EN 343

EN 343 is a European standard that pertains to protective clothing designed to provide protection against rain and other wet weather conditions. The title of the standard is “Protective clothing – Protection against rain.” It falls under the category of personal protective equipment (PPE) and is intended to ensure that protective clothing worn in wet environments offers effective waterproofing and protection to the wearer.

EN 343 specifies the requirements and testing methods for clothing that is designed to protect against rain, snow, and other wet conditions. The standard aims to ensure that workers exposed to wet weather are adequately protected from moisture, which can lead to discomfort, reduced body temperature, and other health issues.

The main parameters covered by EN 343 include:

1. Water Penetration Resistance: The clothing’s ability to resist water penetration is tested to ensure it offers effective waterproofing. This involves assessing both the material’s resistance to water penetration and the garment’s construction (seams, zippers, etc.).
2. Water Vapor Resistance: This parameter evaluates the clothing’s ability to allow water vapor (perspiration) to escape, preventing the accumulation of moisture inside the garment.
3. Optional Requirements: The standard also provides optional requirements for additional features such as breathability, moisture management, and resistance to cold environments.

EN 343 categorizes protective clothing into different performance levels based on its ability to provide protection against rain and wet conditions. The clothing is assigned a two-digit code that indicates its water penetration resistance and water vapor resistance properties.

For example, the code “3-1” could represent a garment that offers the highest level of water penetration resistance (Class 3) and moderate water vapor resistance (Class 1).