Personal protective equipment – Knee protectors for work in the kneeling position
EN 14404 PART 1-6 – KNEE PROTECTORS FOR WORK IN THE KNEELING POSITION
This standard series specifies requirements and test methods for different types of knee protectors for work in the kneeling position. The protective equipment aiming to reduce and prevent injuries and risks that may occur immediately or over time.
Four types of knee pads
There are four types of knee protection. Part 1 (14404-1) specifies test methods.
| Type | Design | Standard part |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Knee protection that is not part of a garment. Fastened to the knee using straps around the leg. | EN 14404-2 |
| 2 | Knee protection made of foam or other padding. Placed in pockets on the trouser legs or permanently attached to the trousers. | EN 14404-3 & EN 14404-4 |
| 3 | Knee protection that is not attached to the body, but placed into position when the user moves. | EN 14404-5 |
| 4 | Knee protection incorporated into the design of an item, such as a support frame for standing up or a kneeling stool. Can be worn on the body or be stand-alone. | EN 14404-6 |
Classification of knee pads
Knee protection is classified as follows:
| Protection levels | Suitable use |
|---|---|
| 0 | These knee protectors do not have verified penetration protection and should therefore mainly be used when working on flat surfaces. |
| 1 | Knee protectors rated as Class 1 provide penetration protection against e.g. small stones and are suitable for use on flat surfaces. Tested penetration force of 100±5 N. |
| 1U | Knee protectors rated as Class 1U provide penetration protection against e.g. small stones and are suitable for use on uneven surfaces. Tested penetration force of 100±5 N. |
| 2 | Knee protectors rated as Class 2 provide greater protection against penetration when kneeling on very uneven and sharp surfaces. Tested penetration force of 250±10 N. |
Apart from the protection classes that state penetration resistance, the standard also sets requirements for the size of the knee protection, its ergonomic performance, force distribution, and how well its material absorbs shocks when going into kneeling position.
Labelling of knee pads and/or the combination with trousers.
Knee pads, level 1, 1U and 2
Labelling for knee pads meeting the requirements for level 1, 1U or 2:
Type 1
X indicates the level of protection.
Type 2
Clothing worn in combination with knee pads
Label for garments that should be used in combination with knee pads.
Class 0
Class 1, 1U or 2
X indicates the level of performance
License for using the standard
This text is an interpretation of the content in the Standard concerned, reproduced with the requisite authorization for Blåkläder from the Swedish Institute for Standards, which is the owner and copyright holder of the Standard and also sells the complete Standard at www.sis.se
