The first thing to remember is that a waterproof fabric is not the same as a fabric with a water‐repellent finish. Waterproof fabric represents the highest level of water resistance and is therefore impenetrable. The water‐resistant/repellent finish can be given to a waterproof or non‐waterproof fabric. Its function is to prevent small droplets of water from settling on the fabric and, consequently, make it difficult for them to penetrate.
A waterproof fabric with minimum protection against wet weather must comply with EN 343, and all product manufacturing must respect the waterproof nature of the garment, including zips, pockets and other accessories.
Type 1 (EN 943-2): Protection against solid, liquid and gaseous chemicals.
In the case of the figure above, it is accompanied by two figures on the right, one above the other. The top digit refers to the degree of waterproofness of the professional garment in question, while the bottom digit relates to the degree of breathability of the garment. Both characteristics can vary between level 0 and 3. In this specific case of the image, we would be dealing with a product that has the highest proven level of waterproofness and breathability.
Not every workplace needs a garment with this degree of waterproofness. For example, a non‐waterproof uniform with a water repellent/resistant finish may well fulfil the needs of a worker who is sporadically exposed to splashes of water.
That being said, when you are choosing water/rain resistant workwear for your company’s employees, take into account the role and working environment of each employee. Only then will you be able to gauge the meteorological conditions to which each is exposed and provide the most suitable water‐resistant workwear for each role.
Applications:
Workers permanently exposed to water droplets.
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UNIFARDAS® supports Espaço T, which is an inclusive organisation, of all and for all, and our common goal is to increase employment opportunities for young people with special needs and/or who, for some reason, have been excluded from the labour market.
We work hard to provide safe working conditions by going beyond the imposed and mandatory minimums.
We support, nurture and offer continuous training programmes aimed at improving skills.
At UNIFARDAS® we keep up to date with the latest technologies and innovations that can optimise our production process making it more efficient and close to zero waste.
UNIFARDAS® is a partner of Espaço T, an inclusive organisation, of all and for all, with the common goal of increasing employment opportunities for young people with special needs and/or who, for some reason, have been excluded from the labour market. In this organisation, immigrants will also find a support network in finding work and housing.
In addition to the sustainable path we have been taking throughout our production and supply chain, UNIFARDAS® participates, supports and organises a beach clean-up every year after the bathing season, in partnership with World Clean-up Day. We are also partners of Seaqual, an entity that, together with some other partners, promotes the collection of ocean waste and its transformation into upcycled marine plastic that will then be used in the production of fabric and other sustainable products.
In addition to the sustainable path we have been taking throughout our production and supply chain, UNIFARDAS® participates, supports and organises a beach clean-up every year after the bathing season, in partnership with World Clean-up Day. We are also partners of Seaqual, an entity that, together with some other partners, promotes the collection of ocean waste and its transformation into upcycled marine plastic that will then be used in the production of fabric and other sustainable products.
