January 31, 2006 — ROLLING MEADOWS, IL — The Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST) has issued a new Contamination Control Recommended Practice (RP), IEST-RP-CC019.1: Qualifications for Organizations Engaged in the Testing and Certification of Cleanrooms and Clean-Air Devices. This RP defines recommended qualifications for organizations engaged in the testing and certification of cleanrooms, clean-air devices, HEPA- and ULPA-filtered systems, and associated components.

In addition, the document establishes professional categories for personnel performing testing and levels of competence to be demonstrated by the personnel. Four levels of proficiency are defined and typical qualifications and duties are listed for each level.

IEST-RP-CC019.1 is intended to provide guidance to equipment owners in the selection of an independent testing/certification organization, equipment owners that have or are preparing to have an in-house testing/certification organization, and independent testing/certification organizations. The RP outlines essential programs, including education and training, standard operating procedures, test equipment calibration, safety, file maintenance, and more.

Founded in 1953, IEST is an international technical society of engineers, scientists, and educators that serves its members and the industries they represent (simulating, testing, controlling, and teaching the environments of earth and space) through education and the development of recommended practices and standards.

IEST is an ANSI-accredited standards-developing organization; Secretariat of ISO/TC 209 Cleanrooms and associated controlled environments; Administrator of the ANSI-accredited US TAG to ISO/TC 209; and a founding member of the ANSI-accredited US TAG to ISO/TC 229 Nanotechnologies.

More information is available online at www.iest.org or by calling IEST at (847) 255-1561.