Quality of a work jacket
Like shoes and gloves, work jackets play an essential role in the protection and well-being of employees. Today there are an infinite number of choices, but you should know that these clothing items must meet very specific standards. Their quality and effectiveness depend on it.
Work jacket: the standards
Personal protective equipment or PPE, including work jackets, are subject to specific laws and regulations. These have been applied for years to a wide variety of fields, ranging from catering to mechanics, including construction, catering and health trades.
In principle, the EN 340 standard concerns all professional clothing. It takes into account a large number of criteria, to name only ergonomics, resistance, size and dimension. However, given that the working conditions are not the same for a construction worker, a chef or even a boat mechanic, certain models are called upon to meet specific requirements.
First, there is the EN 471 standard which applies to womens workwear and man as well as high visibility work jackets. Classified 1, 2 and 3, this equipment is especially recommended for professionals working in the transport, health and building sectors.
There is also the EN 342 standard attesting to the ability of a work jacket to protect the individual against the cold. In this case, two criteria are taken into account: waterproofing and breathability, i.e. evaporative resistance. Both are rated from 0 to 3. When a work-jacket responds to this standard, it can be worn in cold rooms, on building sites and in fields. In other words, it is ideal for industrial workers, farmers, architects and construction workers.
The EN 343 standard, on the other hand, mainly targets jackets for weather protection. The two aforementioned elements will always be taken into consideration. Same for scoring.
There are other specific security standards that address well-defined business sectors. These include EN 14116 designed for protective clothing against heat and flame and EN 13034 which assesses the level of protection against chemicals. It is mainly used in the industrial and health sectors.
Which fabric to choose for your work jacket?
At least 8 hours a day, employees are exposed to various elements that can harm their health: bacteria, microbes, chemicals, rain, intense heat… This is why the choice of a work jacket is not to be taken lightly. Indeed, it guarantees their comfort and safety.
The type and quality of fabric is at the top of the list of criteria to consider. The reason is that the resistance of the work jacket depends on it. Indeed, a PVC jacket will not have the same performance or the same characteristics as a polyester jacket. The first is greatly appreciated for its impermeability and watertightness, while the other stands out for its flexibility and it is also easy to clean.
There are also work jackets with fleece lining. They are extremely resistant and provide effective protection against the cold. The ideal ally for any professional performing outdoor work (truck driver, machine operator, mason, farmer, firefighter, gardener, etc.).
Mostly committed to an ecological approach, companies also prefer to opt for fabrics that are not only labeled (Bio Equitable, Label Oeko-tex, Max Havelaar, etc.), but also manufactured with respect for the environment. There is a wide variety available at prices to suit all needs.
Daily partner of professionals, a work jacket must also be resistant to wear and washing. These are technical qualities that are always conditioned by the nature of the fabric. You should also know that to preserve good hygiene for the user, these items of clothing must be cleaned regularly and not just anyhow.
When it comes to work jackets, there is no shortage of choice. Quality must take precedence because worker safety is at stake. Plus, it's easy to find work jackets at attractive prices.