EN Standards
Our products are certified according to the European Union standard norms
EN343
Protective clothing against wet weather
It delineates a minimum level of protection against wet weather. Water resistant clothing is able to resist penetration from water exposure to a certain extent. Garments are tested on two categories. First (X), Water Penetration Resistance measures its ability to protect against precipitation, fog or ground humidity. The second (Y) evaluates its breathability. They are rated in three different levels, three representing the highest level of protection and one the lowest.
- X Water Penetration Resistance (1 to 3)
- Y Water Vapour Resistance (1 to 3).
This standard also tests tear resistance, considering durability is crucial for a PPE to preserve its functionality and be able to withstand a hard day's work.
EN 14058
Protective clothing against positive cool environments from -5ºC to 10ºC.
This standard specified the performance requirements for garments that provide protection against local body cooling in cool environments, considering humidity, wind or air temperatures above -5 º C. The pictogram indicating protection against cool environment will be applied as following:
- A Thermal Resistance class Rct (1 to 4)
- B Air permeability class (1,2,3)
- C ICLER in m² K/W optional for thermal resistance classes 1 to 3. Mandatory for class 4.
- Water Penetration Optional.
- Note Y and/or WP will be replaced by and X if the garment was not tested.
EN 342
Protective clothing against cold environments lower than - 5º C.
Requirements are set on thermal insulation and air permeability. Water penetration resistance is an optional requirement.
- A Thermal insulation, measured value in m² K/W. The higher value the better insulated garment. The (B) indicated that the garment was tested with thermal undergarments.
- B Air permeability (class 1 to 3). It determines the breathability of a garment. It allows a proper dry evaporative heat loss required to keep the user's warm and comfortable.
- C Water Penetration Resistance (Class 1 to 2). It indicated the garment's waterproof properties
EN20471
High Visibility Protective clothing
EN 20471 sets requirements for high visibility workwear. It is divided in three classes, in accordance how capable it is to signal its user's presence. High visibility is intended to provide conspicuity during day light conditions and under low visibility in the dark. It requires reflectors and fluorescent materials as well as a minimum area with visibility material in m² and in specific locations.
- X Garment Outer fabric (Class 1 to 3)
- Y Reflective material performance (Class 1 to 3).
EN 13688
Protective clothing: General Requirements
Standard EN ISO 13688:2017 specifies general requirements for ergonomics, innocuousness, size designation, durability, ageing, compatibility and protective clothing markings, as well as information to be supplied by the manufacturer. Garments should be conceived to provide a great level of comfort. The standard states that components and materials must not cause damage to its user or cause allergies, irritations or injuries.
Markings:
- On the product itself or printed on a label attached to the product.
- Visible and legible position.
- Name, trademark.
- Product type designation.
- Size designation.
- Standard Number.
- Pictograms and, if necessary, performance levels.
- The "i" in a pictogram indicates the user's obligation to refer to the instructions manual for use.
- Care instructions.
- Use Instructions.
All Personal Protective Equipment and some technical clothing are subject to European regulations in force within the scope of the "essential requirements", imposed by its directives and specified by its standards. CE marking guarantees the product free circulation within the EU. A PPE placed on the market must have been the subject of a technical file. It must be accompanied by a declaration of conformity and use instructions.
Directive 89/686 / EEC, applied by all EU member countries, is mainly aimed at manufacturers of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sets conditions for placing it on the market. It defines essential requirements in terms of design, manufacture and test methods that PPE placed on the market must comply with to guarantee its users safety: performance, sizes, materials safety, dexterity, ventilation, malleability, ergonomics, marking, maintenance and storage. Simple design equipment for minor risks whose effects do not harm the user's health or are easily reversible. Equipment in this category is self-certified by the manufacturer. Category 1 equipment only provides comfort, so it is mandatory to use category 2 or 3 equipment if the job involve the least danger. Equipment for intermediate risks that are subject to tests of compliance with European standards and a type certificate issued by an notified laboratory. Equipment for serious, irreversible or fatal risks subject to the same tests as category 2 equipment but supplemented by a mandatory quality control of production: either by a quality assurance system (random sampling carried out by an notified body) or by a quality assurance system with supervision (system controlled by a notified body).
European directive design
The directive defines 3 categories of Personal Protective Equipment according to the risk to the user:
- Minor risks: Category 1
- Intermediate risks: Category 2
- Serious or irreversible risks: Category 3
Marcação CE
Many products require CE marking before they can be sold in the EU. CE marking indicates that a product has been assessed by the manufacturer and deemed to meet EU safety, health and environmental protection requirements. It is required for products manufactured anywhere in the world that are then marketed in the EU.
CE marking is placed by the manufacturer. Therefore, it fully assumes responsibility for the conformity of its product, and for compliance with legal directives in force in Europe. However, not all products are required to bear the marking, but only those subject to certain regulations.