EN 14404

Knee protection

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Norms/

EN 14404/

Knee protection: EN 14404 standard for workwear in a kneeling position

Protect your knees during intensive work

EN 14404:2004 + A1:2010 describes the requirements for knee protection. This standard prevents injury and wear to the knees during work that requires frequent or prolonged kneeling. Hydrowear supplies workwear that complies with EN 14404 type 2: pants, overalls, and American overalls with knee pockets. In combination with certified knee pads (VP-00), you are fully protected according to the standard.

What does EN 14404 entail?

The standard only applies when workwear with knee pockets is used in combination with certified knee pads.

Hydrowear clothing with knee pockets complies with this standard in combination with the VP-00 knee pads. These knee pads:

Fit all sizes,
Are easy to slide in and out of the pockets,
Provide reliable protection and comfort.

Symbol and technical requirements of EN 14404

Clothing that complies with this standard can be recognized by the EN 14404 pictogram.

The standard sets requirements in four areas:

Size of the knee protectors
Force distribution: how the pressure is distributed across the knee
Penetration resistance: protection against sharp objects
User test: practical test to assess comfort and functionality

Combination with other standards

Hydrowear supplies workwear with EN 14404 type 2 knee pockets. Full protection is only guaranteed in combination with the certified VP-00 knee pads.

Where do you use EN 14404 workwear?

Common sectors and applications:

Construction and installation (laying floors, installing pipes and cables)
Assembly and maintenance close to the ground
Horticulture and landscaping

This prevents knee problems and allows you to work comfortably and safely, even when kneeling heavily or for long periods of time.

Test methods of EN 14404

Knee protectors are tested for:

Perforation: Resistance to puncture by sharp objects.
Force distribution: How pressure is distributed across the knee.
Impact absorption: How well shocks and impacts are absorbed.

The standard has different performance levels:

Type 2, level 1
This is reliable knee protection for professionals who kneel regularly. Designed to protect the knees from pebbles, nails, and other small objects up to 1 cm in size, on hard and flat surfaces.
Type 2, level 0
This is effective knee protection for professionals who occasionally work on their knees indoors. Designed for use on flat surfaces.
Level 2
Suitable for heavy-duty conditions such as kneeling on stone, in mines or quarries. The puncture resistance here is at least 250 N.

Please note: Our Hydrowear VP-00 knee pads have been tested according to EN 14404 type 2, level 1.

Performance and design requirements of the standard

The standard stipulates that clothing and knee pads must together provide:

Protection against pressure and sharp surfaces.
A comfortable fit that keeps the knee pads securely in place.
Practical use: The knee pads must be easy to slide in and out of the pockets.

Knee protection according to EN 14404: Training for correct application in workwear

When working in conditions that involve a lot of kneeling, standard-compliant knee protection is crucial. The training covers the application of EN 14404 in combination with type 2 workwear. Developed for organizations that want to limit the risks associated with kneeling work in accordance with the applicable standard.