EN 343 - Rain & Wet Conditions
EN 343 is a European standard that pertains to protective clothing against rain and other weather conditions, such as wind and snow. The standard was established by the European Union and describes the minimum performance requirements that clothing must meet to protect workers from the adverse effects of rainy and wet weather. EN 343 is intended for situations in which people are exposed to severe weather conditions while working, such as outdoor work, construction, agriculture, fishing, and other industrial sectors.
The EN 343 standard consists of two key performance requirements:
- Water resistance: This criterion relates to the protective clothing’s ability to keep water out and keep the wearer dry. Water resistance is tested and classified on a scale of 1 to 4, with Class 4 indicating the highest level of water resistance.
- Breathability (moisture vapor permeability): This criterion relates to the garment’s ability to wick moisture (sweat) away from the body to the outside environment. Good moisture vapor permeability reduces the risk of overheating and enhances the wearer’s comfort. Water vapor permeability is tested and classified on a scale from 1 to 3, with Class 3 indicating the highest level of breathability.
In addition, there is an optional criterion for protection against the cold (EN 342 standard), which means that protective clothing that complies with the EN 343 standard can also be certified for protection against cold environments.
EN 343 certification helps companies and employees ensure that the protective clothing they use meets the minimum safety and performance requirements for working in wet and rainy conditions.