EN 14058 - Cold Conditions
EN 14058 is a European standard that pertains to protective clothing for cold environments. The standard was established by the European Union and describes the minimum performance requirements that clothing must meet to protect workers from cold weather conditions. The standard is intended for situations in which people are exposed to cold temperatures, such as working in cold storage facilities, refrigerated storage areas, or outdoors in cold climates.
EN 14058 consists of various performance requirements related to the insulation, air permeability, and water vapor permeability of the protective clothing. These requirements are designed to ensure that workers remain warm, dry, and comfortable while working in cold environments. Here is a brief overview of some of the most important criteria:
- Thermal insulation: This requirement relates to the garment’s ability to retain heat. The insulation value is measured using a standardized test and is expressed in Clo values. A higher Clo value indicates better thermal insulation.
- Air permeability: Protective clothing must have a certain degree of air permeability to increase comfort and prevent overheating. Air permeability is measured in a standardized test and is expressed in dm³/(m²·s).
- Water vapor permeability (breathability): This refers to the garment’s ability to transport moisture (sweat) from the body to the outside environment. Good water vapor permeability reduces the risk of overheating and enhances the wearer’s comfort.
- Water vapor permeability is expressed in Ret values, where a lower Ret value indicates better water vapor permeability.
In addition, there are optional performance requirements, such as waterproofness and resistance to water penetration. These additional requirements are intended for situations in which workers are exposed to rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation.
EN 14058 certification helps companies and workers ensure that the protective clothing they use meets the minimum safety and performance requirements for working in cold environments.