Cleanroom context: eyewear is a “high-touch” contamination vector
In a cleanroom, the operator is typically the dominant contamination source. Anything worn near the face becomes a repeated touchpoint:
adjustments, fogging, repositioning, and removal/re-don cycles all create opportunities for particle transfer and recontamination.
ISO 14644 operations (OCP) frameworks explicitly include personnel management and a gowning programme as part of maintaining specified cleanliness levels.
The goal is not only PPE compliance — it is controlled, repeatable handling that does not add variability to the environment.
What this product is (manufacturer basis)
KleenGuard™ V30 Nemesis™ VL safety eyewear (Code 20473 / Former 3013544) is a frameless, no-brow design with an IRUV Shade 5.0 lens configuration.
Manufacturer specifications list ANSI Z87.1:2010, base curve 8, impact resistant protection, polycarbonate lens with nylon frame/temples, and 99.9% UVA/UVB/UVC protection.
VLT is listed at 2% for this lens option.
Why cleanroom users consider it
- Low-interference profile: no-brow/frameless design helps reduce clashes with headwear and increases upward peripheral vision.
- Retention discipline: neck cord supports controlled handling (less set-down on benches, fewer drops, fewer re-dons).
- Fit control: ratcheted temples support secure positioning to reduce adjustment frequency.
- Documented baseline: ANSI Z87.1:2010 basis supports EHS documentation alignment.
Materials and build (manufacturer basis)
Manufacturer material callout: polycarbonate lens; nylon frame and temples; Empilon nosepiece. Frame type is listed as frameless with ratcheted temples.
Storage guidance is to keep eyewear cool, clean, dry, and away from direct sunlight.
Specifications in context (what QA/EHS usually checks)
| Attribute |
Value |
Why it matters in controlled environments |
| Manufacturer code |
20473 (Former 3013544) |
Supports receiving documentation and re-order control. |
| Lens |
IRUV Shade 5.0 (VLT 2%) |
Defines filtration/visibility; verify suitability for the task (EHS-led). |
| Standard |
ANSI Z87.1:2010 |
Baseline eye protection compliance reference for many industrial programs. |
| Base curve |
8 |
Wrap geometry impacts coverage and fog/fit behavior. |
| Materials |
Polycarbonate lens; nylon frame/temples; Empilon nosepiece |
Compatibility and cleaning/disinfection decisions should consider material limits. |
| Arc flash rated |
No |
Do not treat this as arc-flash PPE; follow EHS requirements. |
Cleanliness and contamination-control considerations
These safety glasses are not specified by the manufacturer as cleanroom-processed or sterile.
In higher-grade areas, the correct approach is to treat eyewear like any other high-touch item: qualify the cleaning method, control storage, and minimize adjustments.
If your operation is EU GMP sterile (Annex 1), Grade A/B entry expectations include clean, sterilized protective garments including eye coverings — which may drive you to sterilized/cleanroom-qualified goggles rather than general industrial safety glasses.
Packaging and traceability
Manufacturer spec lists 12 pair/box and identifies lens type and frame/temples by code. Storage guidance is “cool, clean and dry” away from direct sunlight.
For controlled environments, treat eyewear as area-dedicated where required and store in a closed container/pouch to reduce particle accumulation between uses.
Gowning (donning) guidance: ISO first, then Annex 1
ISO operations mindset (ISO 14644 OCP): reduce adjustments, reduce touches
- Set eyewear before final glove disinfection: seat the glasses early enough that you are not repeatedly touching your face area after glove sanitizing steps.
- Handle by the temples only: avoid lens contact; lenses are the most frequently re-touched surface when smudged.
- Control storage: use a dedicated pouch/container; avoid open benches and pockets (lint load and particle pickup increase fast).
- Use the neck cord intentionally: if you must remove eyewear temporarily, hang it rather than setting it down.
- Qualify cleaning: only use site-approved wipes/solutions compatible with polycarbonate/nylon and your residue limits.
European Annex 1 sterile manufacturing overlay (when applicable)
Annex 1 states that every operator entering Grade B or A areas should gown into clean, sterilized protective garments
including eye coverings and masks at each entry, and that gown wear time/replacement rules should be defined as part of garment qualification.
If Annex 1 applies to your operation, industrial safety glasses may be insufficient for Grade A/B unless they are part of a sterilized/qualified eye-covering system under your CCS/SOP.
Common failure modes (and how to prevent them)
- Fogging → frequent re-touching: improve fit, review mask/hood interface, and consider anti-fog eyewear where appropriate.
- Lens wiping with non-qualified materials: introduces lint/residue; use controlled wipes/solutions per SOP.
- Set-down contamination: avoid benches and pockets; use a pouch or neck cord retention.
- Using the wrong protection class: manufacturer lists “Arc Flash Rated: No”; confirm task requirements with EHS.
Closest alternatives (within the same family)
- 29111 (clear anti-fog, gunmetal): when fogging drives repeated adjustments and touch contamination.
- Other Nemesis VL lens tints (20470/25704/29112/20471/20472): align VLT and environment needs to the task.
Critical environment fit (plain-language decision)
Use this eyewear where you need ANSI Z87.1:2010 impact-resistant eye protection and you can control handling through your cleanroom gowning programme.
If you operate under sterile manufacturing expectations (EU GMP Annex 1) or require sterilized eye coverings for ISO 4/critical suites, select qualified/sterilized eye coverings per SOP and CCS.
SOSCleanroom note about SOPs
The Technical Vault is written to help customers make informed contamination-control decisions and improve day-to-day handling technique.
It is not your facility’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), CCS, batch record, or validation protocol.
Customers are responsible for establishing, training, and enforcing SOPs that fit their specific risks, processes, cleanroom classification, and regulatory obligations.
Always confirm material compatibility, cleaning/disinfection suitability, and acceptance criteria using your internal quality system and documented methods.
If you adapt any technique guidance from this entry, treat it as a starting template. Your team should approve the final method and qualify it for your specific environment and residue/particle limits.
Source basis
- SOSCleanroom product page: https://www.soscleanroom.com/product/apparel/kleenguard-nemesis-vl-safety-glasses-iruv-shade-5-uncoated-case-12/
- Manufacturer specification sheet (covers Code 20473): https://cdn3.evostore.io/documents/fusion_us/fus_us_29111_spec.pdf
- Manufacturer line card (Nemesis VL family): https://cdn-e.soneparcanada.io/PIM_Docs/Docs/STEP_ASSETS_PDF/13516189.pdf
- ISO 14644-1 (classification framework): https://www.iso.org/standard/53394.html
- ISO 14644-5 (operations/OCP incl. gowning programme): https://www.iso.org/standard/88599.html
- EU GMP Annex 1 (sterile manufacturing; gowning incl. eye coverings): https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-08/20220825_gmp-an1_en_0.pdf
SOSCleanroom is the source for this Technical Vault entry.
Briefed and approved by the SOSCleanroom (SOS) staff.
If you have any questions please email us at Sales@SOSsupply.com
Last reviewed: Jan. 14, 2026
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