This International Standard specifies safety requirements and their verification for the design and construction of hand-held, integrally-driven petrol combustion engine hedge trimmers, hereafter referred to as "hedge trimmers", designed to be used by a single operator for trimming hedges and bushes while utilizing one or more linear reciprocating cutter blades. It establishes methods for the elimination or reduction of hazards arising from the use of the trimmers. In addition, it specifies the type of information to be provided by the manufacturer on safe working practices. This International Standard deals with all significant hazards, hazardous situations and events relevant to hand-held powered hedge trimmers when they are used as intended (see Clause 4). This International Standard does not deal with low noise design. It is not applicable to hedge trimmers with an engine displacement over 80 cm3, nor is it applicable to hedge trimmers manufactured before the date of its publication.