Overview
IEC 63241-2-22:2025 is Part 2-22 in the IEC 63241 series and provides the particular requirements for dust measurement procedures applicable to hand-held cut-off machines and wall chasers. This Part is to be used in conjunction with IEC 63241-1:2023 (Part 1: General requirements) and supplements, modifies or replaces clauses in Part 1 where specified. Where a subclause of Part 1 is not mentioned, it continues to apply as relevant.
The standard defines the scope, test procedure, instrumentation and information to be reported for assessing respirable dust emissions during cutting and chasing operations on construction materials. It supports consistent laboratory testing, product evaluation and regulatory or safety compliance activities.
Key Topics
- Scope and applicability: Applies specifically to hand-held cut-off machines and wall chasers used for cutting concrete, masonry and autoclaved aerated concrete.
- Definitions: Clarifies terms such as cut-off machine (peripheral cutting wheel) and wall chaser (cut-off machine fitted with one or more diamond cutting wheels for non-through cutting).
- Test procedure and operating conditions:
- Cut-off machines are tested on concrete slabs in accordance with EN 1339:2003; slab sizes and storage conditions are specified, and slot depths are defined by rated capacity (≤180 mm or >180 mm).
- Wall chasers are tested using autoclaved aerated concrete blocks per EN 771-4:2011 (and AMD1:2015) mounted on an A-support with specified inclination and cutting patterns.
- Tool bits: new or re-sharpened diamond wheels as specified by the manufacturer; speed and feed force adjusted for stable cutting performance.
- Test length requirements are specified (e.g., total lengths of cuts/slots depending on tool capacity and depth setting).
- Instrumentation: Instrumentation requirements reference Clause 5 of IEC 63241-1:2023 and are applied as relevant to the particular test setups shown in the Part 2-22 figures and tables.
- Reporting requirements: In addition to Part 1 reporting, Part 2-22 specifically requires the mean value for the concentration of the respirable dust to be reported.
Applications
- Product development and performance benchmarking for manufacturers of hand-held cut-off machines and wall chasers.
- Laboratory testing for occupational safety assessments of respirable dust emissions.
- Supporting compliance demonstrations for regulatory or purchaser specifications related to dust exposure mitigation.
- Informing selection of control measures (dust extraction, PPE, process changes) based on standardized test outcomes.
Related Standards
- IEC 63241-1:2023 - Electric motor-operated tools - Dust measurement procedure - Part 1: General requirements (mandatory companion document).
- EN 1339:2003 - Concrete paving flags - Requirements and test methods (used for concrete slab specifications).
- EN 771-4:2011 / EN 771-4:2011/AMD1:2015 - Specification for autoclaved aerated concrete masonry units (used for wall chaser test material).
This Part 2-22 includes figures (Figure 101–103) and tables (Table 101–102) that illustrate test set-ups and operating conditions; testers and manufacturers should consult the published document for detailed dimensions, sequences and reporting formats.