Overshoes and overboots in cleanrooms: requirements and areas of application

Protection against the ingress of particles is essential in cleanrooms. Overshoes and overboots make an important contribution to this. Depending on the industry and cleanroom class, different materials, designs and protective functions are used. In addition to disposable versions, reusable models and versions with ESD protection are also in circulation. The selection depends on the specific requirements of the respective area of application.

Function and use of overshoes

Overshoes are used in cleanrooms to minimise the introduction of particles. Disposable overshoes (also known as disposable overshoes) are used in numerous sectors, including the food industry, healthcare and building cleaning. They are also common practice in cleanrooms in a wide range of industries.

If overshoes are provided specifically for external persons such as tradesmen or technicians, these are referred to as visitor shoes.

Their great advantage: overshoes can be easily pulled over existing footwear (work or street shoes) and thus offer a quick and effective way of protecting the relevant areas from contamination.

There are also overshoes for ESD-sensitive work areas. These have an ESD protection function, for example with an ESD strap that dissipates static charges.

Overshoes for cleanrooms must have the following properties, among others, depending on the area of application:

Cleanroom packaging
Low particle emission of the shoe material
Particle retention capacity
Barrier properties
Tear resistance
Resilience
slip-resistant outsole
Sterility
ESD protection (ESD overshoes)
Documentation
Model specifications
Technical data sheet
Sterility certificate, irradiation certificate
PPE guidelines

Overshoe dispensers can be used to save time when putting on overshoes.

Overboots: Extended protection

Overboots (also known as overboots) basically have the same function as overshoes, namely to minimise the entry of particles into the cleanroom. However, they are higher and usually extend over the trousers.

Depending on the application, overboots must also have the following properties:

Cleanroom packaging
Particle retention capacity
Barrier properties
Tear resistance
Slip resistance
Sterility
ESD protection (ESD overboots)
Documentation
Model specifications
Technical data sheet
Sterility certificate, irradiation certificate
PPE guidelines

Selection criteria and advice

When selecting suitable overshoes or overboots, the specific requirements of the respective application must be taken into account – in particular the type of cleanroom and the required cleanroom class.

The cleanroom and ESD specialists at abovo will provide you with expert support in selecting the right overshoes and overboots for your specific application by telephone on +41 32 552 44 44 or by e-mail at info@abovo.ch.