ASTM F51/F51M-00(2014)e1

5.1 The test method for particulate sizing and numbers on garments is nondestructive and may be used to evaluate the contamination levels of fibers and particles on and in clean room garments. The test may be used for evaluating the cleanliness levels of new or newly cleaned garments. It also may be used to evaluate the extent of fiber and particulate contamination on garments that have been worn, if necessary. For this application, it is necessary to sample representative areas of the garment fabric.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of detachable particulate contaminant 5 μm or larger, in and on the fabric of clean room garments.

1.2 This test method does not apply to nonporous fabrics such as Tyvek (trademarked) or Gortex (trademarked). It only applies to fabrics that are porous such as cotton or polyester.

1.3 This test method provides not only the traditional optical microscopic analysis but also a size distribution and surface obscuration analysis for particles on a fine-textured membrane filter or in a tape lift sample. It utilizes transmitted illumination to render all particles darker than the background for gray level detection. Particles collected on opaque plates must be transferred to a suitable membrane filter.

1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.5 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.