# What is winter clothing for protection in cold environments?

> If you are often exposed to cold at your workplace, you are probably well acquainted with warm clothing.

URL: https://www.utg-vodnik.si/novice/what-is-winter-clothing-for-protection-in-cold-environments

## CLOTHING FOR PROTECTION AGAINST COLD ENVIRONMENTS MUST MEET STANDARD EN 14058

Standard EN 14058:2017 specifies performance requirements and test methods for garments that provide protection against local cooling of the body in cold environments. A garment that meets the requirements of the standard is intended for use in an environment characterised by a combination of humidity and wind (wind chill effect) at air temperatures above -5 ºC.

Many work activities are carried out in cold environments - for example outdoor construction work or work in indoor food-processing plants. The types of garments tested in accordance with EN 14058 include vests, jackets and trousers, as well as separate thermal linings that can be added to a garment.

## WHICH GARMENTS ARE NOT TESTED TO STANDARD EN 14058

Sets and garments intended for use in cold environments where the air temperature is -5 ºC or lower must be tested in accordance with the requirements of standard EN 342:2017. Standards EN 14058 and EN 342 do not apply to [headwear](https://www.utg-vodnik.si/en/protective-clothing/headwear?filters=129), [gloves](https://www.utg-vodnik.si/en/protective-gloves?filters=121) or **footwear**. In addition, [work coveralls](https://www.utg-vodnik.si/en/protective-clothing/coveralls?filters=121) can only be assessed to standard EN 342. If it can be foreseen that the cold environment may also involve damp conditions (such as rain, fog or humidity), the garment must be assessed against the requirements of standard EN 343:2019 - the standard for classifying garments that provide protection against rain.

## BREATHABILITY AND LIGHTNESS FOR GREATER COMFORT

Clothing for cold environments is best when it is lightweight, wind-resistant and breathable. When it is, the wearer is provided with a certain level of comfort. A high level of thermal insulation causes sweating, which leads to dampness inside the garment and thereby reduces the effective thermal insulation.

Clothing for cold environments intended for use in the European Union (EU) has the status of personal protective equipment (PPE) "category I", as defined in EU Regulation 2016/425. Many garments sold in the EU may carry several claims, such as high visibility and/or (for example) protection against heat and flame. These types of garments can also be tested in accordance with standard EN 14058 where a claim of protection against a cold environment is stated.

## TESTING TO STANDARD EN 14058

The main classification of the protective properties of the layers of a garment conforming to EN 14058 is based on an assessment of its thermal resistance (Rct). The thermal resistance values obtained by testing allow one of four classes to be assigned to the garment. If testing finds that the thermal resistance is class 4, however, the resulting effective thermal insulation (Icler) of the garment layers must also be determined. This test is carried out with the complete garment placed on a walking manikin. It should be noted that garments for cold environments that are intended to comply with standard EN 342 typically use materials with a thermal resistance exceeding the EN 14058 requirements for class 4. In manikin tests, a set of garments must be tested, which may include outer garments and underwear specified by the supplier. If no standard underwear is specified for use, the standard underwear set as defined in standard EN 342 may be used.

Figure 2: Pictogram indicating protection against a cold environment

If a garment for cold environments is intended for outdoor use, the air permeability of the garment layers is measured to determine the wind resistance of the construction. Standard EN 14058 contains guidance for classifying materials. It also sets out a classification of air permeability for materials suitable for indoor or outdoor use. If any level of resistance to water penetration is claimed for a garment under EN 14058, it must meet the minimum requirements of the standard. This does not mean that a garment meeting the minimum requirements can claim protection in accordance with standard EN 343, which has more complex requirements. Where resistance to water penetration is claimed for a garment, a water vapour resistance test must also be carried out in accordance with standard EN ISO 11092:2014. This standard also requires the test materials to be pre-treated, usually by washing. In addition, physical tests are required, such as dimensional stability of the material when washed and tear and/or tensile strength.

Garments that meet the requirements of standard EN 14058 must be marked with a pictogram (figure 2) showing the performance levels determined by testing. Where optional tests are not carried out, the symbol X must be written in place of the classification or result.

If you are interested in clothing for protection against cold, you can view our range [here.](https://www.utg-vodnik.si/en/protective-clothing?filters=121) If you would like to see the products in person, you can visit us at our [store in Vir near Domžale](http://www.utg-vodnik.si/kontakt#trgovina), where our advisors will recommend the best options for your type of work. You can also contact us with any questions by phone on **01 724 82 58** or write to us at **prodaja@utg-vodnik.si**.