This standard applies to those mechanically, hydraulically, hydramechanically, or pneumatically powered shears used to cut material by shearing and which utilize a fixed blade(s) and non-rotary moving blade(s).

The shears that are excluded from the requirements of this standard are slitting-rotary, nibblers, coil slitters, portable hand tools, rotary-blade slitters and shears, iron workers, alligator, angle, bar, bean, channel, and notching machines.