Standards and labels

• EN 343:2019

  EN 343 is a European standard for protective clothing against bad weather. It says clothes must be waterproof, breathable, and not let water in. It's used to protect workers in different industries like construction and transportation. Tests must show the clothing meets these standards.

  Test results

  Waterproofness Class 3

  EN 343:2019 is designed to ensure that protective clothing provides specific levels of protection against rain, considering its waterproof capabilities. Class 3 in this standard represents the highest level of waterproofness, indicating that the garment successfully resists a high volume of water penetration (more than 13000 Pascal Pressure units after pre-treatment). The test method used involves simulating wet weather conditions, where the fabric is exposed to varying degrees of water projections and pressures to evaluate its resistance. Fabrics that achieve Class 3 certification tend to have undergone rigorous testing such as high-pressure spray tests or being subject to a controlled volume of water for a defined period. These are particularly relevant for professional use in extremely wet environments where the highest level of water resistance is necessary, providing critical protection in conditions from heavy rain to immersion scenarios. This high classification impacts the practical usability of such clothing in industries such as outdoor work, marine activities, or emergency services where maximum protection from water exposure is critical for safety and performance.

  Downpour X

  EN 343:2019 is a standard that delineates requirements and assessment methodologies for protective clothing, specifically tailored to garments intended to offer protection against precipitation and wet conditions.Result X signifies that the garment's performance in resisting water penetration during simulated downpours has not been specified or assessed. The practical implications of this result are notable, as it indicates that the garment may not offer adequate protection against heavy rain and prolonged exposure to wet conditions, potentially compromising wearer comfort and safety, particularly in outdoor work environments where protection from inclement weather is paramount.

  Breathability Class 1

  In the standard EN 343:2019, Breathability Class 1 specifies the lowest (RET > 40) level of breathability for protective clothing against rain. This class is designated for garments that have a tested breathability value which meets the minimum requirement for water vapor resistance according to the specifications laid out in the standard. The practical implication of a Class 1 result is that the garment allows a limited amount of water vapor to pass through, making it suitable for less intensive or shorter duration activities in wet conditions.

• PPE Category 1

  PPE stands for "personal protective equipment." PPE Category 1 refers to equipment that is simple and easy to use, and has a lower level of risk. Examples of PPE Category 1 include gloves, goggles, and simple respirators. In Europe, PPE Category 1 must meet certain safety standards set by the European Union. This means that it must be designed and manufactured to protect the user without causing harm. Companies that make or sell PPE must prove that it meets these standards.

• CE Marking

  CE Marking is a label that shows a product meets certain safety and environmental standards set by the European Union. To get the CE Marking, a company must test and certify their product meets these standards. CE Marking is required for many products sold in the EU, including electronics, machinery, toys and medical devices. It helps ensure that products are safe for consumers and the environment, and allows for easy trade within the EU.