This International Standard specifies the safety requirements and their verification for the design and construction of backpack power units incorporating a combustion engine as a power source to power brush-cutters, grass-trimmers, pole-cutters and similar appliances.

It describes methods for the elimination or reduction of hazards arising from the use of the backpack power units, but does not cover hazards resulting from the use of the attached appliance. Therefore this International Standard cannot be used alone for the assessment of the machine safety aspects for a machine with a backpack power unit, and must only serve as a reference for specifications concerning the backpack power unit itself. It does not specify any technical requirements to reduce noise and whole body vibration hazards. Indeed the different means available to reduce these hazards are a matter for the technical aids to which the manufacturer may resort, through specialized books or specific bodies.

The list of significant hazards requiring action to reduce the risk is given in annex A.

Environmental aspects have not been considered in this International Standard.