Standard addresses mechanical power transmission risks

Workers operating pulleys, motor shafts, leadscrews, belts and chains face various hazards pertaining to the rotating, oscillating, reciprocating, transversing or other motions associated with equipment used in the mechanical transmission of power.

To address these risks, the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) has recently published ANSI B15.1-2000 (R2008), Safety Standard for Mechanical Power Transmission Apparatus.

The requirements of this standard apply to any source of hazard to people from the operation of mechanical power transmission apparatus on machines, equipment, or systems that are stationary in their use, other than the point of operation.

"Stationary in their use" also includes mechanical power transmission apparatus that is mounted on, part of, or attached to equipment that is capable of being moved when the mechanical power transmission apparatus is not performing its function.

An ANSI organizational member and accredited standards developer, AMT is a membership organization that represents and promotes the interests of American providers of manufacturing machinery and equipment through technological advancements and improvements in the industry including sales, design, automation, material removal, material forming, assembly, inspection, testing, communications and control of manufacturing products.