With this quick reference guide, SCS aims to strengthen awareness of holistic safety and ergonomics assessments while providing practical guidance for everyday industrial applications. Users receive a concise overview of key topics such as permissible torque levels, vibration and noise assessment, selection of suitable sockets, high-voltage and explosion protection, as well as ergonomic workplace design.
1
Max. tool torque
≈ 2 N·m
≈ 7 N·m
≈ 45 N·m
Based on ISO 11148-6, reduced in accordance with EN 1005 → above second handle or reaction bar, etc.
2
No hands in front
Keep your hands away from moving parts!
Remedial measures:
- Two-handed start
- Fixed protective sleeves (rotating sleeves on socket)
3
Max. temperature
Surface temperature at the tool surface ≤ 43 °C
→ ASTM C1055-03
→ ISO 11148-6 → ISO 13732-1
→ BAUA TRBS 2111 → ISO 13732-1
→ etc.
Harmonized IEC 62841-2-2 not applicable (Tamb +50 °K)
→ CE Blue Guide
→ ISO 13732-1
4
Explosion protection
- Check the Ex-zone
- Verify the tool’s identification marking
- Note the equipment group and category
- Check the gas or dust group
- Note the temperature class / maximum surface temperature
- Take the type of protection into account
- Etc.
5
Electrical / HV hazards
- “EN 60900” – “1000V” are not registered trademarks
- EN 60900 does not include specific testing requirements for sockets (e.g. dielectric strength)
- User responsibility to provide safe tools
6
Sockets
Select the correct type:
ISO 2725-1 → Hand-operatedISO 2725-2 → motorized, “impact”
ISO 2725-3 → motorized, continuously
ISO/TS 21108 → guided for impact & pulse tools7
Overall CE conformity
A tool with CE and a torque reaction arm with CE does not mean that overall CE conformity exists. The same applies to telescopic arms, etc. in combination with the tool.
+
=
?8
Vibration protection
Limit value:
A(8) < 5 m/s²
Start value:
A(8) < 2,5 m/s²
Tool manufacturers can only determine laboratory values (e.g. without sockets, etc.).
Responsibility for safety lies with the user.
9
Tool weight
Tool weight > 2,5 kg
→ hang up on balancer / make weightless, or second handle, etc.
When performing precision work (small assembly systems / torques)
→ < 400 g
2,5 kg10
Noise control
Noise at the workplace must be assessed as daily noise exposure level LEX,8h, considering: sound pressure level, exposure duration and impulse noise. Assessment of the real workplace noise level under load at the component is required; tool manufacturer idle-running data is not sufficient.
11
Ratchet insert tools
12
Overall ergonomics
Have workplaces professionally assessed specifically with regard to occupational safety and ergonomics for bolting processes. “Weightless” / “reaction-free” does not necessarily mean ergonomically better!
