ISO 15744:2002

Overview

ISO 15744:2002, titled Hand-held non-electric power tools - Noise measurement code - Engineering method (grade 2), is an international standard introduced by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This standard establishes a comprehensive engineering method (grade 2) for measuring, determining, and declaring the noise emission levels produced by hand-held non-electric power tools. The standard applies to a wide range of hand-held power tools powered by non-electric sources such as compressed air or hydraulic fluid. Its primary aim is to create a uniform approach for assessing sound power levels and emission sound pressure levels at the workstation, under specified loading and operating conditions.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability
  ISO 15744:2002 covers typical hand-held non-electric power tools, including rotary tools, various sanders, reciprocating and percussive tools, as well as several types of assembly tools. The standard does not apply to cartridge-operated tools, fastener driving tools (like nailers or staplers), internal combustion engine-powered tools, or outdoor power tools subject to separate noise legislation.

• Noise Measurement Methods
  The standard details controlled test methods for noise emission measurement, specifying how and where microphones should be placed (hemispherical/cylindrical measurement surface) and how testing should be conducted to ensure reproducibility and comparability.

• Declaration and Verification
  ISO 15744:2002 prescribes clear procedures for manufacturers and suppliers to determine, report, and verify noise emission values, aiding transparent communication regarding product noise levels.

• Operative and Loading Conditions
  It outlines the need for consistent and representative operating conditions, including requirements for loading devices and operator procedures during measurement.

• Test Reporting Requirements
  Comprehensive documentation is required, ensuring test conditions, instrumental setups, and operating parameters are clearly recorded and available for review.

Applications

ISO 15744:2002 delivers practical value for several key groups within industrial and occupational health and safety contexts:

• Manufacturers and Suppliers of Power Tools

  • Enables standardized measurement and declaration of noise emission values, improving product transparency and supporting compliance with both customer and regulatory requirements.
  • Assists in benchmarking acoustic performance and prioritizing noise reduction in tool design.

• Occupational Health and Safety Professionals

  • Facilitates risk assessment, selection of quieter tools, and implementation of noise control measures within work environments to protect operators’ hearing.
  • Supports compliance with workplace noise regulations by providing reliable declarations of emission sound pressure level and sound power level.

• Testing Laboratories and Certification Bodies

  • Provides a consistently defined procedure for conducting noise emission testing, supporting fair market comparisons and type testing for certification or regulatory purposes.

• Users and Purchasers of Power Tools

  • Empowers informed decision-making when selecting tools, fostering a preference for quieter products.

• Extension to Other Equipment

  • While not explicitly designed for all equipment, the standard’s methods may be applied to pneumatic motors, winches, auto-feed drills, tappers, or hydraulic screw feed systems where relevant.

Related Standards

For a holistic approach to acoustic measurement and product conformity, ISO 15744:2002 references and complements several related international standards, including:

• ISO 3744: Acoustics - Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using sound pressure - Engineering method in an essentially free field over a reflecting plane
• ISO 4871: Acoustics - Declaration and verification of noise emission values of machinery and equipment
• ISO 11203: Acoustics - Noise emitted by machinery and equipment - Determination of emission sound pressure levels at a workstation and at other specified positions from the sound power level
• ISO 2787, ISO 5391, ISO 8662 Series: Cover performance testing and vibration measurement for pneumatic tools
• IEC 60651, IEC 60804: Sound level meters and integrating-averaging sound level meters, respectively
• EN 292-2: Machinery safety principles

ISO 15744:2002 represents a crucial reference for anyone involved in the manufacturing, testing, certification, or occupational health management of hand-held non-electric power tools, helping promote safer, quieter, and more transparent workplaces across industries.