ISO 11148-5:2011

Overview

ISO 11148-5:2011 specifies safety requirements for hand-held non-electric rotary percussive drills used to make holes in hard materials (rock, concrete). It covers rotary hammers, rock drills and plug-hole drills powered by compressed air, hydraulic fluid or internal combustion engines. The standard applies to single-operator, hand‑held tools (with or without suspensions) and addresses foreseeable misuse, except the use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and definitions: Clear classification of rotary percussive drills, inserted/service tools, start-and-stop devices (hold-to-run, lock-on, lock-off, positive on-off), rated and maximum speeds/pressures.
• Mechanical safety: Requirements for safe surfaces, stability when laid down, retention of inserted tools, prevention of component loss during rough handling, and enclosure of hydraulic systems to avoid high‑pressure fluid ejection. Guards for inserted tools are not required but other protections are specified.
• Thermal safety: Limits and design guidance for surface temperatures (references ISO 13732-1/-3) and minimizing exhaust cooling effects on gripping zones.
• Noise and vibration: Requirements to address noise reduction and vibration exposure with verification methods referenced (ISO 15744; ISO 28927-10; EN 12096).
• Controls and ergonomics: Design and labeling of start/stop and throttle devices, ergonomics of grips, suspension devices and operator interfaces.
• Materials and emissions: Consideration of materials, substances processed or exhausted and related hazards.
• Verification and testing: Prescribed verification procedures for noise, vibration, unintentional start, and construction integrity (see Clause 5).
• Information for use: Mandatory marking, signage, comprehensive instruction handbook, operating data and maintenance instructions (Clause 6).
• Special provisions: Normative annex with additional requirements for internal combustion engine tools (Annex D); informative annexes list hazards and examples.

Practical applications and who uses it

ISO 11148-5 is used by:

• Manufacturers and product designers to ensure safe design and conformity of rotary percussive drills.
• Compliance and regulatory teams verifying that tools meet international safety requirements.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies applying verification clauses and referenced test methods.
• Purchasing and asset managers specifying safe equipment for construction, mining, tunneling and utilities.
• Safety managers and trainers developing operation, maintenance and risk‑reduction procedures.

Related standards

• ISO 12100 (machinery safety - risk assessment and reduction) - ISO 11148-5 is a type‑C standard and takes precedence where it differs.
• ISO 15744, ISO 28927-10, EN 12096 (noise/vibration measurement and declaration).
• Other parts of ISO 11148 cover different hand‑held non‑electric tools (Parts 1–4, 6–12).

Keywords: ISO 11148-5, rotary percussive drills, hand-held non-electric power tools, safety requirements, rotary hammers, rock drills, plug hole drills, pneumatic tools, hydraulic tools, vibration, noise, ergonomics, verification.