EN 342 Protective Clothing - Clothing and Coveralls Providing Protection Against Cold

The European standard “EN 342 Protective clothing – Clothing and coveralls providing protection against cold” describes the requirements and test methods for clothing sets (e.g., two-piece suits or coveralls) that provide protection against the effects of cold environments at -5 degrees Celsius or below. These effects include not only low air temperatures but also humidity and air velocity. The requirements and test methods for clothing providing protection against cold environments are specified in the standard “EN 14058 Protective clothing – Clothing and coveralls providing protection against cold environments”. Furthermore, protective effects and requirements such as footwear, gloves, and separate hoods are outside the scope of this standard.

This standard is published to provide a common basis for requirements and test methods for protective clothing ensembles and cold-resistant garments in Europe for the benefit of manufacturers, test institutes, and end users. The measured properties and their subsequent classification are intended to provide an adequate level of protection under different user conditions. Thermal insulation and breathability of the suit or garment are the primary properties to be tested and marked on the label. Thermal insulation is the most important property and is measured using a full-size thermal manikin with the suit or garment and accompanying standard garments to account for the effects of layers, fit, drape, drape, and shape.

This standard differs from many other standards that only specify material properties in this respect. Insulation is tested on entire suits and garments after a specific pretreatment, eliminating the need for tests such as flexibility or abrasion during garment processing, allowing mechanical properties to be considered. Suits and garments that are frequently used can lose significant insulating capacity through washing and wear. Generally, high-quality products and well-cared-for garments are less affected in this regard.

Wind can significantly increase convective heat loss. Therefore, the breathability of outer clothing material is an important factor to consider when protecting the wearer from the cold.

When tested in accordance with this standard, the following requirements shall be met:

• The garment should not have rough, sharp or hard surfaces that could irritate or injure the wearer.
• The jacket, coat or overalls must be able to be closed up to the collar or neckband.
• The jacket, coat or jumpsuit should be long enough to cover the top of the trousers.
• External pockets designed for use in wet conditions must be closable.
• Slides, zippers, buttons and similar closures must not be opened accidentally.
• The slides should lock when fully closed. Pre-wear tests are recommended in situations where comfort may be reduced due to the weight of the garment.

When tested in accordance with this standard, the requirements of the standard “ISO 13688 Protective clothing - General requirements” must be met for harmlessness.

The effective thermal insulation achieved is calculated with the formula given in the standard and must have a minimum value of 0,265 m2K/W when measured according to this standard.

The resulting effective thermal insulation value can be used to assess temperature ranges based on the values ​​in the tables. This guide for selecting appropriate cold protection clothing is an advantage if the clothing's effective thermal insulation value is measured on a thermal manikin.

In short, the EN 342 standard is a standard that includes requirements and test methods for various types of clothing designed to protect the user in cold environments of minus 5 degrees or below, taking into account temperature, humidity and wind exposure.

This standard is designed for use in conditions around or below -5°C, including cold storage, winter outdoor work, and more. Footwear, gloves, and headgear are not covered by this standard. These must be selected individually for full cold protection compatibility.

The key performance criteria for this standard are:

• Thermal insulation: This standard is measured dynamically on a moving mannequin wearing a garment with thermal underwear (type B or type C, or standard R for single garments). Higher values ​​indicate better insulation. The minimum required value is typically around 0,265 m2K/W. This standard includes tables that estimate how long a garment can maintain thermal stability under various activity levels and air speeds. For example, a value of 0,265 is suitable for garments exposed to temperatures as low as -12 degrees Celsius for 8 hours during light activity.
• Air permeability: Indicates wind resistance capacity. It is graded into three classes:
  • Class 1: Highest air permeability (less windproof)
  • Class 3: Lowest air permeability (most windproof)
• Water permeation resistance (optional): Classified as Class 1 or Class 2 when tested (Class 2 = most water repellent). Required only if water repellency is claimed. Garments not tested are marked with an "X."

Real-world performance examples include:

• With thermal insulation of approximately 0,47, a user doing moderate activity can safely withstand wind chill of minus 24 degrees for up to 8 hours.
• Lower insulation values ​​correspond to less overprotection. For example, 0,31 m2K/W can be used for 8 hours at approximately -4°C during light activity.

This standard is considered important for the following reasons:

• Protects against cold stress and injury: Cold conditions (especially below -5°C) can lead to problems such as hypothermia, frostbite, reduced dexterity and grip strength, and impaired judgment. This standard specifies minimum performance requirements for clothing that reduces these risks by providing thermal insulation and wind protection.
• Ensures consistent quality: This standard provides a standardized way to test and compare protective clothing across brands and manufacturers. This gives employers and security personnel confidence that:
  • Garments meet verified insulation values
  • Clothing is wind resistant (breathable)
  • Optional waterproofing tested and approved
• Supports legal compliance: Under the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation, employers are legally required to provide personal protective equipment appropriate to workplace hazards. This standard ensures that legal safety standards are met, avoids liability for cold-related worker injuries, and ensures the business undergoes workplace safety audits or inspections.
• Improves worker comfort and productivity: Proper thermal protection keeps workers warm and focused, reduces fatigue and discomfort, and improves morale and task performance. Unprotected exposure to cold environments often leads to slower reaction times and poor manual performance. EN 342-certified equipment helps workers stay productive longer.
• Guides safe clothing selection: This standard allows you to choose the right level of protection for: specific temperatures, wind conditions, wearer activity level and wet or dry environments

As a result, EN 342 is a standard that ensures the reliable performance of cold-weather protective clothing in active, windy, and potentially wet conditions. By providing clear measurements of insulation, wind resistance, and optional waterproofing, it helps businesses and safety professionals select the garments that best suit their needs.

Our organization, which has been operating for many years and meticulously follows global developments in science and technology, employs a team of experienced professionals and a broad infrastructure to conduct testing, measurement, and analysis in a wide range of areas for businesses across all sectors. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the EN 342 Protective Clothing - Clothing and Coveralls Providing Protection Against Cold.