EN 342 Standard: Protective clothing against extreme cold
EN 342 certified workwear is specially designed to protect the user during work in cold, damp, and windy environments, with temperatures lower than or equal to -5°C. They are essential in cold storage warehouses, refrigerated transport, outdoor construction sites in winter, and any activity exposing workers to extreme professional cold.
What is the purpose of the EN 342 standard?
The EN 342 standard defines the essential criteria for selecting extreme cold PPE to ensure both comfort, thermal insulation, and safety against hypothermia and frostbite. It applies to jackets, parkas, trousers, coveralls, and sets designed for industry, logistics, construction, or the food industry.
The 3 main EN 342 performance indicators
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Icler: Effective thermal insulation value
- The higher the Icler value (expressed in m².K/W), the better the garment’s insulation against the cold.
- Tested with a moving mannequin to simulate real working conditions.
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Air permeability (AP)
- Indicates whether the garment is windproof, which is essential for comfort in areas exposed to cold drafts.
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Resistance to water penetration (WP) – Optional
- Ensures that the garment is suitable for wet or snowy environments.
- If the test is not performed, the mention “X” appears on the label.
Note: The better the thermal insulation, the longer the user can remain safely in a very cold environment.
Performance coding in the form of 4 indices
- Icler (Thermal insulation in motion)
- Air Permeability Class (AP)
- WP (Resistance to water penetration)
- X : indicates that no test has been performed on this criterion
Table: links between Icler insulation, activity level, and comfort temperature
This table helps determine the maximum working time and safety according to physical activity and the quality of the insulating garment.
Why choose EN 342 certified clothing?
- Maximum protection against cold, humidity, and wind for industry, logistics, transport, and construction.
- Prolonged thermal comfort, reduced risk of hypothermia and cold-related injuries.
- Mandatory reference when purchasing winter parkas, trousers, PPE coveralls, and professional extreme cold clothing.
- Regulatory compliance and increased safety for all exposed employees.
In summary:
Select EN 342 protective clothing to ensure warmth and safety for your teams in extreme conditions.Thanks to good thermal insulation, air permeability, and protection against water penetration, your employees remain efficient and durably protected.
