ISO 28927-8:2009

Overview

ISO 28927-8:2009 - Hand-held portable power tools - Test methods for evaluation of vibration emission - Part 8 covers a laboratory, type-test method for measuring hand-transmitted vibration at the handles of hand-held, power-driven saws, polishing and filing machines with reciprocating action, and small saws with oscillating or rotating action. The standard establishes reproducible test conditions and measurement locations to determine vibration magnitudes for model comparison and product evaluation.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability
  • Applies to reciprocating files (surface finishing), saws for parting sheets, medical plaster, wood, and small circular saws for metal or composites.
  • Not applicable to one-handed files (used on the blade) or large circular saws for wood.
• Type-test laboratory method
  • Specifies test arrangements and operating conditions under which machines are run to obtain representative vibration emission values.
  • Intended to produce comparable type-test values across machine models.
• Measurement strategy
  • Vibration measured at the gripping areas (handles), typically in three axes and at both hand positions where applicable.
  • Transducer locations and orientations are defined to minimize operator interference and improve repeatability.
• Instrumentation and calibration
  • Requirements for transducer specification, mounting, frequency-weighting filters, integration time, auxiliary equipment and calibration procedures.
• Test conditions and reporting
  • Defines operating conditions for pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical machines, workpiece support and tooling state.
  • Includes measurement procedure, validity checks and model test report content.
• Interpretation guidance
  • Test values are representative of the upper quartile of typical use; the standard notes that measured values can vary widely in real use.
  • For workplace exposure assessment, ISO 5349 methods are recommended; values below 2.5 m/s² should be treated cautiously when estimating real working magnitudes.

Applications and users

ISO 28927-8 is used by:

• Manufacturers for product development and design verification (compare vibration across models).
• Independent test laboratories performing type tests and providing vibration emission declarations.
• Safety and ergonomics engineers assessing tool selection and risk controls.
• Procurement and specification authors requiring quantified vibration data for purchasing decisions.
• Regulatory bodies and conformity assessors using standardized test data to support safety evaluations.

Practical uses include benchmarking tool designs, optimizing handle ergonomics, selecting lower-vibration models for workplaces, and providing consistent data for user guidance and risk management.

Related standards

• ISO 20643 - principles for evaluation of vibration emission
• ISO 5349 - measurement and evaluation of human exposure to hand-transmitted vibration
• EN 12096 - declaration and verification of vibration emission values
• ISO 28927 series - other parts for grinders, drills, polishers, etc.