IEC 63241-1-2023 PDF

Full title and description

IEC 63241-1:2023 — Electric motor-operated tools - Dust measurement procedure - Part 1: General requirements. This international standard specifies general requirements and procedures for measuring airborne dust generated by electric motor-operated tools (mains or battery supplied), covering tools with or without dust extraction where mineral dust (including silica) or wood dust is expected.

Abstract

IEC 63241-1:2023 establishes the general methodology, test conditions, measurement apparatus and reporting requirements for assessing dust emissions from electric motor-operated tools. It defines sampling locations, particle measurement principles, calibration and uncertainty considerations, and the information to be recorded so that test results are repeatable and comparable between laboratories. The document is intended to support occupational exposure assessment and to provide a harmonised basis for the particular requirements given in subsequent parts of the IEC 63241 series.

General information

• Status: Published / Active international standard
• Publication date: 14 July 2023
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
• ICS / categories: 25.140.30 (Hand-operated tools)
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2023)
• Number of pages: 29

Scope

IEC 63241-1:2023 specifies general requirements for the measurement of dust emitted by electric motor-operated tools supplied from the mains or from batteries. The scope includes tools used with and without dust extraction systems where airborne dust such as mineral dust containing crystalline silica or wood dust may be produced. The standard provides the foundational test method and normative requirements that apply across the series; particular tool types are addressed in corresponding part‑2 documents.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of test environment, test rig and enclosure conditions to ensure reproducible sampling.
• Specification of sampling positions and sampling durations for representative measurement of tool-generated dust.
• Requirements for measurement instruments (particle counters, gravimetric samplers) including calibration and performance checks.
• Procedures for handling tools with and without dust extraction units and for operating the extraction during tests.
• Data recording, result calculation, uncertainty estimation and reporting format to support comparability.
• Guidance on selection of dust types for testing (e.g., mineral dust with silica, wood dust) and preparation of test material.
• References to normative test and sampler performance standards used in conjunction with the method.

Typical use and users

IEC 63241-1 is used by tool manufacturers for design verification and product development, by independent test laboratories for type testing and certification, by occupational hygienists and safety engineers to evaluate emission controls, and by standards developers for harmonised measurement practices. Regulators and procurement teams may reference the standard when specifying acceptable test methods for airborne dust from electric hand-held and motor-operated tools.

Related standards

The document is the base (Part 1) of the IEC 63241 series; particular requirements for specific tool types are published as Part 2-x documents (for example, Part 2-6 for hand-held hammers). Normative and related references used with this standard include established sampler and emission evaluation methods such as EN 1093-9 and relevant EN/ISO sampler performance standards. The standard is produced by IEC TC 116 (Safety of motor-operated electric tools) and is intended to be used alongside occupational exposure and machinery safety standards where applicable.

Keywords

electric motor-operated tools, dust measurement, dust emission, silica, wood dust, airborne particles, dust extraction, sampling, particle measurement, test method, IEC 63241

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 63241-1:2023 is an international standard that sets general requirements and procedures for measuring dust emissions from electric motor-operated tools.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the general measurement methodology, test conditions, sampling and measurement equipment requirements, calibration, uncertainty estimation and reporting for dust (including mineral silica and wood dust) generated by electric tools, with or without dust extraction.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Tool manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, occupational hygienists, safety engineers, regulatory bodies and standards committees involved in tool safety and occupational exposure assessment.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 63241-1:2023 was published on 14 July 2023 and is the current (edition 1.0) Part 1 publication of the IEC 63241 series.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. Part 1 provides general requirements; particular requirements for specific tool types are published as subsequent Part 2-x documents within the IEC 63241 series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: electric motor-operated tools, dust measurement, airborne particles, silica, wood dust, dust extraction, sampling, test method, IEC 63241.