Overview
EN ISO 28927-4:2010 - "Hand-held portable power tools - Test methods for evaluation of vibration emission - Part 4: Straight grinders" is a laboratory type-test method published by CEN/ISO for measuring hand-transmitted vibration of straight grinders. The standard defines a no-load test procedure using a specified test wheel to establish the magnitude of vibration at the gripping areas (handles). It applies to hand-held machines (pneumatic or otherwise) intended for grinding and surface finishing with straight grinding wheels and a range of cylindrical plug types, and excludes grinders used with wire brushes and die grinders with collet-mounted tools.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Covers straight grinders using type 1 and type 4 wheels and cylindrical plug types (e.g., type 16, 18, 18R, 19) for all materials; excludes wire-brush and certain die-grinder configurations.
- Type-test laboratory method: Measurements are carried out under no-load, free-running conditions with a specified test wheel design.
- Vibration characterization: Measurement of hand-transmitted vibration in three orthogonal axes and at both hand positions to fully characterize exposure.
- Instrumentation: Requirements for transducers, mounting locations and orientations, frequency-weighting filters, integration time, calibration and auxiliary equipment.
- Measurement procedure and reporting: Defines how to record, combine and report vibration magnitudes, declaration and verification of vibration emission values, and model test reports.
- Uncertainty and test wheel design: Normative annexes address determination of measurement uncertainty and detailed test wheel specifications.
- Regulatory relationship: Includes informative Annex ZA describing how compliance supports conformity with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC within the standard’s scope.
Practical applications
- Product design & R&D: Tool manufacturers use EN ISO 28927-4:2010 to quantify vibration performance of straight grinders during development and to compare design iterations.
- Type certification & compliance: Laboratories and conformity assessment bodies perform standardized type tests to declare vibration emission values for technical data sheets and CE marking support.
- Occupational health & safety: HSE professionals and ergonomists use standard test data to assess worker exposure to hand-arm vibration and inform risk mitigation (tool selection, maintenance, work-rest schedules).
- Procurement & QC: Purchasing teams and QA labs reference the standard to verify supplier claims and maintain consistent product quality.
Related standards
- EN ISO 28927 series (other parts cover grinders, drills, polishers, die grinders, etc.)
- Supersedes ISO 8662-4 (older vibration test for grinders)
- Annex ZA links to EU Directive 2006/42/EC (Machinery)
Keywords: EN ISO 28927-4:2010, straight grinders, vibration emission, hand-transmitted vibration, test methods, hand-held portable power tools, type-test laboratory method.
