Keeping outdoor workers dry and comfortable throughout the winter months can be a difficult task.
We work with a wide range of organisations whose workforce operate whatever the weather and a subject that we commonly discuss with them is what the best waterproof garments for them are.
The answer is different for each organisation and depends on a variety of factors such as: budget; weather conditions (what is good for a blustery, cold day is not so comfortable on a wet, humid day); activity levels and other working conditions/requirements (such as the level of manoeuvrability required or interaction with other garments).
One way of starting to evaluate different garments is to compare their ratings under the standard EN 343:2019 Protective Clothing – Protection Against Rain.
This standard provides a rating to any weatherproof garments for their protective performance against precipitation (rain or snow), fog and ground humidity.
The rating is split into 3 different areas of performance:
Resistance to water penetration – This relates to the general waterproof nature of the garment. It is measured by looking at the amount of hydrostatic pressure it takes for water to pass through the material. This test is applied to the fabric and seams of the garment.
Water vapour resistance – This is a measure of how breathable a garment is, or in other words whether it allows moisture to escape. The test looks at the travel of water vapour from one side of the fabric to the other.
Waterproofness of a readymade garment – This test looks at the performance of a garment in a heavy rain simulation. It specifically certifies that garments are resistant to water or moisture to “wicking” into the garment and is an indicator of a garment’s performance over a longer period of time.
The water penetration rating is scored between “1” & “4”; “1” is the lowest and “4” is the highest. For a rating above “1” the fabric being tested must undergo “pre-treatment” (including cleaning, abrasion, repeated flexing, and soaking in fuel and oil). For a rating above “3” the seams must also undergo the “pre-treatment” processes.
For the water vapour resistance rating a score of between “1” & “4” can be achieved; “1” is the lowest and “4” is the highest.
The test for waterproofness of a readymade garment is marked on a pass or fail basis. The garment must not allow more than specified amount of moisture through onto a mannequin within a testing time of 1 hour. If the garment passes then it is scored “1” if it fails or is not tested then it is marked “X”. If you have any questions about EN 343 or any garments certified under it then feel free to get in touch with us on 01443 741999 or email us at sales@pksafetyuk.com .
Alternatively, you can download our explainer sheet here….. EN 343 Explanation.pdf (165.13 kb)
