Overview
ISO 5391:2003 - "Pneumatic tools and machines - Vocabulary" is an international vocabulary standard published by ISO (second edition, 2003). It defines consistent terms and concise definitions for pneumatic tools, pneumatic machines and their attachments. The standard groups terms by category (general, material removal/shaping, assembly, lifting, compression, cutting/crimping, vibrators, stirring and miscellaneous) to support clear technical communication across design, manufacturing, documentation and regulatory activities.
Keywords: ISO 5391:2003, pneumatic tools vocabulary, pneumatic machines, pneumatic tool definitions, rotary pneumatic tool, percussive pneumatic tool.
Key Topics
- Scope and structure: Vocabulary organized by category (general terms; portable and fixtured tools; rotary, reciprocating and percussive types; assembly tools; lifting, compression, cutting/crimping; vibrators; stirring; alphabetical index).
- Core definitions: Standardized meanings for terms such as pneumatic tool, portable pneumatic tool, fixtured pneumatic tool, rotary pneumatic tool, reciprocating pneumatic tool, and percussive pneumatic tool.
- Clarifications and notes: Guidance on terminology usage (for example, the distinction between "pneumatic tool" for hand-held machines and "pneumatic machine" for larger suspended or fixed machines, and the use of "power tool" to reduce ambiguity between machine and inserted tool).
- Reproduction rules: Permitted reproduction of the listed terms and definitions for educational or implementation use (manuals, instruction booklets, technical publications) provided no modifications are made and ISO 5391 is cited; other reproduction requires ISO permission.
- Document provenance: Prepared by ISO/TC 118 (Compressors, pneumatic tools and pneumatic machines), Subcommittee SC 3; this edition replaces ISO 5391:1988.
Applications
ISO 5391:2003 is practical for stakeholders who require unambiguous terminology:
- Manufacturers and designers - consistent product descriptions, specifications and drawings.
- Technical writers and manual authors - clear user and maintenance documentation, labels and safety instructions.
- Procurement and quality teams - precise purchase specifications and acceptance criteria.
- Training and education providers - standard-aligned teaching materials for operators and maintenance personnel.
- Regulators and standards committees - harmonized vocabulary for regulations, conformity assessment and cross-referencing with other standards.
Related Standards (if applicable)
- Developed by ISO/TC 118 (Compressors, pneumatic tools and pneumatic machines). The standard was drafted under ISO/IEC Directives procedures and replaces the 1988 edition, ensuring updated and harmonized vocabulary coverage for pneumatic tools and machines.
