ISO 11148-4:2012

Overview

ISO 11148-4:2012 - Hand-held non-electric power tools - Safety requirements - Part 4: Non-rotary percussive power tools sets safety requirements for hand-held percussive tools powered by compressed air, hydraulic fluid or internal combustion engines. The standard applies to tools used for chipping, riveting, breaking concrete/asphalt, ramming and similar tasks, and covers common types such as breakers, chipping hammers, needle scalers, pile drivers, riveters, rammers, scaling hammers, stone hammers, spades and tampers. It addresses significant hazards when tools are used as intended and under reasonably foreseeable misuse, excluding use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope & definitions: precise terminology for hand-held non-electric power tools, inserted tools, control devices and rated pressures/speeds.
• Mechanical safety: design requirements for surfaces, edges, stability and prevention of unintentional movement or ejection of parts.
• Thermal safety: limits and guidance for hot/cold surfaces to reduce burn/frost risks.
• Noise and vibration: requirements for noise reduction and vibration assessment with verification methods referenced to ISO test methods (e.g., ISO 15744, ISO 28927 series).
• Materials & emissions: considerations for hazardous materials processed, used or exhausted by the tool.
• Ergonomics & handle design: user-support, suspension devices (balancers), handle ergonomics and strain reduction.
• Controls: start/stop devices (hold-to-run, lock-on, lock-off, positive on-off) and prevention of unintentional start.
• Verification & testing: test conditions and procedures for noise, vibration, unintentional start and construction checks (Clause 5).
• Information for use: mandatory marking, warnings, instruction handbook content, operating instructions, maintenance guidance and data (Clause 6).
• Annexes: lists of significant hazards, examples of covered tools, label symbols and additional internal combustion engine safety requirements.

Applications and who uses it

• Manufacturers and designers: to design and certify safe non-rotary percussive tools and produce compliant user manuals.
• Test laboratories & conformity assessors: to verify noise, vibration and other safety parameters for compliance and CE marking.
• Safety officers & procurement teams: to set procurement specifications, perform risk assessments and select appropriate tools for construction, demolition, quarrying and surface preparation.
• Maintenance and training teams: to develop safe operating and maintenance procedures that align with the standard.

Related standards (select)

• ISO 12100 - Safety of machinery - general risk assessment principles
• ISO 15744 - Noise measurement code
• ISO 28927-6/9/10 - Vibration test methods for rammers, scalers and percussive tools
• EN 12096 - Vibration declaration/verification

Using ISO 11148-4:2012 helps organizations reduce occupational injuries, demonstrate regulatory due diligence and improve tool reliability by integrating recognized safety requirements for hand-held non-rotary percussive power tools.