Suitable knee protection is essential for those working on their knees all day long, or even just for the occasional job, as they provide comfort and prevent injury. Wearing knee pads will relieve the pressure of being down in the kneeling position.
Knee pads will also protect you from the discomfort caused by a hard surface and will prevent items on the ground from digging into your knees, such as gravel, nails, staples and similar small objects.
Tradesmen and gardeners are commonly at risk of chronic conditions such as repetitive strain and bursitis injuries to the cartilage. Treatment will often require time off work to recover, or in more serious conditions, surgery.
Luckily, wearing knee protection is far more convenient with ranges to suit your working environment, the task at hand, and the clothing you’re wearing. The knee pad range includes knee inserts for work trousers, knee pads to wear over your workwear, and kneeling mats to place on the surface and move freely.
Which Type of Knee Protection Do I Require?
Knee pads are ideal for construction sites, industrial environments and workplaces, as well as those working on their knees around the home or garden.
To help you find the most appropriate knee protection, knee pads are graded by type and the level of protection they give. And when they’re compliant with European Standard EN 14404:2004+A1:2010, you can be sure they’re up to the task.
There are four different types of knee protection:
Type 1 knee pads are independent of other clothing and fastened around the legs, often on the outside of your workwear, with adjustable straps which are quick and easy to put on and take off.
Type 2 knee pads are often foam or some other padding, secured on the pockets of the legs on some work trousers and coveralls, or attached to the clothing.
Type 3 knee pads are not attached to the body but placed in the position where the user is kneeling and moved around freely.
Type 4 knee pads often have other functions, such as a framework to provide support to stand up, or a kneeling seat.
And there are three different levels of protection to suit your needs:
Level 0 – Giving a basic level of protection on flat floor surfaces, these often provide a welcome cushion for your knee cap.
Level 1 – Designed for flat or uneven floor surfaces, these protect against penetration (such as gravel and sharp objects) by a force of at least (100 ± 5) N.
Level 2 – Ideal for use on flat or uneven floor surfaces under severe conditions, these protect against penetration by a force of at least (250 ± 10) N.
