stofloos

Stofloos is a Dutch adjective meaning without dust or dust-free. It is used to describe air, surfaces, or environments that have very low levels of particulate matter. In everyday language it can refer to something that appears clean and free of dust, while in professional contexts it denotes a controlled level of cleanliness.

Etymology and scope: The term combines stof (dust) with loos (without). While widely understood, the exact usage of stofloos can vary by industry and region. It is commonly used in construction, facility management, manufacturing, laboratories, and other settings where cleanliness is a critical factor.

Applications and practices: In industry, achieving a stofloos state involves systematic cleaning and dust control. Practices include damp wiping rather than dry sweeping, reducing activities that generate dust, proper material handling, and the use of sealed enclosures. Air filtration systems, such as HEPA or ULPA filters, and controlled airflow (including laminar flow in some applications) are typical components of dust control. In cleanroom environments, stofloos conditions are linked to specific cleanliness levels defined by standards and classifications that specify permissible particle concentrations.

Standards and measurement: The concept of dust control in professional settings often intersects with formal standards for cleanliness. In cleanrooms, ISO 14644 provides classifications of air cleanliness based on particle counts, guiding how dust-free a space must be for particular applications. While the term stofloos conveys the goal, actual requirements are typically defined by applicable standards and regulatory guidelines rather than by the word itself.

See also: Cleanroom, Dust, Air filtration, Cleanliness standards, Dust suppression.