Aerospace &
Automotive

In aerospace and automotive manufacturing, controlled environments are essential for precision and safety. Specialized PPE protects workers and products, preventing contamination while ensuring every component meets the exacting standards these industries demand.

Controlled Environments in Aerospace & Automotive Manufacturing

What do the industries of aerospace, automotive, electric vehicles and lithium-ion battery manufacturing all have in common? They all incorporate sensitive components and processes into their products that require the use of controlled environments to protect from the most dangerous of hazards: humans. The particles that we shed have the potential to damage processes and products beyond repair. The static energy we generate simply by moving our bodies can discharge into sensitive electronic components and render them useless without even knowing it. Read more »

Here at PIP®, our controlled environment safety specialists know that the correct PPE is crucial in protecting these sensitive environments, components and processes. We assist safety managers in identifying steps in manufacturing processes that require controlled environments and provide compliant and customizable head-to-toe PPE that can be safely used in them. PIP® partners with safety managers to offer continuous training and resources for personnel as standards and environments evolve.

Looking for a complete safety solution for your team?

Check out our picks for a complete head-to-toe safety outfit used in paint and powder coating applications, or contact Danielle Young to have a conversation about putting together a custom solution for your facility.

Hand Protection

MaxiFlex® Elite™ ESD

Anti-Static Seamless Knit Nylon Glove with Nitrile Coated MicroFoam Grip on Palm & Fingers - Touchscreen

34-774B

Head Protection

Uniform Technology™

Auto Grid ISO 5 (Class 100) Cleanroom Paint / Powder Coating Baseball Hat

CAHAT-NV

Safety Eyewear

Zenon Ultra-Lyte™

Rimless Safety Glasses with Clear Temples, Clear Lens and Anti-Scratch Coating

250-14-0000

Coverall

Uniform Technology™

Auto Grid Paint Powder Coating Coverall

CCNCHR-62RB

Footwear

PUMA® Safety

Velocity 2.0 Black LOW Composite Toe Impact Resistant Toe Cap, Static Dissipating safety, Safety Shoes

643845-200

ASK THE EXPERT image of expert Danielle Young

ASK THE EXPERT Danielle Young - Strategic Account Specialist, Controlled Environments

Dani has 10+ years in specialized manufacturing for reusable industrial and critical environment garments. She works directly with end-use customers to specify and create unique garments to protect both workers and the products they make. She is focused on bringing innovation and an ever-expanding product portfolio to the contamination control industry with PIP leading edge products.

As one of 150 PIP safety experts, Dani helps standardize PPE to reduce costs, prevent injuries, and boost productivity.

Controlled Environments in Aerospace & Automotive

The aerospace industry produces an incredible diversity of products, from traditional aircraft to cutting-edge space technologies. Here are examples of where controlled environments can be found in the different sectors of Aerospace and the products produced within them:

Aerospace Production

Aircraft & Related Products

Commercial & military aircraft
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
General aviation
Hypersonic Vehicles

Spacecraft & Related Products

Satellites
Space probes
Space launch vehicles
Space stations

Defense & Specialized Equipment

Missiles
Surveillance systems
Countermeasure systems

Controlled Environment Manufacturing

Composite material fabrication
Painting and coating
Assembly and integration of high-precision components
Final assembly of sealed systems
Propellant handling and storage
Optics, laser and sensor systems
Environmental testing facilities
Ammunition and explosives handling
Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
Nuclear systems and materials
Prototyping and R&D
Testing and calibration

The tiered production involved in automotive manufacturing covers everything from lithium-ion battery manufacturing to bumpers. Here are examples of where controlled environments can be found in the different production areas of the automotive world, and the products produced within them:

Automotive & EV Production

Vehicles

Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs)
Commercial vehicles
Equipment vehicles

Vehicle Components

Powertrain & drivetrain
Chassis & structural
Vehicle exterior
Batteries

Vehicle Systems

Interior & comfort systems
Safety systems
Electronic systems

Controlled Environment Manufacturing

Automotive semiconductors
Sensors & optical components
Interface & touchscreen systems
Lighting components
Power electronics
Electric motors
Optical components
EV subsystem assembly
Painting and coating
Lithium-ion battery production

Aerospace and Automotive Industry Hazards
- Particulate Contamination - Dust, fibers, bioburden and other airborne particles can compromise the integrity of sensitive components, damaging product integrity
- Electrostatic Static Discharge (ESD) - Static buildup can damage sensitive electronic components, such as microchips or circuits, during manufacturing or assembly
- Ergonomic Strain - Precision tasks in prolonged static positions like assembling small parts can lead to repetitive strain injuries or musculoskeletal issues
- Chemicals Exposure & Contact - Prolonged exposure to paint, powder coating, chemical adhesives and solvents can lead to injury, respiratory distress or long-term health effects
- Extreme Temperature Contact - Contact with molten metals or cryogenic liquids can lead to severe injury if the correct PPE is not worn
Industry Standards
Controlled Environments
- ISO 14644-1 Cleanroom Standard: Specifies the classification of air cleanliness in terms of concentration and size of airborne particles in cleanrooms and clean zones
ESD Safe Environments
- ANSI S.2020: Provides guidelines for developing and maintaining a Static Control Program in order to protect parts or equipment prone to the risk of electrostatic discharge
- ANSI SP15.1: a standard that covers multiple resistivity tests specifically for gloves and finger cots alone, and as a system when worn by personnel
Chemical Contact
- EN 374: a European standard that specifies requirements and testing methods for protective gloves against chemicals, microorganisms and viruses
  - EN 374-1: terminology and performance requirements; defines chemical and microorganism protection
  - EN 374-2: focuses on resistance to liquid and air penetration
  - EN 16523-1: details the resistance of glove materials to chemical permeation
  - EN 374-4: tests material degradation via direct chemical contact
  - EN 374-5: evaluates gloves for protection against bacteria, fungi and viruses
Thermal Contact
- ANSI/ISEA 105: Guidelines for hand protection, including glove selection based on cut resistance, chemical resistance, and dexterity
  - ASTM F1060 - Heat Resistance: measures contact heat resistance for gloves (ranging from 100°C to 600°C [212°F to 1112°F] used in high-temperature environments
  - Heat-Resistant Performance Levels (Per ANSI/ISEA 105-2016):
    - Level 0: <80°C (176°F)
    - Level 1: 80°C (176°F) for at least 15 seconds
    - Level 2: 140°C (284°F) for at least 15 seconds
    - Level 3: 200°C (392°F) for at least 15 seconds
    - Level 4: 260°C (500°F) for at least 15 seconds
    - Level 5: 320°C (608°F) for at least 15 seconds
- EN 511 - Cold Protection: a European standard that specifies requirements and testing methods for protective gloves designed to protect against extreme cold contact, environments, and liquid permeability
  - Resistance to Convection Cold (Performance Level 0-4): measures a glove’s ability to insulate against cold air movements
  - Resistance to Contact Cold (Performance Level 0-4): test’s a glove’s resistance when in direct contact with a cold surface
  - Water Penetration (Performance Level 0-1): determines if a glove allows water to penetrate after a 30-minute period of exposure
- EN 407 - Heat Protection: a European standard for protective gloves designed to safeguard against thermal risks, such as heat and fire
  - Resistance to Flammability (Level 0-4): assesses how long a glove material continues to burn after exposure to a flame
  - Contact Heat Resistance (Level 0-4): measures the protection against direct contact with hot surfaces at temperatures from 100°C to 500°C
  - Convective Heat Resistance (Level 0-4): tests a glove's ability to delay heat transfer from a flame
  - Radiant Heat Resistance (Level 0-4): evaluates protection from radiant heat sources, such as furnaces
  - Small Splashes of Molten Metal (Level 0-4): indicates resistance to small quantities of molten metal
  - Large Quantities of Molten Metal (Level 0-4): determines how well the glove material can withstand larger quantities of molten metal without breaking or adhering to the skin