RAIN AND FOUL WEATHER
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
The Hazard
Whether one is working in oil exploration projects in one of the most remote and cold locations of the planet or operating high-tech electrical installations in the tropical region with heavy rainfall, workers in different geographies are exposed to tough weather conditions of rain, snow & high velocity wind in addition to hazards like fire & electric arc.
Choosing workwear that provide foul weather protection in addition to Flame Resistance increases voluntary compliance, thereby significantly reducing the incidence of fatalities. It also increases productivity in the absence of job stress due to worker discomfort.
Suggested Norms
EN 343
Protection against rain
This standard specifies the requirements for protective clothing against the effects of foul weather (rain, wind and snowflakes). The major factors to be tested under this standard :
Resistance to water penetration - X :
Resistance to water penetration is the most important quality for an adequate protection. The resistance to water penetration is expressed in Pa.
The classification of the products is done as per the below table :
| Specimen to be tested | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before Pre-treatment | ≥ 8000 Pa | no test required* | no test required* |
| After Pre-treatment | no test required | ≥ 8000 Pa | ≥ 13000 Pa |
| Seams before Pre-treatment | ≥ 8000 Pa | ≥ 8000 Pa | ≥ 13000 Pa |
| *no test required because the worst case situation case for Class 2 and 3 is after Pre-treatment | |||
Water vapour resistance - Y :
Also referred to as the Breathing property of the clothing, Ret of all layers of the garment shall be in accordance to the below table.
| Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Vapour Resistance | Ret > 40 | 20 < Ret ≤ 40 | Ret ≤ 20 |
