EN 50632-2-6:2015/A2:2020

Overview

EN 50632-2-6:2015/A2:2020 is a European standard developed by the CLC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) focusing on dust measurement procedures specifically for electric motor-operated hammers. This standard complements the broader EN 50632 series, which addresses dust measurement protocols for various electric motor tools powered by mains or batteries. It applies to hammer tools with or without dust extraction units, where exposure to hazardous dust such as mineral dust containing silica or wood dust is expected.

The 2020 Amendment A2 to EN 50632-2-6 refines the operational conditions for measuring the mass of battery-operated hammers, ensuring consistency and accuracy in dust emission assessments.

Key Topics

• Dust Measurement Procedures
  Defines methods to quantify dust emissions during tool operation, crucial for assessing health and safety risks associated with dust exposure.

• Tool Mass Determination
  Specifies how to measure the tool's mass for standardization:

  • Excludes detachable battery packs, flexible cables, cords, and separate dust extraction devices.
  • Includes auxiliary handles and integrated dust extraction components when present.

• Applicability
  Applies to electric motor-operated hammers supplied via mains power or batteries, addressing tools both with and without dust extraction units.

• Health and Safety Emphasis
  Focuses on dust types posing health risks, such as silica-containing mineral dust and wood dust, ensuring measurement methods reflect realistic operational scenarios.

• Standard Amendment Details
  Amendment A2 (2020) was approved by CENELEC and mandates consistent national implementation across member countries by 2021–2022.

Practical Applications

• Occupational Health Compliance
  Enables manufacturers and safety inspectors to evaluate dust emissions accurately, ensuring compliance with workplace health regulations and reducing occupational exposure to hazardous dust.

• Product Development and Testing
  Assists tool manufacturers in designing hammers with improved dust extraction capabilities and validating their performance in controlled testing environments.

• Risk Assessment and Management
  Provides a standardized procedure for measuring dust levels, which can be used by safety managers to implement appropriate protective measures such as ventilation or personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Market Access
  Compliance with EN 50632-2-6:2015/A2:2020 supports conformity with European market requirements, facilitating product acceptance and reducing barriers in the global supply chain.

Related Standards

• EN 50632 Series
  The broader series addresses dust measurement for various electric motor-operated tools, including grinders, saws, and drills.

• ISO and IEC Tools Safety Standards
  Complementary standards covering safety requirements and testing methods for electric tools.

• Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs)
  National and EU regulations on permissible dust exposure levels, which dust measurement results can help to verify.

• Dust Extraction Equipment Standards
  Standards specifying performance and testing methods for dust extraction units used alongside electric tools.

Summary

EN 50632-2-6:2015/A2:2020 provides essential guidelines for accurately measuring dust emissions from electric motor-operated hammers, crucial for worker safety and regulatory compliance. This standard clarifies the operational conditions under which tool mass and dust levels should be measured, emphasizing the exclusion and inclusion of specific components to ensure standardized testing. As dust exposure remains a significant occupational hazard, adherence to this standard supports safer working environments, improved product quality, and aligned international practices within the industry.