FREEZER CLOTHING
THE RIGHT CLOTHES INSIDE AND OUT, FROM THE FEET TO THE HEAD
GET CERTIFIED TO WORK IN COLDER TEMPERATURE
To work in a colder temperatures in a safe way, the clothes must be certified for use in those temperatures. The certificate is called EN 342 and applies to work in temperatures -5 to -50. For the certificate to be valid, the marking must be on trousers and a jacket or on overalls, and the wearer must wear underwear, gloves, boots and headgear. This is to ensure that the work is without risk to the worker when it comes to cold, grip and slipping. In other words, you should have the right clothing from the inside out, from the feet to the head.
EN 342 CERTIFICATE
A Shows the thermal insulation in motion (m2/thermal insulation). The higher the value = the more isolation.
B Shows that the garment have been tested with isolated base layer.
C Thermal insulation without movement (optionally). This is an optional test that is measured in the same way as 1, but without movement included.
D Breathability. Refers to how much air the garment emits, where 1 is highest and 3 is lowest.
E Water resistance (optional). Determine the water density in scale 1-2, where 1 is highest and 2 is lowest.
JACKETS / PANTS / OVERALLS
There are different types of jackets, pants, and coveralls depending on the job, activity level, and temperature. Here at Arbetsskydd Express, cooling clothes means a work temperature between +5° and -5°, while freezer clothes are from -5° to -50°.
Lower activity, higher warmth (truck drivers or technicians)
For those who work in cold environments but do not engage in high levels of physical activity, warmer and more insulating garments are necessary. This applies, for example, to refrigeration technicians. To determine the level of thermal insulation, you can refer to the number marking mentioned above or choose garments specifically designed for thermal insulation. An example of this is the jacket from the Polar 280 series.
Freezer jacket with maximum comfort and excellent insulation. Heavy-duty zippers. Removable fleece-lined hood. The jacket features reflective bands on the collar, sleeves, and chest. The collar and pockets are lined with fleece.
Higher activity, lower warmth (warehouse pickers/workers)
Those with jobs involving higher physical activity, such as various types of warehouse workers, require garments with greater breathability. While thermal insulation must, of course, be maintained, it is important that the user does not sweat excessively, as moisture can form, freeze, and then cool the user down. An example of such a garment is the X28 series, where this overall works excellently.
The X28 Overall is ergonomically designed and made from HTY2 material with Clo Insulation Univa, which makes this overall very user-friendly. It retains the same excellent warmth and breathability as previous versions.
The overall has a Flex-Easy sleeve design, which helps reduce fatigue in the carrying capacity for the most demanding roles, in combination with other new features such as the new collar and increased fluorescent material, which enhances visibility.
SHOES
There are different certifications for safety shoes, light safety shoes, and work shoes. For safety shoes, EN 20345 applies, which is the certificate with the highest requirements for the upper, sole, ergonomics, mechanical risks (pressure above or below), and the complete absence of chrome VI. At Arbetsskydd Express, only certified safety shoes are sold. In addition to EN 20345, there are various markings for safety shoes designed for cold work.
CI – "CI" which stands for "Cold Insulation". At -17 degrees, the temperature in the shoes should not drop to below 10 degrees after 30 minutes.
Slip resistance – SRA, SRB, and SRC are industry-standard ratings for slip resistance
SRA Tested for non-slip on ceramic tile with soap solution on the floor.
SRB Tested for non-slip on steel plate with glycerin on the floor.
SRC Non-slip
Freezer Boot ID 501EEC 89/686 - 20345 CI, SRB-non-slip, 200J-steel cap, Water-repellent fabric, Made in EU, Antistatic, Comes with a set of linings.
WORK GLOVES
There is also a similar certification for work gloves: EN 388, where the levels of resistance to abrasion, cuts, tears, and puncture injuries are measured.
The second, EN 511, applies specifically to cold protection gloves.
A Convection – Measures how the cold air penetrates the garment. Scale 1-4, with 4 being the highest and most resistant.
B Contact – Measures resistance when the glove is in contact with cold surfaces.
C Slip-tested – Tested on a steel plate with glycerin on the floor.
HEADWEAR
It is important to protect the head, as a significant amount of body heat is lost through it. For EN 342 certification to be valid, the user must wear some form of headwear. Options include various types, such as classic hats, balaclavas and snowmobile caps.
BASE LAYER
The final part of the certification covers base layers. Depending on the type of work, there are different levels of thickness and reinforcement. These can range from classic thin underwear to quilted options.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR GARMENTS
After use, hang the garments in a warm room or cabinet. Do not let them dry compressed in a small area.
Wash at 40 degrees. Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
Tumble dry gently, and avoid dry cleaning. Ensure the zipper is closed before washing.
