Deutsch
English
Französisch
Polnisch
WHY WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AGAINST THE COLD?
Freezing temperatures, wind, and humidity are not only unpleasant—they pose a serious health risk. Anyone who works outdoors in the cold or regularly spends time in heavily air-conditioned indoor spaces needs professional cold-weather protective clothing. This is because hypothermia, wetness, or cold-related restrictions on movement not only affect well-being, but also performance and safety in the workplace.The EN 342:2017 standard defines exactly what requirements cold-weather protective clothing must meet—from thermal insulation and air and water permeability to mechanical properties.
EN 342:2017 REGULATES THIS
EN 342:2017 specifies the minimum requirements and test methods for clothing systems – whether for complete clothing systems (e.g., two-piece suits) or one-piece suits (e.g., coveralls). It applies to protection against ambient temperatures of ≤−5°C and also takes into account low air temperatures, humidity, and wind speed.The performance values at a glance:
| Test parameters | Performance levels | Meaning |
| Y(B)/Y(C)/Y(R) | Insulation value (Icler) in m²·K/W | Thermal insulation of the clothing system (minimum value 0.265 m²·K/W – the higher the value, the better the insulation) |
| AP | Class 1-3 | Air permeability in three classes (1 = permeable, 2 = medium permeability, 3 = windproof) |
| WP (optional) | - | Water resistance (e.g. for outdoor use) |
What do B, C, and R mean in the insulation value?
The letters in the designation Y(B), Y(C), or Y(R) indicate the type of undergarment used to test the garment's thermal insulation (Icler):
B - Reference underwear B: Standardized, multi-layered underwear according to Annex B of the standard
C - Manufacturer-specific undergarments: Undergarments recommended by the manufacturer, which must be clearly defined
R - Reference clothing system R: Used when only a single garment (e.g. jacket) is tested, not the entire system
WHAT COLD WEAR MUST DO
EN 342:2017 defines clear requirements for cold-protection clothing, from material quality and design to insulation. The goal is reliable protection against cold, wind, and moisture while maintaining high practicality. Various functional details contribute to ensuring the required protection in practice.+ No sharp or distracting surfaces on the garment
+ Minimum length: Jackets must cover the waistband of trousers and be closable up to the collar or neckband.
+ Outer pockets must be lockable
+ Zippers must close reliably
+ Mechanical requirements: e.g. tear strength ≥ 20 N, burst strength ≥ 100 kPa
EN 342 IN PRACTICE: WHAT TO ADDITIONALLY CONSIDER
In addition to the basic requirements, EN 342:2017 also makes practical specifications that ensure safe use in demanding work environments, especially in high humidity or extreme cold.Find the right cold protection clothing here
Whether food production, warehouse logistics, or winter use outdoors: protective clothing according to EN 342 is essential for many industries. At NITRAS, you will find tested cold protection clothing for demanding operations – functional, safe, and practical. An overview of all relevant standards for protective clothing can be found here.Would you like to know which clothing suits your requirements? Our team is happy to advise you – individually, in compliance with standards, and solution-oriented.
