ISO 11148-2:2011

Overview - ISO 11148-2:2011 (Cutting-off and crimping power tools)

ISO 11148-2:2011 is the Type‑C international standard that specifies safety requirements for hand‑held non‑electric cutting‑off and crimping power tools. It covers tools without rotation intended for cutting off wires, cables and similar work and for crimping connectors (for example crimping pliers, cutting pliers, cutters and crimping tools without a yoke). The standard applies to tools powered by compressed air (pneumatic), hydraulic fluid or internal combustion engines (if present) and intended to be used by a single operator, hand‑held or suspended. It excludes fixture‑mounted modifications and double‑acting hydraulic rescue tools and does not address use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Key topics and technical requirements

ISO 11148-2:2011 addresses all significant hazards when tools are used as intended or under reasonably foreseeable misuse. Major areas include:

• Scope and definitions - clear terms for hand‑held power tools, inserted and service tools, start‑and‑stop devices, rated pressures and speeds.
• Mechanical safety - requirements for safe surfaces and edges, tool stability when laid down, prevention of component loosening, and protection against hydraulic fluid ejection.
• Thermal safety - limits and assessment references for contact temperatures (see ISO 13732‑1/3) and design to minimize undesirable cooling/warming of grip zones for pneumatic tools.
• Noise and vibration - design and verification requirements for noise reduction and vibration emission; testing and declaration procedures are covered in Clause 5 (noise, vibration verification) and normative references such as ISO 15744 and ISO 20643.
• Controls and start/stop devices - guidance on throttles, hold‑to‑run, lock‑on/lock‑off and positive on/off devices to reduce unintended start and enhance operator control.
• Verification and testing (Clause 5) - includes tests for unintentional start, structure and construction durability, and specific emission verifications.
• Information for use (Clause 6) - mandatory marking, signs, instruction handbook content, operating and maintenance instructions and safety warnings.

The standard follows ISO 12100 risk assessment/design principles and takes precedence over applicable Type A/B standards where differences exist.

Practical applications - who uses ISO 11148-2:2011

• Manufacturers and product designers - to design, test and document compliant cutting‑off and crimping hand tools.
• Safety and compliance engineers - for CE/market conformity, risk assessment and verification testing.
• Test labs and certification bodies - to perform noise, vibration, durability and unintentional‑start tests per Clause 5.
• Procurement, maintenance and training teams - to evaluate tool selection, safe operation, marking and maintenance instructions.
• End users (electrical/telecom installers, cable assembly shops, industrial maintenance) - to understand tool safety features and correct use.

Related standards

• ISO 12100 - Safety of machinery: risk assessment and reduction
• ISO 13732‑1 / ISO 13732‑3 - Thermal contact assessment
• ISO 15744 - Noise measurement for hand‑held power tools
• ISO 20643 / EN 12096 - Vibration measurement and declaration
• EN 13463‑1 - non‑electrical equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres (for excluded cases)

Keywords: ISO 11148-2:2011, cutting-off and crimping power tools, hand-held non-electric power tools, safety requirements, pneumatic tools, hydraulic tools, crimping pliers, cutting pliers, tool verification.