EN 342 is a European standard that outlines the requirements and test methods for protective clothing designed for cold environments. This standard covers thermal insulation, air permeability, and water resistance to ensure ensembles and garments offer sufficient insulation, wind resistance, and moisture protection.
The EN 342 standard
EN 342 is the European standard for protective clothing designed to protect the wearer in cold environments. Work environments where EN 342 may be required include cold storage facilities, refrigerated warehouses, outdoor construction sites during winter, and any other environments where workers are exposed to cold conditions.
A cold environment is characterised by an air temperature equal to or below -5°C. Humidity and air velocity can influence the effects of cold temperatures. As such, this standard outlines the specific requirements and test methods for ensembles and garments to ensure they offer adequate insulation and protection against low temperature, wind, and moisture.
While this standard does not outline specific requirements for head, hand, or foot protection, sufficient protection must be worn along with a thermal base layer for this certification to apply.
EN 342:2017
EN 342:2017 is the latest version of this European standard which replaced the previous version of EN 342:2004.
The EN 342:2017 update introduced several amendments to the previous version of the standard. Some of the key changes include:
- Revised testing methods to determine the thermal insulation properties of protective clothing
- Enhanced requirements for water penetration resistance
- Updated performance levels for thermal insulation and air permeability
- Improved labelling requirements
These updates were introduced to ensure the EN 342 standard to reflect advancements in materials, testing methods, and industry best practices, ensuring protective clothing is effective and reliable.
EN 342 requirements and test methods
EN 342 sets specific requirements and test methods for protective clothing designed to protect the wearer against cold environments. The requirements of EN 342 cover thermal insulation properties, air permeability, and waterproof penetration properties.
Within EN 342, performance levels are assigned to each test method. These performance levels are then used to determine the level of cold environment protection offered by the tested garment. This will be displayed on the EN 342 certified ensembles and garments with a pictogram featuring associated codes.
As well as outlining specific requirements related to cold environment insulation and protection, EN 342 also requires the garments to undergo durability tests and a fit and ergonomic assessment.
Thermal insulation properties with motion
The EN 342 requirements and test method for thermal insulation properties with motion determines the garment’s ability to retain heat and provide warmth in cold conditions while the wearer is moving. This test simulates real-world working conditions where physical activity may generate heat.
The test method requires a test subject (i.e. mannequin) to perform specific movements in a controlled cold environment. The heat loss from the wearer’s body is measured to determine the garment’s thermal insulation properties with motion. This is measured in units of Icler (m².K/W).
|
Effective thermal insulation Icler (m2 K/W) |
Light activity (115 W/m2) |
Moderate activity (170 W/m2) |
||||||
|
0.4 m/s |
3 m/s |
0.4 m/s |
3 m/s |
|||||
|
8 h |
1 h |
8 h |
1 h |
8 h |
1 h |
8 h |
1 h |
|
|
0.265 |
3 |
-12 |
9 |
-3 |
-12 |
-28 |
-2 |
-16 |
|
0.31 |
-2 |
-18 |
6 |
-8 |
-18 |
-36 |
-7 |
-22 |
|
0.39 |
-9 |
-28 |
0 |
-16 |
-29 |
-49 |
-16 |
-33 |
|
0.47 |
-17 |
-38 |
-6 |
-24 |
-40 |
-60 |
-24 |
-43 |
|
0.54 |
-24 |
-45 |
-11 |
-30 |
-49 |
-71 |
-32 |
-52 |
|
0.62 |
-31 |
-55 |
-17 |
-38 |
-60 |
-84 |
-40 |
-61 |
Thermal insulation properties without motion (optional)
Under EN 342, there is also an optional thermal insulation properties without motion requirement and test.
The thermal insulation properties without motion test assesses the garment’s ability to retain heat when the wearer is not engaged in physical activity. This test ensures the garment still offers adequate cold temperature protection when the worker is stationary during cold work environments.
The test method for thermal insulation properties without motion is similar to the ‘with motion’ test but the test subject remains stationary throughout the test duration.
Air permeability
The air permeability requirement and test method outlined in EN 342 assesses the ability of protective clothing to resist air penetration, which helps prevent heat loss through convection in cold environments. This test is essential for ensuring protective garments protect the wearer from the chilling effects of the wind, particularly when working in outdoor or exposed work environments.
The air permeability test indicates the garment’s breathability on a performance level from 1–3. Garments awarded with a performance level of three offer the highest amount of air permeability resistance.
Resistance to water penetration
EN 342 also specifies the requirements and test method for the waterproof penetration properties of protective clothing against cold environments.
The resistance to water penetration test assesses the ability of protective clothing to resist water penetration, ensuring the wearer remains dry and comfortable in wet or rainy conditions. This test is essential for measuring the effectiveness of protective garments in preventing moisture ingress, which can be dangerous or fatal in cold environments.
The waterproof penetration properties of EN 342 clothing is divided into two classes with class 3 being awarded to the most waterproof garments. If a garment is waterproof, its breathability must also be tested.
Resistance to water penetration is optional within EN 342 due to garments worn in sub zero temperatures not requiring waterproofing capabilities. EN 342 certified clothing that has not been tested for water penetration resistance will be marked with an X on the label pictogram for this parameter.
