Floor layers, plasterers, tilers, plumbers, electricians and groundworkers can spend hours on their knees. Kneeling on hard, uneven or debris-covered surfaces puts a lot of pressure on the knee, and knee protection is a simple way to reduce it. Work knee protectors are covered by the standard EN 14404. This guide explains what it means and how to use it when you buy.
What EN 14404 covers
EN 14404 is the standard for knee protectors for work in the kneeling position. It sets out the types of knee protection and the performance levels they are tested to, including how well they spread pressure and resist penetration from small objects on the floor.
The four types
| Type | What it is |
|---|---|
| Type 1 | Knee pads that are independent of clothing and strap around the leg |
| Type 2 | Pads that fit into pockets on work trousers. The trouser and pad are tested together |
| Type 3 | Protection not attached to the body, such as kneeling mats and cushions |
| Type 4 | Protection that is part of a frame or support, such as a kneeling stool |
The performance levels
| Level | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | Flat, clean floors. No penetration resistance requirement |
| Level 1 | Floors that may have small debris. Tested for penetration resistance |
| Level 2 | Demanding conditions, such as rubble or rough sites. Higher penetration resistance |
Look for the type and level on the product marking and the information supplied with it. For a wider guide to reading labels, see EN standards on workwear labels explained.
Type 2 pads and trousers go together. Because a Type 2 pad is tested inside a specific trouser, the protection claimed only applies to the combination the manufacturer specifies. A pad from one brand pushed into another brand's trouser may not sit in the right place or give the protection you expect. Check the manufacturer's information before mixing and matching.
Choosing the right knee pads
- Think about the floor. Clean finished floors and rough sites need different levels of protection.
- Think about how often. Someone kneeling all day may prefer a thicker or shaped pad for comfort.
- Check the pad position. Many knee-pad trousers have adjustable pocket heights so the pad sits over the knee, not above or below it.
- Replace worn pads. Foam compresses over time. See our guide on when to replace workwear.
For trousers designed to take knee pads, see our work & knee-pad trousers. Trades that kneel a lot include plasterers and dryliners, carpenters and joiners and bricklayers.
The short version
EN 14404 tells you what type of knee protection you are buying and what kind of floor it is designed for. Match the level to the conditions, keep Type 2 pads with the trousers they were tested in, and choose based on your own risk assessment. If in doubt, ask us and we will help you find a suitable option.
