Managing a workforce that operates outdoors in the UK means you’ll eventually face the challenge of heavy rain and high winds. It’s not just a matter of comfort for your team because the right gear directly impacts safety and productivity on site. When you’re responsible for procurement, you’ll need to navigate a variety of technical ratings and legal obligations.
This ensures that every member of staff has the protection they require to do their job effectively. We’ll walk you through it so you know exactly what to look for when you’re next updating your equipment list.
The Legal Framework for Protective Equipment
The primary regulation you need to be aware of is the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations. This framework requires employers to provide suitable PPE to employees who may be exposed to risks to their health or safety.
When it comes to outdoor work, weather conditions like extreme cold or heavy rain are recognised as legitimate risks. You’ll find that the legislation changed slightly after the UK left the European Union. While the standards remain largely the same, you’ll now see the UKCA mark on new products instead of just the CE mark.
It’s your responsibility to ensure that the equipment you buy is fit for the specific environment your team works in. This means you’ll need to conduct a thorough risk assessment before you place an order.
You should consider the intensity of the work and how long the staff will be exposed to the elements. If you provide gear that doesn’t meet the required safety levels, you’ll likely face issues with compliance audits. You’ll also find that poor equipment leads to higher staff turnover and more frequent sick days due to exposure.
The Details of the EN 343 Standard
When you’re looking for waterproof work wear for an industrial setting, the EN 343 standard is the most relevant benchmark. This specific European standard classifies garments based on two main factors: their resistance to water penetration and their breathability. You’ll see these marked as two numbers on the garment label, usually next to an icon of a cloud with raindrops. The first number represents the waterproof rating, while the second indicates how well the fabric allows sweat to escape.
The ratings were updated in 2019 to include a fourth class, which offers the highest level of protection. A Class 4 rating means the fabric can withstand significantly higher water pressure than the lower classes.
It’s worth pointing out that while a high waterproof rating is good, you’ll also need to check the breathability. If a jacket is completely waterproof but has no breathability, the wearer will get wet from the inside due to condensation. For heavy manual labour, you’ll usually want to look for Class 3 or Class 4 in both categories to keep the team dry and comfortable.
How to Verify Supplier Compliance
You’ll often find that many suppliers claim their products are waterproof, but you’ll need to verify this through formal documentation. A reputable manufacturer will always be able to provide a Declaration of Conformity and a technical datasheet for their products.
These documents will list the exact EN ISO standards the clothing has been tested against. If a supplier can’t provide these details, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere for your procurement needs. It’s better to spend a little more on verified gear than to risk a fine for non-compliance.
When you’re evaluating a new supplier, you should look for the following physical markers on the garments:
- The UKCA or CE mark is clearly displayed on the internal label.
- The specific EN standard number, such as EN 343:2019, printed on the tag.
- Clear instructions for care and maintenance in English.
- A pictogram showing the protection levels for water resistance and breathability.
Design Features of High Quality Gear
Beyond technical ratings, check the physical construction for long-term durability. Quality gear features welded or taped seams towards the inside to stop water seeping through stitch holes.
You should also look for heavy-duty zips with double storm flaps for better protection. Materials like PVC or PU-coated fabrics are popular for fishing or construction because they resist chemicals and water during long shifts. Instead of focusing only on price, investing in reinforced knees and elbows will save you money by preventing tears in abrasive work conditions.
Final Remarks
Standardising your procurement process around EN 343 ratings will ensure that your business stays compliant while keeping your workforce safe. You’ll need to balance the initial cost of the gear against the durability and protection it provides.
By checking for the correct UKCA marks and verifying technical datasheets, you’ll avoid the common pitfalls of buying substandard equipment. Your team will be able to work through the worst of the British weather without compromising their safety or their health.
