCTION
In May 1997, IEST Working Group CC-003 conducted a review of 1EST-RP-CC003.2, "Garment System Considerations for Cleanrooms and Other Controlled Environments," and voted unanimously to rewrite the document. An extensive rewrite of the document was undertaken, resulting in the release of IEST-RP-CC003.3 in August 2003. The 48-page revision is organized into four substantive main sections: product, processing, usage considerations, and quality management. Additionally, recommended garment configurations and test methods are presented in two appendices.
When IEST-RP-CC003.2 was published in 1993, it was followed a year later by a supplement dealing with the sterilization of garments. Initially, the working group decided to roll the supplement into the IEST-RP-CC003.3. This decision was reversed sometime later and it was decided instead to incorporate the supplement into the rewrite of IEST-RP-CC023.1, "Microorganisms in Cleanrooms." This document should be available mid to late 2004.
CURRENT REVISION
Evolution
The Working Group began its review of IEST-RP-CC003.2 with a discussion concerning the Helmke Drum, NVR testing as well as garment sizing issues. A steering committee was formed to thoroughly evaluate the document and suggest areas that would require updating. Emphasis was placed on the structure of the document, its relevance and usefulness for today's contamination control needs, and test methods. The committee concluded that a major rewrite was needed and undertook an exhaustive section-by-section review of the recommended practice. After further discussions during two Working Group meetings in early 1998, the restructure of the document was expanded and agreed upon as follows:
The aforementioned sections were assigned to teams to write new material where necessary, consolidate information from the current RP, and consider the section-by-section input from the steering committee as well as comments from the Working Group. The results of these efforts were the central point of discussion at a November 1998 Working Group meeting in Chicago.
Subsequent Changes and New Items to Look For
The Working Group committed to a comprehensive rewrite of the document and called for some additional revisions, including:
* expanded sections on fabrics, material properties and testing, design and construction of apparel, and more information on apparel types;
* processing considerations outlining responsibilities of the processor and the user;
* usage considerations such as environmental guidelines for garment usage, processes to control contaminants from...