This standard specifies requirements and test methods for the performance of materials and apparel for protection against the effects of precipitation, fog and ground moisture. Clothing that provides protection against effects other than precipitation is out of this standard. The protective effects and requirements of shoes, gloves and separate hats are beyond the scope of this document.
It is important that workers wear protective clothing with the right level of protection. There are important differences between a garment made exclusively of water-resistant material and a garment designed, tested and approved as a waterproof garment.
Some water-resistant clothing provides only limited protection against rain. Clothing designed to be water-repellent is treated to drip water on its surface. However, zippers, seams and pockets are not necessarily protective. For this reason, clothing produced to protect against bad weather conditions must be tested in accordance with the EN 343 standard, which measures water tightness and breathability.
Samples shall be taken from the garment or, if this is not possible, from the material or materials used in the finished garment. Size and shape will be required for each test procedure. In the middle of the sample, 4 samples of waterproof material and 4 samples of seam construction will be tested according to EN 20811 only with an increase in water pressure of Pa/min. The lowest single value in penetration of the first drop of water on the sample should be noted. If the first drop is not visible due to the nature of the material being tested, use an absorbent filter paper to indicate that water has been absorbed into the filter paper.
If only single garments such as trousers or jackets are tested, or if a jacket does not have a hood, the remaining parts of the mannequin will be covered with waterproof materials. Wicking effects occur when water is absorbed and carried into the garment along the lower edges due to capillary effects.
Wicking effects do not necessarily cause wet areas on knitwear in standard testing procedure, but do cause a feeling of wetness for the wearer during use.
Where the maximum number of cleaning cycles is given in the manufacturer's instructions, it must be met for materials after the maximum number of cleaning cycles specified by the manufacturer. If the number of cleaning cycles is not specified, tests should be performed after 5 cleaning cycles as specified. This will be reflected in the information provided by the manufacturer.
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