Winter Workwear Guide: EN 342, EN 511

1. What do the regulations say about working in the cold?

Annex 3 of the PPE Regulation in Türkiye lists the following cold-related entries among the activities that may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE):

The PPE list in Annex 2 also includes thermal clothing, heated vests, gloves protecting against heat and cold, thermal shoes and boots, and removable spikes for ice, snow and slippery surfaces. The Regulation excludes ordinary workwear and uniforms not specifically intended to provide protection (Art. 2/2-a). This means not every winter jacket is PPE; for products claiming protection against cold, check for the marking of the relevant standard. To see all PPE suited to your work,

use our PPE selection matrix tool.

2. Layering: three layers, three jobs

Layers should be close-fitting but not tight, so that air can circulate between them. Wearing several layers increases insulation. You can also refer to our

Outdoor and Tactical Clothing Guide, where we explain the layering principle and fabrics in detail.

3. How to read the EN 342 label (−5 °C and below)

EN 342 covers clothing ensembles (two-piece suits or coveralls) and garments for protection against cold environments at −5 °C and below. Meaning of the label markings:

In the EN 342 user information, manufacturers provide a table showing, for each insulation value, the lowest ambient temperature the body can withstand for 8 hours and for 1 hour. The values below apply to a standing (stationary) person; read them against the Icler value on your own product's label:

Source: Snickers Workwear EN 342:2017 user information (calculated at approx. 50% relative humidity and a walking speed of 1 m/s). The table clearly shows how much wind increases the need for protection.

• Avoid sweating during prolonged cold exposure: moisture progressively reduces insulation.
• Insulation may decrease after use, storage and washing; follow the manufacturer's care instructions.

4. EN 14058: cool environments (above −5 °C)

EN 14058 covers garments for cool environments above −5 °C and targets a lower level of protection than EN 342, for example in cold stores for food. Footwear, gloves and separate headwear are not covered by this standard.

5. Gloves for cold: EN 511

• According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (ÇSGB) in Türkiye, gloves meeting EN 511 must achieve at least level 1 for abrasion and tear resistance under EN 388. We explain EN 388 codes in our EN 388 guide.
• If the water penetration level is not 1, the glove may lose its insulation when wet.
• "X" indicates that the property was not tested or that the product is not designed for that purpose.
• Products: Work gloves

6. Shoes and boots: the CI marking

CI indicates the cold insulation of the sole complex in safety shoes. In the EN ISO 20345 test, the footwear is tested at (−17 ± 2) °C, and the temperature drop on the upper surface of the insole must not exceed 10 °C. For example,

the protection class of the Techno Alaska S5 safety wellington boot is stated as S5 CI.

For other label markings (such as S3, WPA, SR), see the

How to read a safety shoe label guide, and for the right size, the size chart. When trying on shoes to be worn with thick winter socks, wear those socks.

7. Head and rain

• Safety helmet: TS EN 397 includes an optional "very low temperature" test; safety helmets marked −20 °C or −30 °C must provide the same resistance to impact and penetration at that temperature (ÇSGB). Details: Safety helmet service life and markings.
• Rain: EN 343:2019 classifies water penetration resistance and breathability from 1 to 4 (4 is best); the optional whole-garment rain tower test is indicated by "R". In the previous edition (2003/2007), classes ranged from 1 to 3. BSI records indicate that EN 343:2019 was withdrawn on 27.10.2025; EN ISO 24232:2025 with the same title has been published. For selection: Work rainwear guide.

FAQ

Does a winter work coat count as PPE?

Ordinary workwear and uniforms are outside the scope of the PPE Regulation in Türkiye (Art. 2/2-a). Garments used for protection in cold environments and certified for that purpose, however, are considered PPE as climate-resistant or thermal clothing; check the label for the EN 342 or EN 14058 marking.

What is the difference between EN 342 and EN 14058?

EN 342 is for cold environments at −5 °C and below, while EN 14058 is for cool environments above −5 °C. EN 14058 targets a lower level of protection.

What PPE is required in a cold store?

In Türkiye, Annex 3 of the PPE Regulation lists protective clothing for "work in deep-freeze rooms", gloves for "work involving contact with extreme heat and cold", and safety footwear for work with frozen meat. The definitive list is determined by your workplace risk assessment.

What does CI mean on safety shoes?

It shows that the sole has passed the cold insulation test: at (−17 ± 2) °C, the temperature drop on the insole surface must not exceed 10 °C.

Product categories:

Cold-weather clothing · Work coats and winter work jackets · Fleece jackets · Beanies and knitted caps · Work rain jackets · Corporate bulk orders