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CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-8-04 (2018): Safety Requirements for Hand-held Electric Shears and Nibblers
Understanding the Canadian National Standard for the Safety of Portable Electric Shears and Nibblers
1. Scope and Application
CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-8-04 (2018) is the Canadian national adoption of IEC 60745-2-8, Hand-held motor-operated electric tools – Safety – Part 2-8: Particular requirements for shears and nibblers. It forms part of the C22.2 series of standards for electrical products and is published by the CSA Group under the auspices of the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). This standard applies to hand-held electric shears and nibblers intended for cutting sheet metal and similar materials, with a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V for single-phase tools or 480 V for three-phase tools. The standard does not cover tools designed for use with separate power supply units or those intended for cutting wood or masonry unless specifically within the defined scope.
The standard is to be used in conjunction with CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60745-1 (the general safety requirements for hand-held electric tools). The specific requirements of Part 2-8 take precedence over the general requirements where differences exist.
Note: This standard does not apply to pneumatic, hydraulic, or combustion-engine-driven shears and nibblers, nor to stationary or transportable tools. Always refer to the latest edition of the standard for official requirements.
2. Technical Requirements
2.1 General
All general safety requirements from CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60745-1 apply unless modified or replaced by this Part 2. The standard adopts the IEC structure with specific Canadian deviations documented in a national preface or annex.
2.2 Specific Requirements for Shears and Nibblers
The standard defines a shear as a tool that cuts by means of two moving blades (one stationary, one reciprocating), and a nibbler as a tool that cuts by means of a punch moving towards a fixed die, removing small slugs. Key mandatory safety requirements include:
- Guarding: The cutting element (blades or punch/die) must be guarded to prevent accidental contact during normal use. Guards must be designed so that they automatically return to the covering position when the tool is not cutting, or interlock with the switch to ensure the tool cannot operate when the guard is open.
- Switching: A switch that automatically returns to the “off” position when released (dead-man switch) is required for all shears and nibblers. Lock-on devices are permitted only if a separate action is needed to engage them and the tool stops if released.
- Blade Stopping Time: For shears with reciprocating blades, the stopping time after release of the switch must not exceed 0.5 seconds to reduce the risk of cut injury.
- Mechanical Strength: Guards and tool bodies must withstand a 1.0 m drop test onto a concrete floor without becoming unsafe.
- Electrical Safety: Insulation, creepage distances, and clearance requirements conform to Part 1, with additional consideration for conductive dust from metal cutting. Tools must be at least Class II (double insulated) or equivalent.
2.3 Test Requirements
The following table summarizes key tests and their acceptance criteria as specified in the standard:
| Test Item | Requirement for Shears | Requirement for Nibblers | Reference Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guard retention after impact | Must remain functional; no exposure of cutting edges | Must remain functional; no exposure of punch/die | Clause 20, 21 |
| Switch endurance | 50,000 cycles with load; no electrical or mechanical failure | 50,000 cycles with load; no electrical or mechanical failure | Clause 13 |
| Blade stopping time (if applicable) | ≤ 0.5 s after circuit interruption | Not applicable (punch stops when switch released) | Clause 22.3 |
| Mechanical strength – drop test | 1.0 m drop; no unsafe deformation, guard intact | 1.0 m drop; no unsafe deformation, guard intact | Clause 19 |
| Thermal protection (overload) | Protector must trigger before overheating; no fire risk | Protector must trigger before overheating; no fire risk | Clause 11 |
Design Tip: For optimal compliance, use a guard that also serves as a chip shield. Ensure both blades and punch are isolated from conductive dust ingress by using sealed switch housings and encased winding wire.
3. Implementation Highlights
Manufacturers seeking compliance with CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-8-04 (2018) should incorporate the following during product development:
- Guard Mechanism: An automatically closing guard is recommended. The standard allows a manual guard only if the tool cannot operate when the guard is open, achieved via a mechanical interlock or electrical cut-off switch.
- Canadian Deviations: The CSA edition includes specific Canadian requirements that may differ from the base IEC standard. For instance, additional instructions in English and French are mandatory, and the standard references Canadian electrical codes for supply cord requirements.
- Testing for Conformity: All type tests must be conducted on representative samples. Manufacturers should plan for tests including abnormal operation (e.g., blade jamming), mechanical hazards assessment, and measurement of contact current. It is advisable to perform a dummy test with an intentionally open guard to verify the interlock fails safely.
- Documentation: A technical file must be prepared containing design drawings, test reports, and a risk assessment. This file supports the Declaration of Conformity and must be retained for at least 20 years.
Certification Advantage: Products certified to CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-8-04 (2018) are generally accepted across all Canadian provinces and territories under the Safety Codes Act, reducing barriers to market entry.
4. Compliance Notes
Compliance with this standard is mandatory for all hand-held electric shears and nibblers sold or used in Canada. The standard is typically mandatory through adoption in provincial and territorial occupational health and safety regulations, or via the Canadian Electrical Code (Part II). Key compliance points include:
- Certification Body: Products should be certified by an accredited certification organization, such as CSA Group, UL (under its Canada scheme), or other SCC-accredited body. Certification marks (e.g., CSA mark) are evidence of compliance.
- Market Surveillance: The standard is enforced during routine inspections. Non-compliant products can be removed from the marketplace, and penalties may apply.
- Periodic Review: The standard was reaffirmed in 2018. Manufacturers must monitor whether the standard has been updated to a new edition. As of 2026, the 2018 edition is current (check with CSA for the latest version).
- Common Non-Compliances: Frequent issues include inadequate guard closure (leaving gaps), failure to include both English and French warnings, and insufficient torque resistance of switch mechanisms leading to unintended start.
Warning: Using a tool that does not meet the standard’s guarding requirements exposes operators to the risk of severe lacerations or amputation from the cutting edges. Always ensure guards are operating correctly before each use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-8-04 (2018) apply to battery-powered shears and nibblers?
A: Yes, the standard covers cordless (battery-operated) tools as well, provided they are hand-held and the rated voltage does not exceed the limits specified in Part 1. Additional requirements for battery packs and chargers may apply under other CSA standards.
A: Yes, the standard covers cordless (battery-operated) tools as well, provided they are hand-held and the rated voltage does not exceed the limits specified in Part 1. Additional requirements for battery packs and chargers may apply under other CSA standards.
Q: How should I update an existing tool design to comply with this standard?
A: A thorough gap analysis against the standard’s requirements is the first step. Key areas to review are guard design (automatic closing), switch functionality (dead-man), and inclusion of appropriate warnings in both official languages. It is recommended to work with a certification body early in the redesign process.
A: A thorough gap analysis against the standard’s requirements is the first step. Key areas to review are guard design (automatic closing), switch functionality (dead-man), and inclusion of appropriate warnings in both official languages. It is recommended to work with a certification body early in the redesign process.
Q: Are there any specific requirements for the instruction manual?
A: Yes, the manual must include safety instructions in both English and French, warnings against using the tool without guards, guidance on blade/punch replacement, and instructions for proper maintenance to maintain safety features. Refer to Clause 7 of Part 2-8 and general requirements from Part 1.
A: Yes, the manual must include safety instructions in both English and French, warnings against using the tool without guards, guidance on blade/punch replacement, and instructions for proper maintenance to maintain safety features. Refer to Clause 7 of Part 2-8 and general requirements from Part 1.
Q: Can I sell a tool in Canada if it meets the IEC standard but not the CSA version?
A: No, for the Canadian market you must comply with CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-8-04 (2018). While the CSA standard is based on IEC, there may be Canadian deviations (e.g., voltage ratings, language requirements) that must be satisfied. Certification to the CSA standard is necessary to demonstrate compliance with local regulations.
A: No, for the Canadian market you must comply with CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-8-04 (2018). While the CSA standard is based on IEC, there may be Canadian deviations (e.g., voltage ratings, language requirements) that must be satisfied. Certification to the CSA standard is necessary to demonstrate compliance with local regulations.
© 2026 – This article provides a summary; always consult the full standard for compliance.