Overview
EN ISO 28927-2:2009 defines standardized laboratory methods for measuring hand-transmitted vibration emission at the handles of hand-held, power-driven wrenches, nutrunners, and screwdrivers. Developed by CEN and based on ISO 28927-2:2009, this international standard ensures reliable vibration assessment for portable power tools used to tighten and loosen threaded fasteners. The purpose is to provide a robust, repeatable basis to compare vibration emissions from different models within the same class.
Standardized vibration measurement helps manufacturers, conformity assessors, and occupational health professionals accurately evaluate the risks associated with power tool vibration. This supports compliance with EU directives (such as the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC), improves workplace safety, and helps organizations meet legal obligations for worker protection against vibration exposure.
Key Topics
- Scope: The standard applies to hand-held power tools (pneumatic, electric, hydraulic, and more), including all common handle designs (straight, pistol-grip, angle, bow handle) with male or female drive shafts (6.3 mm to 40 mm). It excludes nutrunners intended only for use with torque reaction arms.
- Test Method: Specifies a laboratory-based, type-test to measure vibration at machine handles during fastening operations. Measurements are taken at locations where hands grip the tool, often between the thumb and index finger.
- Vibration Measurement: Requires simultaneous three-axis acceleration measurements using suitable transducers attached as close as possible to operator gripping zones. Results are frequency-weighted and reported for each hand position.
- Reporting Requirements: Provides guidance on integrating results, calculating total vibration values, and the proper declaration for overall emissions, including means to estimate measurement uncertainty.
- Instrument and Calibration: Outlines requirements for instrumentation accuracy, transducer placement, system calibration, and the use of auxiliary equipment (such as pressure gauges, tachometers).
- Alignment with Regulations: The standard supports conformity with EU machinery directives and helps demonstrate compliance with occupational safety regulations related to mechanical vibration and human exposure.
Applications
EN ISO 28927-2:2009 is widely used by:
- Manufacturers: To design, test, and document the vibration emission levels of hand-held portable power tools such as wrenches, nutrunners, and screwdrivers.
- Occupational Health & Safety Professionals: For workplace risk assessment and mitigation regarding hand-arm vibration exposure, contributing to the reduction of vibration-induced injuries.
- Testing Laboratories: To conduct repeatable and comparable vibration testing for certification, regulatory compliance, or product development.
- Quality Assurance/Conformity Assessment: To verify power tool models comply with applicable EU directives and national health & safety standards.
Practical benefits include supporting tool selection for reduced vibration risk, ensuring product labeling is accurate and verified, and providing a reliable basis for risk mitigation strategies in industrial and construction environments.
Related Standards
EN ISO 28927-2:2009 closely interacts with several related international and European standards, including:
- ISO 20643: Principles for evaluating vibration emission of hand-held and hand-guided machinery
- ISO 5349 (all parts): Measurement and evaluation of human exposure to hand-transmitted mechanical vibration
- ISO 691: Tolerances for wrench and socket openings
- EN 12096: Declaration and verification of vibration emission values
- EN ISO 28927 Series: Additional parts address other tool types, such as grinders, sanders, polishers, drills, and hammers
For comprehensive vibration assessment and compliance, organizations often implement EN ISO 28927-2 in tandem with these standards, supporting a safer work environment and meeting regulatory requirements.
Keywords: hand-held power tools, vibration emission, wrenches, nutrunners, screwdrivers, ISO 28927-2, laboratory test methods, vibration measurement, occupational safety, risk assessment, EU machinery directive, CEN standards, workplace health.
