BS ISO 9518-2018 PDF

Full title and description

STB / BS ISO 9518-2018 — Forestry machinery — Portable chain‑saws — Kickback test. This document (adopted as a British Standard identical to ISO 9518:2018) specifies a laboratory method for determining the kickback potential of portable gasoline‑ and electric‑powered chain‑saws, complete with guide bar and saw‑chain.

Abstract

The standard describes a kickback test method that measures computed kickback angles and associated energy for portable chain‑saws (gasoline and electric, including battery powered). It is demonstrated for saws with engine capacity up to 80 cm³ and for guide bar cutting lengths within the physical limits of the kickback test rig (tests are not intended for bars longer than about 63 cm). The 2018 edition introduces methodological changes to improve reproducibility while retaining the validity of previous test results.

General information

• Status: Published (national adoption as BS ISO 9518:2018).
• Publication date: July 2018 (BS listing: 09 July 2018; ISO publication: 2018‑07).
• Publisher: British Standards Institution (BSI) — identical to ISO 9518:2018 published by ISO.
• ICS / categories: 65.060.80 (Forestry equipment / forestry machinery).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (ISO 9518:2018) — national designation BS ISO 9518:2018.
• Number of pages: Published ISO edition: 53 pages (national publications may list ~60 pages including national foreword/cover).

Scope

Defines a laboratory test procedure and equipment configuration for determining kickback potential (angles and energy) of portable chain‑saws complete with guide bar and chain. Applicable to gasoline and electric (including battery) chain‑saws with engine capacity up to 80 cm³; not intended for saws with engine capacity above 80 cm³ or for guide bars exceeding the physical limits of the kickback machine (approximately 63 cm). The standard focuses on measurement methodology and reproducibility rather than operational instructions in the field.

Key topics and requirements

• Kickback test apparatus configuration and calibration requirements for reproducible measurements.
• Test procedures to determine kickback angle and kickback energy for a given chain‑saw, guide bar and saw‑chain combination.
• Applicability limits (engine displacement ≤ 80 cm³; guide bar length constrained by test rig — ~63 cm).
• Requirements to report test conditions, specimen preparation and test results to ensure comparability between laboratories.
• Notes on reproducibility improvements introduced in the 2018 edition and the continued validity of prior results when correctly documented.

Typical use and users

Used by chain‑saw manufacturers (design and safety validation), independent test laboratories, conformity assessment bodies, regulatory authorities, and research organisations studying tool safety and injury prevention. It is referenced when evaluating kickback mitigation measures, guard/chain design changes, and when supporting safety claims or regulatory compliance related to kickback behaviour.

Related standards

Closely related to general portable chain‑saw safety standards such as ISO 11681‑1 (Machinery for forestry — Portable chain‑saw safety requirements and testing — Part 1), most recently published as ISO 11681‑1:2022; ISO 9518 provides the dedicated kickback measurement method used alongside broader safety and design requirements from ISO 11681‑1. The 2018 ISO 9518 also replaces the earlier ISO 9518:1998; a new Draft International Standard (ISO/DIS 9518) has been developed to revise the 2018 edition.

Keywords

chain‑saw; kickback; kickback test; forestry machinery; portable chain‑saws; guide bar; saw‑chain; kickback angle; kickback energy; ISO/TC 23/SC 17.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 9518:2018 (published nationally as BS ISO 9518:2018) is a standardized laboratory test method to determine the kickback potential (angle and energy) of portable chain‑saws fitted with guide bar and saw‑chain.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the test apparatus, specimen preparation, test procedure and reporting for measuring kickback angle and energy for gasoline and electric (including battery) chain‑saws within specified size limits (engine ≤ 80 cm³; guide bar length limited by test rig). It does not set pass/fail safety limits but provides reproducible measurement data used in design and conformity assessment.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Chain‑saw manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, conformity assessment and certification bodies, standards committees, and safety researchers use this standard when assessing kickback behaviour or validating kickback mitigation measures.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 9518:2018 is the current published edition from 2018 (adopted nationally as BS ISO 9518:2018). A revision has been progressed as a Draft International Standard (ISO/DIS 9518) which is intended to replace the 2018 edition — check with the national standards body or ISO for the latest publication status.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone test method focused on kickback but is used in conjunction with broader portable chain‑saw safety standards (for example ISO 11681‑1 series for safety requirements and testing). The technical work is managed within ISO/TC 23/SC 17.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Chain‑saw, kickback, kickback test, kickback angle, kickback energy, guide bar, saw‑chain, forestry machinery, portable chain‑saws, test method.