The characteristics of frost protective clothing
When we talk about low temperature clothing, we refer to clothes that must have insulation capacity from the cold outside and at the same time ensure the breathability of the garment to water vapour to prevent the formation of sweat.
The cold protection clothing is also made with reflective bands to make the operator visible in low visibility operations. This type of clothing is ideal for those operating in environments such as:
- Cold rooms;
- Refrigerated warehouses;
- Refrigerated trucks;
- Arctic or mountain areas;
- Food industry.
EN 342 Standard
Low temperature clothing is made for those who are exposed to a temperature below -5°C, and allows them to be adequately sheltered from the cold down to -40°C.
The standard that certifies its conformity and test methods is EN 342, and guarantees that the material with which the clothing is made is able to ensure a high degree of insulation.
The reason why is important to protect yourself from the cold
The most common health and safety hazards for people working in extremely cold environments are mainly freezing and hypothermia, but also cold stress, the risk of slipping and falling and the danger of poor visibility.
Freezing is tissue damage that is caused when exposed to extreme cold for a prolonged period of time. It can be divided into three degrees depending on the severity of the condition, which can also involve muscles, tendons, blood vessels and nerves.
Hypothermia is a reduction in body temperature below 35°C. This situation occurs in very cold places in conditions where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.
The cold is felt by our body as stress. Cold stress is certainly not to be underestimated. This type of stress leads to an increase in heart and respiratory rate and blood pressure.
In operations where visibility is very poor (e.g. during outdoor operations during heavy snowfall) it is important to use clothing with reflective bands to avoid dangerous accidents.
Those operating in this type of conditions must also pay particular attention to slips or falls, to avoid consequent injuries
What should cold protective clothing look like?
Garments made according to UNI EN 342 must guarantee thermal insulation and breathability, as well as waterproofing for closures. These garments must be light and strong in order to facilitate movement and resist in case of probable falls.
As already mentioned, each garment certified for protection against cold must have reflective bands to highlight the presence of the operator during operations with poor visibility.
Customisation
All workwear for low temperatures, are customizable with the company logo.
The possible customization techniques can be either printing (hot stamping or digital transfer) or embroidery. Which type will be evaluated in consultation with our style office.