Industrial knee pads – EN 14404:2024

Highlighting the key changes in the newly updated EN 14404 series for industrial knee protection.

Kneeling for extended periods is common across many trades and industrial roles, and the risk to knee health is significant. The EN 14404 standard, which governs personal protective equipment (PPE) for knee protection, has undergone a major revision in 2024. The new EN 14404:2024 series replaces the previous EN 14404:2004+A1:2010 and introduces clearer classifications, enhanced testing and stricter requirements to better protect workers.

Overview of the new structure

The revised standard is now split into six distinct parts, each addressing a specific type of knee protection:

• Part 1 – Test methods
• Part 2 – Requirements for wearable knee protectors (Type 1)
• Part 3 – Requirements for individual combinations of knee pads and garments (Type 2)
• Part 4 – Requirements for interoperable knee pads and garments (Type 2)
• Part 5 – Requirements for knee mats (Type 3)
• Part 6 – Requirements for kneeling systems (Type 4).

Notable changes in EN 14404:2024

Specific sizing requirement: Most parts of the EN 14404:2024 series (such as parts 2 and 3) still specify minimum protection zones. However, they now also introduce a ‘small’ and ‘large’ size based on the patella (kneecap) width. This change eliminates the ‘one size fits all’ approach for these products.

In contrast, universal knee pads – designed to fit into a wide range of trousers – are now called ‘interoperable’ knee pads. These now come under EN 14404-4:2024 and are restricted to a very specific size and shape.

Updated performance levels: Knee protectors are classified by levels dependent on their penetration resistance, which remains similar to the previous version of the standard.

There is now an introduction of 'flat even surface' versus 'uneven surface'. The ergonomics and force distribution tests will now be tested with a different surface depending on the level – see table 1.

Table 1: Knee protection performance levels
Level	Penetration resistance	Force distribution	Ergonomics
Level 0	No penetration protection claimed	Flat even surface	Flat even surface
Level 1	Penetration resistance of more than 100 N	Flat even surface	Flat even surface
Level 1U	Penetration resistance of more than 100 N	Uneven surface	Uneven surface
Level 2	Penetration resistance of more than 250 N	Uneven surface	Uneven surface

Garments now require testing and certification: A major change is the requirement for garments to be tested and marked to the standard – something that was not previously required.

This is especially important for workwear manufacturers who produce trousers or overalls with a knee pad pocket. These garments must now be:

• tested and certified to either EN 14404-3:2024 (individual combinations) or EN 14404-4:2024 (interoperable systems)
• marked accordingly, indicating compliance and compatibility with certified interoperable knee pads.

This ensures that the combined system of knee pad and garment provides effective protection, maintains correct positioning during use and meets the required performance criteria.

Interoperability requirements: The EN 14404:2024 update introduces stricter requirements for Type 2 knee pads, which are designed to be used in combination with garments such as work trousers.

Where Type 2 insertable knee pads are designed to be universal and fit a wide range of garments, they will now come under EN 14404-4:2024. Similarly, this standard has requirements for the garments that are sold with a knee pocket but not necessarily sold with a knee protector.

Key changes include:

• defined sizing (not just minimum coverage) for interoperable products
• mandatory garment testing and certification to EN 14404-4:2024 for any garment with a knee pocket, regardless of whether the knee protection is claimed or sold in combination
• a new bending test to demonstrate flexibility and durability during use for interoperable knee pads.

This will standardise the 'interoperable' garments and knee pads which are sold separately but designed to be universally compatible.

Transition timeline

The EN 14404:2024 series was harmonised in May 2025, meaning it is now the recognised standard under the PPE Regulation. As a result:

• all new applications for CE certification must comply with the 2024 version
• renewals of existing certificates must also be to the 2024 standards
• the previous EN 14404:2004+A1:2010 standard is no longer valid for certification purposes
• any garments with knee pad pockets will need to add EN 14404 to any new certificate.

Manufacturers and suppliers must ensure that all industrial knee pads and workwear placed on the market from this point forward meet the updated requirements.

---