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Working in extreme cold environments demands protective clothing that keeps workers warm, safe, and comfortable. EN 342 is the European standard for cold-weather protective garments, and understanding the (M²·K/W) thermal resistance and 2.X performance ratings is crucial for selecting the right workwear.
EN 342 specifies requirements for protective clothing against cold conditions, evaluating:
Thermal insulation (M²·K/W) – Measures how effectively the garment retains body heat. Higher values indicate better insulation.
Performance level (2.X) – Denotes additional features such as water resistance, wind protection, and breathability.
Garment design and ergonomics – Ensures mobility, layering compatibility, and comfort during work in freezing temperatures.
EN 342 certification ensures that garments maintain thermal protection while allowing safe and efficient movement in cold environments.
1. Thermal Resistance (M²·K/W)
This value represents the garment's ability to retain heat.
Example: 0.330 M²·K/W provides moderate insulation suitable for outdoor industrial tasks in cold but not extreme sub-zero conditions.
Higher values mean greater protection against cold stress.
2. Performance Level (2.X)
2: Indicates the overall performance rating based on testing criteria such as thermal insulation and moisture management.
X: Additional tested features, such as seam strength, water resistance, or breathability.
Combined, the rating helps you compare garments and choose the right protection level for specific cold-weather tasks.
Layering with FR/IFR clothing – EN 342 outer garments can be worn over flame-resistant (FR) or inherently flame-resistant (IFR) base layers, offering dual protection against cold and fire hazards.
Worker Safety – Prevents cold-related injuries like frostbite or hypothermia while maintaining comfort.
Durability and Compliance – Ensures garments maintain insulation and performance over long-term industrial use.
Insulated coveralls and overalls – Full-body protection for extreme cold environments
Thermal jackets and parkas – Layered insulation for upper body protection
Cold-weather trousers – Keep legs warm while allowing mobility
Hooded garments and accessories – Additional protection for head and neck
All styles are designed for layering over FR or IFR workwear, ensuring multi-hazard protection.
At DOMEX SAFETY, we provide EN 342 certified FR and IFR garments designed for extreme cold environments:
Coveralls, jackets, and trousers for industrial cold-weather operations
Layered PPE solutions combining thermal insulation, flame resistance, and anti-static properties
Garments tested for thermal resistance, durability, and comfort, ensuring maximum worker safety
Our products keep workers warm, safe, and compliant in the harshest cold-weather conditions.
EN 342 (M²·K/W), 2.X ratings help you select cold-weather workwear with the right balance of insulation, protection, and comfort. Pairing EN 342 garments with FR or IFR base layers ensures a layered safety solution, keeping industrial workers productive and safe in extreme cold.
Explore DOMEX SAFETY's EN 342 certified garments at DOMEX SAFETY and provide your workforce with effective cold protection combined with industrial hazard safety.
