Cool environment protection
When to use EN 14058 garments
EN 14058 protective clothing is intended for use in cool environments with temperatures above -5 °C, possibly combined with wind and humidity. Typical situations include light outdoor work in autumn or early spring, partially open warehouses, food processing, and indoor cold rooms.
If the working temperature drops below -5 °C, EN 342 garments are required instead, as they provide higher insulation values suitable for freezing or extreme cold conditions.
Performance requirements under
EN 14058
EN 14058:2017 defines protection levels based on the thermal resistance of the garment material and optional parameters such as air permeability and resistance to water penetration.
1. Thermal resistance (Rct)
This value measures the insulation capacity of the fabric combination. The lower the Rct value, the easier it is for body heat to penetrate through the clothing to the outside. Higher class numbers indicate better insulation.
| Class | Rct (m² K/W) |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | 0.06 ≤ Rct < 0.12 |
| Class 2 | 0.12 ≤ Rct < 0.18 |
| Class 3 | 0.18 ≤ Rct < 0.25 |
| Class 4 | 0.25 ≤ Rct |
2. Air permeability
This parameter measures how much air can pass through the garment material. The result determines how effectively the clothing resists wind penetration – in other words, how windproof it is. Air permeability is classified on a scale from 1 to 3, where Class 3 provides the highest level of protection.
| Class | Air permeability (AP) in mm/s | Application / air speed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100 < AP | < 1 m/s – indoors |
| 2 | 5 < AP ≤ 100 | < 5 m/s |
| 3 | AP ≤ 5 | ≥ 5 m/s – typical for outdoors |
3. Thermal insulation
Thermal insulation testing is optional for garments with a thermal resistance class of 1 to 3. For class 4 garments, however, the resultant effective thermal insulation (Icler) of the complete garment assembly must be determined. This test is performed on a full garment mounted on a walking mannequin to verify insulation performance during movement.
4. Resistance to water penetration (optional)
This optional test indicates a garment’s waterproofness. If not tested: The symbol "X" is used to indicate that water penetration resistance was not tested.
About the symbol
The EN 14058 pictogram shows a snowflake, representing protection against cool environments. Next to the pictogram, the corresponding performance classes are indicated in order:
Correct use and maintenance of EN 14058 garments
To maintain reliable cold protection:
Wear EN 14058 garments as part of a full outfit covering all exposed body parts.
Combine with suitable underlayers and accessories (e.g. gloves, headwear) for complete coverage.
Avoid over-insulation, which may cause perspiration and loss of thermal comfort.
Thermal insulation may decrease after frequent washing or prolonged compression; inspect garments regularly.
Replace damaged or worn items promptly to ensure continued compliance with the standard.