Essential PPE in the Food Industry: What You Need to Know
Overwhelmed by PPE options for food safety? Master your PPE selection for food workers safety with these practical tips.
Dependable protection ensures safety and confidence in cold and fire-risk environments. The EN 342:2017 standard provides clear guidelines for selecting workwear that ensures safety and comfort in these conditions.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding and choosing the best fire-retardant jackets under this standard, ensuring you stay safe and comfortable.
By the end, you’ll have the confidence to select the right gear and tackle related challenges, such as pairing your jacket with complementary fire-retardant workwear.
For broader insights, visit our main article, Selecting The Best Fire-Retardant Jackets: A Practical Guide.
The EN 342:2017 standard outlines the performance requirements for workwear in environments with temperatures as low as –40°C. It evaluates the garment’s thermal insulation, air permeability, and resistance to water penetration.
While EN 342 focuses on thermal protection, integrating fire-retardant materials ensures safety in industries such as welding, metalworking, and oil and gas.
This dual-protection capability makes EN 342-compliant workwear an excellent choice for professionals exposed to both cold and heat hazards.
You can learn more about the EN Standards from this guide on Wikipedia.
Garments must provide effective thermal insulation to keep workers safe and comfortable in cold conditions. EN 342 measures this using the clo value, which quantifies thermal resistance. High clo values ensure superior warmth and comfort during extended outdoor work.
Air permeability affects how much wind can penetrate the material. The standard categorizes this from Class 1 (least protective) to Class 3 (most protective). For example, a Class 3 fire-retardant jacket offers maximum wind resistance, which is crucial in freezing environments.
Workwear that passes the EN 342 water resistance test ensures minimal water ingress, providing additional comfort and protection. While this isn’t mandatory for certification, it’s highly recommended for outdoor workers.
The fire-retardant properties of jackets must meet supplementary standards such as EN ISO 11612 for heat and flame resistance. This ensures the garment will protect against heat exposure, allowing you to work near open flames with confidence.
For more on selecting high-performance jackets, explore our Fire-Retardant Jackets collection.
| Feature | EN 342:2017 | EN ISO 11612 |
| Focus | Protection in extreme cold and wind | Heat and flame protection |
| Thermal Insulation | Measured by clo value | Not assessed |
| Air Permeability | Classified from Class 1 (least) to Class 3 (most protective) | Not assessed |
| Water Resistance | Optional but recommended for outdoor workers | Not assessed |
| Flame Resistance | Must comply with supplementary standards | Core requirement |
This table highlights the complementary nature of these standards, making EN 342 ideal for cold environments, while EN ISO 11612 focuses on heat hazards. Selecting workwear compliant with both ensures comprehensive protection.
Investing in EN 342:2017-compliant fire-retardant workwear ensures:
While EN 342:2017 ensures protection against cold and wind, it does not inherently guarantee fire-retardant properties. Jackets must also comply with standards like EN ISO 11612 to ensure heat and flame resistance. It is advisable to check for dual compliance in fire-hazard environments.
Not all insulated jackets meet EN 342:2017 requirements. Certified garments are rigorously tested for thermal insulation, air permeability, and (optionally) water resistance. Look for official EN 342 labels to ensure compliance.
The highest air permeability and water resistance classes (Class 3) are not always necessary. For instance, indoor workers may find lighter, Class 1 garments more suitable and cost-effective while still meeting their needs.
The choice of workwear depends on your industry. For example, welders should prioritize jackets with high heat resistance, while those in outdoor settings need maximum insulation and wind resistance. Learn more in our article, How To Choose The Right Fire-Retardant Jackets For Welding.
Ensure the jacket fits well without restricting movement. Look for adjustable features, such as cuffs and waistbands, to customize the fit for optimal comfort and protection.
Pair your jacket with other fire-retardant gear, such as:
These items complement jackets to provide full-body protection.
Workwear certified under EN 342:2017 comes with a label specifying:
Familiarize yourself with these metrics to make a confident and informed choice. This knowledge is further detailed in Fire-Retardant Work Trousers: Selecting The Right Protection.
Proper care extends the lifespan of your EN 342-compliant workwear. Follow these guidelines:
For extreme conditions, layering ensures optimal comfort and protection. Pair your fire-retardant jacket with insulated undergarments and wind-resistant outer layers. Refer to our article, Fire-Retardant Shirts: Everything You Need To Know, for insights on base layers.
We hope this guide has empowered you to navigate the essential factors of EN 342:2017-compliant workwear, from understanding thermal insulation to recognizing fire-retardant features. Whether you’re braving freezing temperatures in the construction industry or working near flames in metalworking, the right fire-retardant jacket can make all the difference.
Explore our Fire-Retardant Jackets Collection to find trusted options tailored to your needs. If you’re looking for complementary gear, don’t miss our sibling articles, such as How To Choose The Right Fire-Retardant Overalls – A Buyer’s Guide.
Still have questions? Reach out—our team is here to help you make confident and informed decisions. Together, we can ensure your safety and tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
EN 342 focuses on cold protection, while EN ISO 11612 is about heat and flame resistance. Both are important for comprehensive safety in hazardous environments.
No, EN 342 ensures cold protection, but fire protection requires additional compliance with standards like EN ISO 11612.
Yes, but consider lower air permeability and insulation classes if you’re working indoors, as they may offer better comfort and cost-effectiveness.
Replace it when there are signs of wear, damage, or after repeated washing that might affect its performance.
Yes, most EN 342 jackets come in a range of sizes. Make sure to choose one that offers a good fit for ease of movement and maximum protection.
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