Protective clothing against cold

EN 14058
EN 342
cold

For cold and extremely cold environments

According to the cold the PPE needs to protect, two different product standards apply

  • EN 14058 → protection against cool (> -5 °C) environments.
  • EN 342 → protection against cold (< -5 °C) environments.
  • Both specify clear performance levels for thermal insulation, air permeability, and (optionally) water resistance, forming the basis for CE certification as PPE.

EN 14058

Protective clothing — Garments for protection against cool environments

Scope:
EN 14058 covers clothing designed to protect the wearer in cool environments above -5 °C, i.e., mild cold, wind, or humidity, but not extreme cold. It’s relevant for work in conditions like chilled warehouses or outdoor work in cool weather.

Performance Requirements & Testing:
Garments are tested and rated for:

  1. Thermal resistance (Rct) – Insulation capacity (ISO 11092).
  2. Air permeability (AP) – Breathability; how easily air passes through the fabric (ISO 9237).
  3. Resistance to water penetration (optional) – For protection against light rain or humidity (ISO 811).
  4. Water vapor resistance (Ret, optional) – Breathability in terms of sweat evaporation (ISO 11092).

Classification:

  • Garments can be classified into different classes (1–3) depending on the level of thermal insulation.
  • Marking includes performance levels for each tested property.

EN 342

Protective clothing — Ensembles and garments for protection against cold

Scope:
EN 342 applies to clothing or clothing ensembles (jackets + trousers, coveralls) designed for protection against cold environments below -5 °C, including cold air, wind, and humidity at low temperatures.

Performance Requirements & Testing:

  1. Thermal insulation (Icler) – Total insulation provided by the clothing ensemble, measured on a thermal manikin (ISO 11079).
  2. Air permeability (AP) – Same method as EN 14058 (ISO 9237).
  3. Resistance to water penetration (optional) – For garments offering water resistance in wet/cold environments (ISO 811).

Marking includes:

  • Thermal insulation value (Icler)
  • Air permeability class (1–3)
  • Water penetration resistance class (if tested)
  • Recommended usage temperature range
PPE standards

PPE CE Marking Context

For both EN 14058 and EN 342 garments to bear the CE mark as Category II PPE, manufacturers must:

  • Ensure garments comply with the Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSR) of the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
  • Conduct type-examination (Module B) via a Notified Body, which assesses compliance with the relevant harmonized standards (EN 14058 or EN 342).
  • Implement production control (Module C) or equivalent conformity assessment procedures.

Testing to these standards must be performed by accredited laboratories, and technical documentation demonstrating compliance must be kept available for inspection by authorities.

CE marking of PPE