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ASME B20.1-2009
(Revision of ASME B20.1-2006)
Safety Standard
for Conveyors
and Related
Equipment
A N A M E R I C A N N AT I O N A L STA N DA R D
Copyright c 2009 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME.
Copyrighted material licensed to Stanford University by Thomson Scientific (www.techstreet.com), downloaded on Oct-05-2010 by Stanford University User. No further reproduction or distribution is permitted. Uncontrolled wh
ASME B20.1-2009
(Revision of ASME B20.1-2006)
Safety Standard
for Conveyors
and Related
Equipment
AN AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

Date of Issuance: March 16, 2009
The next edition of this Standard is scheduled for publication in 2012. This Standard will become
effective 1 year after the Date of Issuance. There will be no addenda issued to this edition.
ASME issues written replies to inquiries concerning interpretations of technical aspects of this
Standard. Interpretations are included with each edition. Interpretations are also published on the
ASME Web site under the Committee Pages at http://cstools.asme.org as they are issued.
ASME is the registered trademark of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
This code or standard was developed under procedures accredited as meeting the criteria for American National
Standards. The Standards Committee that approved the code or standard was balanced to assure that individuals from
competent and concerned interests have had an opportunity to participate. The proposed code or standard was made
available for public review and comment that provides an opportunity for additional public input from industry, academia,
regulatory agencies, and the public-at-large.
ASME does not “approve,” “rate,” or “endorse” any item, construction, proprietary device, or activity.
ASME does not take any position with respect to the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any
items mentioned in this document, and does not undertake to insure anyone utilizing a standard against liability for
infringement of any applicable letters patent, nor assume any such liability. Users of a code or standard are expressly
advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, is
entirely their own responsibility.
Participation by federal agency representative(s) or person(s) affiliated with industry is not to be interpreted as
government or industry endorsement of this code or standard.
ASME accepts responsibility for only those interpretations of this document issued in accordance with the established
ASME procedures and policies, which precludes the issuance of interpretations by individuals.
No part of this document may be reproduced in any form,

in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of the publisher.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Three Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990
Copyright © 2009 by
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
All rights reserved
Printed in U.S.A.

CONTENTS
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Committee Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
Summary of Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2 Reference to Other Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
3 Intent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
4 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
5 General Safety Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6 Specific Safety Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
iii
FOREWORD
The first edition of the Safety Standard for Conveyors, Cableways, and Related Equipment
was sponsored by the National Conservation Bureau and the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers. It was approved by the American Standards Association (now known as the American
National Standards Institute, Inc.) as American Standard B20.1-1947.
In 1950, the Sectional Committee B20 was reorganized under the sponsorship of the Accident
Prevention Department of the Association of Casualty and Surety Companies and the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers. Four Subcommittees were formed to make specific recommenda-
tions for revisions. These were:
Subcommittee No. 1 — Scope and Intent
Subcommittee No. 2 — Nomenclature and Definitions
Subcommittee No. 3 — Portable Conveyors
Subcommittee No. 4 — Conveyors in General
Section 5, Definitions, was based on the conveyor industry dictionary, Conveyor Terms and
Definitions, as prepared by the Technical Committee (now the Engineering Conference) of the
Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA).
The second edition of this Standard, dated April 1955, was submitted in draft form to the
Sectional Committee for approval and distributed to industry in general for criticism and comment.
Approval was then given by the Sectional Committee, the sponsors, and the American Standards
Association. The Standard was designated as American Standard B20.1-1957 on December 4, 1957.
In 1967, the third edition of the Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment was
submitted in draft form to representatives of industry for comment. It was subsequently approved
by the Sectional Committee, the sponsors, and the American National Standards Institute for
issuance as American National Standard B20.1-1972 on February 17, 1972.
The fourth edition of the Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment was undertaken
in 1973 to assist the Office of Safety and Health Standards, U.S. Department of Labor, which
indicated interest in the Standard.
A change in format from a specification standard to a performance standard was deemed
necessary. Simply stated, the Standard describes what end result should be achieved without the
limiting specification usually given by a design and without the inclusion of finite material
selection or dimensions.
The fourth edition was subsequently approved by the B20 American National Standards
Committee, the Secretariat, and the American National Standards Institute for issuance as
American National Standard B20.1-1976 on June 14, 1976.
In accordance with the policy of the American National Standards Institute, Inc., the B20
Committee began working on a revision of B20.1-1976 in February 1980. The fifth edition was
approved by the B20 Committee, the sponsor (ASME), and the American National Standards
Institute for issuance as American National Standard B20.1-1984 on March 13, 1984.
Per the procedures outlined and implemented in the fifth edition, the sixth edition was approved
by the B20 Committee, the sponsor (ASME), and the American National Standards Institute for
issuance as American National Standard B20.1-1987 on March 11, 1987. The seventh edition was
approved for issuance as an American National Standard on March 26, 1990. The eighth edition
was approved for issuance as an American National Standard on August 9, 1993.
The ninth edition was a compilation of changes occurring in the 1993 edition, B20.1a-1994, and
B20.1b-1995. It was approved for issuance as an American National Standard on May 23, 1997.
The 2000 edition was a compilation of changes from the B20.1a-1997 and B20.1b-1998 addenda.
It was approved for issuance as an American National Standard on December 14, 2000.
Following approval by the B20 Committee and ASME, and after public review, ASME B20.1-2003
was approved by the American National Standards Institute on October 9, 2003. The 2003 edition
was a revision to B20.1-2000.
iv
ASME B20.1-2006 was approved by the American National Standards Institute on September
7, 2006. The 2006 edition was a revision to B20.1-2003.
ASME B20.1-2009 was approved by the American National Standards Institute on February 2,
2009. This 2009 edition is a revision to ASME B20.1-2006. This Standard shall become effective
1 year from the date of issuance.
Safety standards for mechanical power apparatus are published in ASME B15.1-1996 (Safety
Standard for Mechanical Power Transmission Apparatus). Safety standards for lockout and tagout
procedures are published in ANSI Z244.1-1982 (R1993) (Safety Requirements for Lock Out/Tag
Out of Energy Sources) and OSHA Standard Number 29 CFR 1910.147 “The Control of Hazardous
Energy (Lockout/ Tagout).” The use of recommendations and guidelines as published by the
Conveyor Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (CEMA) “Safety Label Brochure No. 201” and
“Guidelines for Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors” published by the Conveyor Product Section
of The Material Handling Institute in conjunction with ASME B20.1 is encouraged, as are the
above-mentioned standards.
The values stated within this Standard are in both SI and U.S. Customary units, with the latter
placed in parentheses. These units are essentially interchangeable, and, depending on the country,
as well as industry preferences, the user will determine which values are to be regarded as the
standard.
Safety codes and standards are intended to enhance public safety. Revisions result from commit-
tee consideration of factors such as technological advances, new data, and changing environmental
and industry needs. Revisions do not imply that previous editions were inadequate.
v
ASME B20 COMMITTEE
Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related
Equipment
(The following is a roster of the Committee at the time of publication of this Standard.)
STANDARDS COMMITTEE OFFICERS
R. W. Parry, Chair
J. J. Galante, Vice Chair
R. Mohamed, Secretary
STANDARDS COMMITTEE PERSONNEL
T. M. Berger, Martin Sprocket & Gear

L. R. Berke, Safety Solutions of Minnesota
A. C. Bhalerao, Bechtel Corp.
T. Brandlein, Oxbow Carbon & Minerals Corp.
J. Campbell, Manchester Tank & Equipment
D. W. Duff, Material Handling Consulting, LLC
J. J. Galante, Southworth Product Corp.
D. C. Jefferies, Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc.
A. J. Johnson, Cargill, Inc.
F. J. Loeffler, Jr., Loeffler Engineering Group
R. Mohamed, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
R. W. Parry, Consultant
W. E. Phillips, Jr., CNA
R. A. Reinfried, Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers
Association
M. R. Webster, Pflow Industries, Inc.
B. R. Whitman, Dematic Corp.
A. Youtz, Swisslog Translogic
vi
ASME B20.1-2009
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Following approval by the ASME B20 Committee and ASME, and after public review, ASME
B20.1-2009 was approved by the American National Standards Institute on February 2, 2009.
ASME B20.1-2009 includes the following changes identified by a margin note, (09).
Page Location Change
1 1 Revised
2–5 4 Definitions of danger, exposed, hazard,
material lift, and risk added
SPECIAL NOTE:
The Interpretations to ASME B20.1 are included in this edition as a separate section for the user’s
convenience.
vii

INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
viii
ASME B20.1-2009
SAFETY STANDARD FOR

CONVEYORS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT
INTRODUCTION hoists, power shovels, power scoops, bucket drag lines,

trenchers, platform elevators designed to carry passen-
Accidents resulting from the manual handling of
gers or an operator, manlifts, moving walks, moving
materials have been reduced by the use of conveying
stairways (escalators), highway or railroad vehicles,
and other forms of mechanical handling equipment. A
cableways, tramways, dumbwaiters, material lifts, pneu-
further reduction in the accident rate can be gained by
matic conveyors, robots, or integral machine transfer
following safe practices in the design, construction,
devices. Some of the foregoing have specific standards.
installation, operation, and maintenance of such
equipment. The provisions of this Standard shall apply to equip-
The design and installation of conveyors and con- ment installed 1 year after the date of issuance.
veyor systems should be supervised by qualified engi-
neers. Likewise, the operation and maintenance of
conveyors and systems should be supervised by trained 2 REFERENCE TO OTHER CODES
personnel. Certain other codes and standards have been cited as
The purpose of this Standard is to present certain references in this Standard. Reference to them does not
guides for the design, construction, installation, opera- constitute inclusion of the complete text of such codes
tion, and maintenance of conveyors and related or standards as a part of this Standard.
equipment.
This Safety Standard for conveyors is supplementary
Those portions of this Standard relating to mainte-
to any law or code covering fire or health regulations.
nance and operation procedures are fully as important
as those relating to design and installation. The best
design features may be negated by faulty maintenance
3 INTENT
and operating practices. It is important that operating
and maintenance personnel be instructed in recognizing The intent of this Standard is to provide for safe opera-
hazards and pertinent safety precautions. tion and maintenance of conveying equipment.
Suggestions for improvement of this Standard may
(09) 1 SCOPE be submitted to the Secretary of the B20 Committee,
ASME, Three Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990.
This Standard applies to the design, construction, Proposals should be written in accordance with the
installation, maintenance, inspection, and operation of following format:
conveyors and conveying systems in relation to hazards. (a) Specify page and paragraph designation of the
The conveyors may be of the bulk material, package, or pertinent Standard.
unit-handling types, where the installation is designed
(b) Indicate suggested change (addition, deletion,
for permanent, temporary, or portable operation.
revision, etc.).
This Standard shall apply, with the exceptions noted
(c) Briefly state reason and/or evidence for suggested
below, to all conveyor installations.
This Standard specifically excludes any conveyor change.
designed, installed, or used primarily for the movement (d) Separately submit suggested changes if more than
of people. This Standard does, however, apply to certain one paragraph is affected.
conveying devices that incorporate within their support- The B20 Committee will consider each suggested
ing structure workstations or operator’s stations specifi- change at its first meeting after receipt of the suggested
cally designed for authorized operating personnel. change(s).
This Standard does not apply to conveyors such as The B20 Committee will render an interpretation of
underground mine conveyors for which specific stan- any requirement of the Standard. Interpretations will be
dards are already in effect or to equipment such as indus- rendered only in response to a written request sent to
trial trucks, tractors, trailers, automatic guided vehicles, the Secretary of the B20 Committee, ASME, Three Park
tiering machines (except pallet load tierers), cranes, Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990.
1
ASME B20.1-2009
The request for interpretation shall be in the following belt idler: a roller or series of rollers that supports the
format: belt of a belt conveyor.
Subject: Cite the applicable paragraph number(s) belt tripper: a device incorporating a system of pulleys
and provide a concise description. that causes the conveyor belt to discharge material at
Edition: Cite the applicable edition of the standard one or more points along the length of the conveyor.
for which the interpretation is being
requested. boom: a cantilevered member or structure that may be
Question: Phrase the question as a request for an inter- hinged, fixed, or pivoted.
pretation of a specific requirement suitable brake: a friction device for slowing down conveyor com-
for general understanding and use, not as ponents, bringing conveyor equipment to a controlled
a request for an approval of a proprietary stop, holding traveling or traversing equipment in a
design or situation. The inquirer may also selected location, preventing reverse travel, and control-
include any plans or drawings that are nec- ling overspeed due to the action of gravity.
essary to explain the question; however, bunker: a large bin or compartment for storage of bulk
they should not contain proprietary names materials.
or information.
car unloader: a type of conveyor characterized by a shal-
ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of any
low, horizontal loading section that enables it to receive
interpretation when or if additional information that
and unload material from hopper bottom cars without
might affect an interpretation is available. Further, per-
requiring a pit or other excavation.
sons aggrieved by an interpretation may appeal to the
cognizant ASME committee. ASME does not “approve,” carrier:
“certify,” “rate,” or “endorse” any item, construction, (a) a device attached to or hung from trolleys to sup-
proprietary device, or activity. port the load
(b) the receptacle in which objects are placed for trans-
mittal through a conveying system
(09) 4 DEFINITIONS1 (c) the moving part of a vertical or inclined reciprocat-
actuator: a device that initiates the action of controls or ing conveyor that supports the load
controllers and is manually operated. The actuator may chain: a series of links pivotally joined together to form a
be a push button, toggle switch, foot pedal, hand lever, medium for conveying or transmitting motion or power.
hand-set timer, or any other device that performs the General classes of chain common to conveyors are
described function. detachable, pintle, combination, roller, rivetless, coil,
antirunaway: a safety device to stop a declining conveyor inverted tooth, and bar link chains.
and thus prevent moving away in the event of a mechani- chute: a trough through which bulk materials or objects
cal or electrical failure. are directed and lowered by gravity. The trough may be
apron pan: one of a series of overlapping or interlocking open or enclosed, straight or curved.
plates or shapes that, together with others, form the control: the system governing the starting, stopping,
conveyor bed. direction of motion, acceleration, speed, retardation,
automatically controlled: describes the operation be the identification, and function of the moving member in a
action of a mechanism that is initiated by some imper- predetermined manner.
sonal influence, such as a conveyor that is started by a controller: an electromechanical device or assembly of
low-level bin indicator. devices for starting, stopping, accelerating, or decelerat-
backstop: a mechanical device to prevent reversal of a ing a drive or serving to govern in some predetermined
loaded conveyor under action of gravity when forward manner the power delivered to the drive.
travel is interrupted. conveying medium: that portion of a conveyor that moves
bed: or carries materials, packages, or objects.
(a) that part of a conveyor upon which the load or conveyor: a horizontal, inclined, or vertical device for
carrying medium rests or slides while being conveyed moving or transporting bulk material, packages, or
(b) in bulk material conveyors, the mass of material objects in a path predetermined by the design of the
being conveyed device and having points of loading and discharge, fixed
or selective. Included are skip hoists and vertical recipro-
1
Many definitions were extracted from the latest revision of cating and inclined reciprocating conveyors. Typical
Conveyor Terms and Definitions, Book No. 102, prepared by the exceptions are those devices known as industrial trucks,
Engineering Conference of the Conveyor Equipment tractors, trailers, tiering machines (except pallet load
Manufacturers Association, Washington, DC 20850. For definitions
of terms other than those defined in section 4, refer to this publi- tierers), cranes, hoists, power shovels, power scoops,
cation. bucket drag lines, trenchers, platform elevators designed
2
ASME B20.1-2009
to carry passengers or an operator, manlifts, moving but is not limited to, radial stackers, winged stackers,
walks, moving stairways (escalators), highway or rail- reclaiming conveyors, and shiploaders. These conveyors
way vehicles, cableways, tramways, dumbwaiters, pneu- normally handle bulk material.
matic conveyors, robots, or integral machine transfer conveyor, oscillating: a type of vibrating conveyor hav-
devices. ing a relatively low frequency and large amplitude of
conveyor, apron: a conveyor in which a series of apron motion, usually powered by a rotating eccentric.
pans forms a moving bed. conveyor, overland: a single or series of belt conveyors
conveyor, belt: an endless fabric, rubber, plastic, leather, designed to carry bulk material across country, usually
or metal belt operating over suitable drive, tail end, and following the general contour of the land.
bend terminals and over belt idlers or slider bed for conveyor, portable: a transportable conveyor that is not
handling bulk materials, packages, or objects placed self-propelled, usually having supports that provide
directly upon the belt. mobility.
conveyor, bucket: any type of conveyor in which the conveyor, power and free: a conveying system wherein
material is carried in a series of buckets. the load is carried on a trolley or trolleys that are mechan-
conveyor, chain: any type of conveyor in which one or ically propelled through part of the system and may be
more chains act as the conveying medium; a British term gravity or manually propelled through another part.
for trolley conveyor. This arrangement provides a means of switching the
conveyor, declining: a conveyor transporting down a free trolleys into and out of adjacent lines. The spur or
slope. subsidiary lines may or may not be powered.
conveyor, electrified monorail: a conveyor consisting of conveyor, pusher bar: two endless chains cross-
a network of tracks or guide rails that may be installed connected at intervals by bars or rotatable pushers that
horizontally, vertically, inclined, or in combination with propel the load along the bed or trough of the conveyor.
one or more self-propelled cars or trolleys that move conveyor, reciprocating: a conveyor where the carrier or
independently under automatic control from one point pusher moves forward and back, or up and down, in
to another within the track network, carrying material the same plane.
in containers or by devices suspended from or attached
conveyor, roller: a series of rollers supported in a frame
to the cars or trolleys.
over which objects are advanced manually, by gravity,
conveyor, en masse: a conveyor, comprised of a series
or by power.
of skeleton or solid flights on an endless chain or other
conveyor, roller slat: a slat conveyor using rollers for
linkage, that operates in horizontal, inclined, or vertical
slats.
paths within a closely fitted casing for the carrying run.
Bulk material is conveyed and elevated in a substantially conveyor, screw: a conveyor screw revolving in a suit-
continuous stream with a full cross section of the casing. ably shaped stationary trough or casing fitted with hang-
ers, trough ends, and other auxiliary accessories.
conveyor, extendable: a conveyor that may be length-
ened or shortened to suit operating needs. conveyor, shuttle: any conveyor, such as a belt, chain,
conveyor, flight: a type of conveyor comprised of one apron, screw, etc., in a self-contained structure, movable
or more endless propelling media, such as chain, to in a defined path parallel to the flow of the material.
which flights are attached and a trough through which conveyor, slat: a conveyor employing one or more end-
material is pushed by the flights. less chains to which nonoverlapping, noninterlocking
conveyor, horizontal reciprocating: a conveyor that pro- spaced slats are attached.
gressively advances material by a back-and-forth motion conveyor, suspended tray: a vertical conveyor, having
of its conveying medium. It may be equipped with one or more endless chains with suitable pendant trays,
hinged flights or tilting dogs or pushers. These units cars, or carriers that receives objects at one elevation
operate generally in the range of 0 deg to 30 deg from and delivers them to another.
the horizontal. conveyor, tow: an endless belt- or cable-driven system
conveyor, inclined reciprocating: a reciprocating power- or chain supported by trolleys from an overhead track
or gravity-actuated unit (not designed to carry passen- or running in a track with means for towing floor-
gers or an operator) that receives objects on a carrier. supported or rail-guided trucks, dollies, or carts.
These units operate on inclines generally in the range conveyor, trolley: a series of trolleys supported from
of 30-70 deg from the horizontal. or within an overhead track and connected by endless
conveyor, live roller: a series of rollers over which objects propelling means, such as chain, cable, or other linkage,
are moved by the application of power to all or some with loads usually suspended from the trolleys.
of the rollers. The power-transmitting medium is usually conveyor, vertical articulated: a type of vertical conveyor
belting or chain. in which sections of articulated slat conveyor apron form
conveyor, mobile: conveyor, supported on a structure, rigid carriers for vertical movement in continuous flow.
which is movable under its own power and includes, The carriers are flexible in but one direction, and they
3
ASME B20.1-2009
assume a vertical position on the noncarrying run to remains in place. The guarding may make use of hinged,
minimize space requirements. sliding, or removable doors for inspection or service.
conveyor, vertical chain, opposed shelf type: two or more exposed: applies to hazardous objects not guarded or
vertical elevating-conveying units opposed to each isolated, and capable of being contacted inadvertently.
other. Each unit consists of one or more endless chains
whose adjacent facing runs operate in parallel paths. flight:
Thus, each pair of opposing shelves or brackets receives (a) plain or shaped plates suitably made for attach-
objects (usually dish trays) and delivers them to any ment to the propelling medium of a flight conveyor
number of stations. (b) a term applied to any section of a conveyor in a
conveyor, vertical reciprocating: a reciprocating power- tandem series
or gravity-actuated unit (not designed to carry passen- gate: a device or structure by means of which the flow
gers or an operator) that receives objects on a carrier of material may be stopped or regulated; also, a section
and transmits these objects vertically between two or of conveyor equipped with a hinge mechanism for mov-
more levels. able service, often called a hinged section.
conveyor, vibrating: a trough, tube, or other device flexi-
grating:
bly supported and vibrated at a relatively high fre-
(a) a coarse screen made of parallel or crossed bars
quency and small amplitude to convey bulk material or
to prevent passage of oversize material
objects, usually powered by an electrical or pneumatic
impulse. (b) a series of parallel and crossed bars used as plat-
form or walkway floors or as coverings for pits and
conveyor, wheel: a series of wheels supported in a frame
trenches over which traffic may pass. Generally remov-
over which objects are moved manually or by gravity.
able to permit access to conveying equipment for
conveyor belt: a belt used to carry materials and transmit servicing
the power required to move the load being conveyed. (c) a series of parallel or cross bar units, or both, fas-
conveyor screw: the material-propelling medium of a tened to or propelled by the conveying medium, used
screw conveyor generally consisting of an assembly of for carrying large, lump-sized bulk material or objects.
helical flights mounted on a rotating pipe or shaft. Generally used to permit passage of air for cooling or
heat to maintain temperature
danger: a combination of hazard and risk (see hazard
and risk). guard:
deflector: (a) a covering, barricade, grating, fence, or other form
(a) a device across the path of a conveyor placed at of barrier used to prevent inadvertent physical contact
an angle and designed to deflect objects with operating components, such as gears, sprockets,
(b) a plate inserted in the trajectory of a bulk material chains, and belts
discharge to change direction (b) a structure mounted below an overhead mounted
conveyor to protect personnel from falling materials
drive: an assembly of the necessary structural, mechani-
cal, and electrical parts that provides the motive power guarded: not exposed to contact, shielded, fenced,
for a conveyor. enclosed, or otherwise protected by means of suitable
enclosures, covers, casings, shields, troughs, railings, or
drum: a cylindrical or polygonal rim type of wheel by nature of location so as to reduce risk of personal
around which cable, chain, belt, or other linkage may injury from accidental contact.
be wrapped. A drum may be drive or driving. The face
may be smooth, grooved, fluted, or flanged. guarded by location: describes moving parts so protected
by their remoteness from the floor, platform, walkway,
dumbwaiter: a type of material-lifting device specifically or other working level or by their location with reference
limited to a platform area of 0.8 m2 (9 ft2) or less, inside to frame, foundation, or structure as to reduce risk of
car height of 1.2 m (4 ft) or less, and a hoistway door accidental contact by persons or objects. Remoteness
height of 1.24 m (4 ft 1 in.) or less.2 from regular or frequent presence of public or employed
emergency stop: a stop arising from a sudden and unex- personnel may, in reasonable circumstances, constitute
pected need and not as a part of the normal operation. guarding by location. Unprotected danger points and
emergency stop device: a device that can be actuated in areas that are inaccessible to the operating personnel in
an emergency situation to stop a conveyor. the normal performance of their duties shall be consid-
ered guarded by location.
enclosed: describes guarding of moving parts in such a
manner that inadvertent physical contact by parts of the hazard: a potential injury producer (see danger).
body is precluded as long as the guard or enclosure hopper: a box having a funnel-shaped bottom or a bottom
reduced in size, narrowed, or necked to receive material
2
See ASME A17.1 for dumbwaiter safety requirements. and direct it to a conveyor, feeder, or chute.
4
ASME B20.1-2009
inactive controls: those controls that are not a part of, or (d) the vertical members that guide the pendant trays,
do not contribute to, the present or future contemplated cars, or carriers in a suspended vertical tray conveyor
use of the conveyor or system as presently installed and
rail clamp: an attachment or device for clamping a mobile
wired.
conveyor or belt tripper to the rail to hold it in a fixed
integral machine transfer device: a part of a machine that location.
loads, unloads, or transfers material (parts) from one
rail stop: a stop mounted on the conveyor rails to limit
location to another within the machine, during pro-
the travel of traversing machinery.
cessing of the material, and without which the machine
could not perform its function. Typically, both the railing guard (guardrail): a structure consisting of rails
machine and transfer device are supplied together and and posts, including top rail, post, and, where required,
share the power and control systems. toeboards.
limit switch: an electrical device by which the movement rated capacity: the capacity at the rated speed, as estab-
of a conveyor and allied equipment may be controlled lished by the manufacturer or a qualified person, at
within predetermined limits. which safe and satisfactory service can be expected.
material lift: an elevator that has been designed/modified rated speed: the speed of the conveyor, as established by
for the purpose of transporting materials that are manu- the manufacturer or a qualified person, at which safe
ally or automatically loaded or unloaded (see ASME 17.1 and satisfactory service can be expected.
for safety requirements). remote control: any system of controls in which the actua-
nip point: a point at which a machine element moving tor is situated in a remote location.
in line meets a rotating element in such a manner that remote location: any location, with respect to the conveyor,
it is possible to nip, pinch, squeeze, or entrap a person from which the presence or position of personnel relative
or objects coming into contact with one of the two mem- to the conveyor cannot be readily determined from the
bers. The same definition holds for the similar point operator’s station.
with respect to two rotating parts or two converging
risk: the likelihood of encountering a hazard of a speci-
parts in linear movement.
fied severity (see danger).
operator’s station: location at which actuators are placed
roller:
for the purpose of starting, stopping, reversing, or other-
wise controlling the conveyor or system of conveyors (a) a revolving cylinder or wheel over which some-
in the course of normal operation. thing is moved. The face may be straight, tapered,
crowned, concave, or flanged and corrugated, ribbed,
overload device: a mechanical or electrical device designed or fluted.
to disconnect the driven equipment from the driving (b) a component part or roller chain in which it may
equipment in event of an overload on the conveyor. serve only to reduce frictional loss occurring as the chain
platform: a working space for persons, elevated above passes over the sprockets. Rollers may also serve as
the surrounding floor or ground (such as a balcony) for the rolling support for the chain and the load being
the operation of machinery and equipment. conveyed.
(c) the rotating element upon which a conveyor belt
prevent: when used in a context such as prevent access
or chain or the object being transported is carried.
or prevent physical contact, means to impede or block;
when used in the context such as prevent injury, means roller turn: a series of vertical rollers mounted in a frame
to reduce the chances of but does not imply that an to guide conveyor chain around a horizontal curve.
injury cannot occur. safety device: a mechanism or an arrangement placed in
qualified person: a person who, by possession of a recog- use for the specific purposes of preventing an unsafe
nized degree or certificate of professional standing or condition, preventing the continuation of an unsafe con-
by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has dition, warning of an unsafe condition, or limiting or
successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve prob- eliminating the unsafe effects of a possible condition.
lems relating to the subject matter and work. shall: as used in the context of a provision of this
rail: Standard, indicated that the provision is mandatory and
(a) one of the longitudinal members in a conveyor must be followed.
frame shear point or line: the point at which, or the line along
(b) the supporting surface under the wheels or rollers which, a moving part meets or passes close enough to
of a chain conveyor a stationary or moving part or object so that part of
(c) the supporting track for equipment mounted on the human body can be caught, trapped, or pinched
wheels, such as belt tripper, weigh larry, etc. between them.
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ASME B20.1-2009
shield guard: a full or partial enclosure or cover, either tread plate: a plate of suitable size fitted between con-
framed or solid, made from material sufficiently rigid veyor rollers to permit persons to use it as a working
to prevent accidental contact with moving parts. or walking surface.
should: as used in the context of a provision of this trolley: an assembly of wheels, bearings, and brackets
Standard, indicates a recommendation, the advisability used for supporting and moving suspended loads or
of which depends on the facts in a particular situation. carrying load connecting and conveying elements, such
skip bucket: the tub or bucket used for containing the as chain, cable, or other linkage.
material conveyed by a skip hoist. truck (also known as cart):
(a) an assembly that supports another unit in either
skip hoist: a bucket or car operating up and down a
a fixed or adjustable position and that provides mobility
defined path receiving, elevating, and discharging bulk
materials. (b) a wheeled vehicle that can be detached from a
conveying medium (usually chain) and pushed by hand
slat: a member supported between chains in a slat con-
walkway: an elevated passageway for persons above the
veyor; the series of slats form the conveying medium.
surrounding floor or ground level, including catwalks,
snub roller: any pulley used to increase the arc contact footwalks, runways, and elevated walkways.
between a belt and drive or trail pulley.
workstation: a physical location where a person is nor-
spill guard: a stationary device of sufficient strength and mally positioned, which is located by design and sup-
capacity to catch, retain, and contain any reasonably ported with facilities necessary for a person to perform
foreseeable spillage from a conveyor passing overhead prescribed work duties. This position would not apply
that might cause personal injury. to maintenance location.
stacker: a conveyor adapted to piling or stacking bulk
materials, packages, or objects. 5 GENERAL SAFETY STANDARDS3
switch: 5.1 Application
(a) a device for connecting two or more continuous Conveyor equipment shall be used to convey only
package conveyor lines the specified commodities or materials within the rated
(b) an electrical control device capacity and the rated speed. Where special use is not
(c) a mechanism that transfers a trolley, carrier, or indicated, or ratings are not available, good industry
truck from one track to another at a converging or practice shall be used.
diverging section
5.2 Maintenance (Repair)
switch, slack cable: a device installed to automatically shut
off the power supply when the hoisting cable becomes (a) Maintenance and service shall be performed by
slack or has slack due to accident or jamming. qualified and trained personnel.
(b) Where lack of maintenance and service would
take-up: the assembly of the necessary structural and
cause a hazardous condition, the user shall establish a
mechanical parts that provides the means to adjust the
maintenance program to ensure that conveyor compo-
length of belts, cables, chains, etc. to compensate for
nents are maintained in a condition that does not consti-
stretch, shrinkage, or wear and maintain proper tension.
tute a hazard to personnel.
terminal: a term normally applied to the extreme ends (c) No maintenance or service shall be performed
of a belt system, i.e., head and tail pulleys. when a conveyor is in operation except as provided in
tow pin: a moveable or fixed member on a truck, dolly, or paras. 5.3 and 5.4.
cart used to engage the power system on a tow conveyor. (d) When a conveyor is stopped for maintenance or
service, the starting devices, prime movers, or powered
tracks: the beams, shapes, or formed section on which
accessories shall be locked or tagged out in accordance
trolleys, rollers, shoes, or wheels roll or slide while being
with a formalized procedure designed to protect all per-
propelled.
sons or groups involved with the conveyor against an
transfer car: any wheeled device used for transferring unexpected restart. Personnel should be alerted to the
loads from one conveyor line to another; may be manu- hazard of stored energy, which may exist after the power
ally or automatically operated. source is locked out. Refer to ANSI Z244.1-1982,
transfer mechanism: any mechanism that transfers objects American National Standard for Personnel Protection —
onto or off a conveyor line or from one conveyor line Lockout/Tagout of Energy Sources — Minimum Safety
to another. Requirements, and OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.147,
“The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout).”
tray: a car, carrier, or pallet, usually suspended from the
moving element of the conveyor, used to carry conveyed 3
IMPORTANT: The general safety standards in section 5 form
loads. a part of, and must be used with, the specific standards in section 6.
6
ASME B20.1-2009
(e) All safety devices and guards shall be replaced workstations or operators’ stations shall be mechani-
before starting equipment for normal operation. cally or electrically guarded or guarded by location or
position.
5.3 Lubrication
5.9.1.2 Interfacing of Equipment. When two or
(a) Conveyors shall not be lubricated while in opera- more pieces of equipment are interfaced, special atten-
tion unless it is impractical to shut them down for lubri- tion shall be given to the interfaced area to ensure the
cation. Only trained and qualified personnel who are presence of adequate guarding and safety devices.
aware of the hazards of the conveyor in motion shall be
allowed to lubricate a conveyor that is operating. 5.9.1.3 Guarding Exceptions. Wherever condi-
(b) Where the drip of lubricants or process liquids on tions prevail that would require guarding under this
the floor constitutes a hazard, drip pans or other means Standard but such guarding would render the conveyor
of eliminating the hazard shall be provided. unusable, prominent warning means, such as signs or
warning lights, shall be provided in the area or on the
5.4 Adjustment or Maintenance During Operation equipment in lieu of guarding.
When adjustment or maintenance must be done while 5.9.1.4 Maintenance of Guards and Safety
equipment is in operation, only trained and qualified Devices. Guards and safety devices shall be maintained
personnel who are aware of the hazard of the conveyor in a serviceable and operational condition. Warning
in motion shall be allowed to make adjustment or per- signs provided in accordance with para. 5.9.1.3 shall be
form the maintenance or service. maintained in a legible/operational condition.
5.5 Backstops and Breaks 5.9.2 Guarding by Location or Position
Antirunaway, brake, or backstop devices shall be pro- (a) Remoteness from frequent presence of public or
vided on all incline, decline, or vertical conveyors, where employed personnel shall constitute guarding by
the effect of gravity will allow uncontrolled lowering of location.
the load and where this load will cause a hazard to (b) Overhead conveyors, such as trolley conveyors
personnel. and hanger-suspended tray conveyors, for which guard-
ing would render the conveyor unusable or would be
5.6 Overload Protection impracticable, shall have prominent and legible warn-
ings posted in the area or on the equipment, and, where
Where overload conditions would cause damage to
feasible, lines shall be painted on the floor delineating
equipment that could result in a personal injury, over-
the danger area.
load devices or suitable warning means shall be
(c) When a conveyor passes over a walkway, roadway,
provided.
or workstation, it is considered guarded by location if
5.7 Gates and Switches all moving parts are at least 2.44 m (8 ft) above the
floor or walking surface or are otherwise located so that
(a) Power-positioned gate and switch sections shall personnel cannot inadvertently come in contact with
be provided with devices that will prevent these sections hazardous moving parts.
from falling in case of power failure.
(d) Although overhead conveyors may be guarded by
(b) Means shall be provided on all gate and switch location, spill guards, pan guards, or equivalent shall
sections to prevent conveyed material from discharging be provided if material may fall off the conveyor and
into the open area, created by lifting of the gate or switch. endanger personnel.
5.8 Counterweights 5.9.3 Guarding of Nip and Shear Points. In general,
When counterweights are supported by belts, cables, nip and shear points shall be guarded unless other
chains, and similar means, weights shall be confined in means to ensure safety are provided. See section 6 for
an enclosure to prevent the presence of personnel specific conveyors.
beneath the counterweight. As an alternative, the
5.10 Headroom
arrangement shall provide a means to restrain the falling
weight in case of failure of the normal counterweight (a) When conveyors are installed above exit passage-
support. ways, aisles, or corridors, there shall be provided a mini-
mum clearance of 2 m (6 ft 8 in.) measured vertically
5.9 Guards and Guarding from the floor or walking surface to the lowest part of
the conveyor or guards.
5.9.1 General Requirements of Guarding
(b) Where system function will be impaired by pro-
5.9.1.1 Guarding. Where necessary for the protec- viding the minimum clearance of 2 m (6 ft 8 in.) through
tion of personnel from hazards, all exposed moving an emergency exit, alternate passageways shall be
machinery parts that present a hazard to personnel at provided.
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ASME B20.1-2009
(c) It is permissible to allow passage under conveyors (2) The emergency stop device shall act directly on
with less than 2 m (6 ft 8 in.) clearance from the floor the control of the conveyor concerned and not depend
for other than emergency exits if a suitable warning on the stopping of any other equipment. The emergency
indicates low headroom. stop devices shall be installed so that they cannot be
overridden from other locations.
5.11 Controls (d) Inactive and unused actuators, controllers, and
5.11.1 Electrical Code. All electrical installations wiring should be removed from control stations and
and wiring shall conform to the National Electrical Code panel boards, together with obsolete diagrams, indica-
(Article 670 and other applicable articles) as published tors, control labels, and other material that might con-
by the National Fire Protection Association and as fuse the operator.
approved by the American National Standards
Institute, Inc. 5.11.3 Safety Devices. All safety devices, including
wiring of electrical safety devices, shall be arranged to
5.11.2 Control Station operate such that a power failure or failure of the device
(a) Control stations should be so arranged and located itself will not result in a hazardous condition.
that the operation of the affected equipment is visible
from them. Control stations shall be clearly marked or 5.11.4 Emergency Stops and Restarts. Conveyor
labeled to indicate the function controlled. controls shall be so arranged that, in case of emergency
(b) A conveyor that would cause injury when started stop, manual reset or start at the location where the
shall not be started until personnel in the area are alerted emergency stop was initiated shall be required for the
by a signal or designated person that the conveyor is conveyor(s) and associated equipment to resume
about to start. operation.
(1) When a conveyor that would cause injury once Before restarting a conveyor that has been stopped
started is automatically controlled or must be controlled because of an emergency, an inspection of the conveyor
from a remote location, an audible device or devices shall be made and cause of the stoppage determined.
shall be provided that can be clearly heard at all hazard- The starting device shall be locked or tagged out before
ous points along the conveyor where personnel may be any attempt is made to remove the cause of the stoppage,
present. The audible warning shall be actuated by the unless operation is necessary to determine the cause or
controller device starting the conveyor and continue for safely remove the stoppage. Refer to ANSI Z244.1-1982,
a required period of time before the conveyor starts. A American National Standard for Personnel Protection —
flashing light or similar visual warning may be used in Lockout/Tagout of Energy Sources — Minimum Safety
conjunction with, or in place of, the audible device if a Requirements, and OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.147,
visual warning is more effective. “The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout).”
(2) Where system function would be seriously hin-
dered or adversely affected by the required time delay, 5.12 Operation
or where the intent of the warning may be misinter-
(a) Only a trained person shall be permitted to oper-
preted (i.e., a work area with many different conveyors
ate a conveyor. Training shall include instruction in oper-
and allied devices), a clear, concise, and legible warning
ation under normal conditions and emergency
sign shall be provided. The warning sign shall indicate
situations. This provision does not apply to the interface
that conveyors and allied equipment may be started at
of the public with conveyors intended for public use,
any time, danger exists, and personnel must keep clear.
such as at checkout counters.
These warning signs shall be provided along the con-
(b) Where safety is dependent upon stopping or start-
veyor at areas not guarded by position or location.
ing devices or both, they shall be kept free of obstructions
(c) Remotely and automatically controlled conveyors
to permit ready access.
and conveyors where operator stations are not manned
or are beyond voice or visual contact from drive areas, (c) The area around loading and unloading points
loading areas, transfer points, and other potentially haz- shall be kept clear of obstructions that could endanger
ardous locations on the conveyor path not guarded by personnel.
location, position, or guards shall be furnished with (d) No person shall ride on a conveyor, except on a
emergency stop buttons, pull cords, limit switches, or slow-moving assembly conveyor 0.4 m/s (80 ft/min)
similar emergency stop devices. maximum or on a conveyor that incorporates a station
(1) All such emergency stop devices shall be easily specifically designed for operating personnel.
identifiable in the immediate vicinity of such locations (e) Personnel working on or near a conveyor shall be
unless guarded by location, position, or guards. Where instructed as to the location and operation of pertinent
the design, function, and operation of such conveyor stopping devices.
clearly is not hazardous to personnel, an emergency stop (f) A conveyor shall be used to transport only loads
device is not required. it is designed to handle safely.
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ASME B20.1-2009
(g) Under no circumstances shall the safety character- 6 SPECIFIC SAFETY STANDARDS3
istics of the conveyor be altered if such alterations would
6.1 Belt Conveyors — Fixed in Place
endanger personnel.
(h) Routine inspections and corrective maintenance 6.1.1 Safety Considerations
measures shall be conducted to ensure that all guards (a) Nip and shear points shall be guarded. Typical
and safety features are retained and function properly. locations are
(i) Personnel should be alerted to the potential hazard (1) at terminals, drives, take-ups, pulleys, and snub
of entanglement in conveyors caused by items such as rollers where the belt changes direction
long hair, loose clothing, and jewelry. (2) where belts wrap around pulleys
(j) Conveyors shall not be maintained or serviced (3) at the discharge end of a belt conveyor
while in operation unless proper maintenance or service (4) on transfers and deflectors used with belt
requires the conveyor to be in motion. In this case, per- conveyors
sonnel shall be made aware of the hazards and how the (5) at take-ups
task may be safely accomplished. (b) It is not the intent of this requirement to provide
guarding along the conveyor length where the belt rides
5.13 Transfer, Loading, and Discharge Points
on the carrying or return rollers.
(a) At transfer, loading, and discharge points where (c) Take-up mechanisms may be guarded as an entity
unconfined and uncontrolled freefall of material can by placing standard railings or fencing around the area
result from flooding, ricocheting, overloading, trajectory, with suitable warning signs, as an alternative to guard-
leakage, or a combination thereof, such unconfined and ing individual nip and shear points.
uncontrolled freefall of material shall be prevented if it (d) On overland conveyors, audible or visual (or both)
would create a hazard to personnel. signalling devices for warning conveyor initiation shall
(b) In the absence of a guard or barrier specifically be required only at the transfer, loading, and discharge
erected to protect personnel, warnings shall be provided points or at those points where personnel are normally
to restrict unauthorized personnel from entering hazard- stationed.
ous loading, unloading, and transfer areas. (e) On long overland belt conveyors where a pedes-
5.14 Hoppers and Chutes trian overpass or underpass is required, they shall be
installed at intervals consistent with usage, normally not
(a) All openings to hoppers and chutes shall be to exceed 300 m (1,000 ft).
guarded to prevent personnel from accidentally falling
or stepping into them or allowing any part of their body 6.1.2 Operation and Maintenance
to make contact with conveyors below them. Where (a) Only trained personnel shall track a conveyor belt,
guards are not practical, warning signs shall be posted. which must be done while the conveyor is operating.
If the hopper or chute is equipped with a grating to (b) The practice of applying a belt dressing or other
protect against contacting the conveyors below, such foreign material to a rotating drive pulley or conveyor
grating will be considered as sufficient guarding pro- belt is hazardous and should be avoided.
vided that one dimension of the opening does not exceed (c) The use of portable emergency stop controllers in
50 mm (2 in.). lieu of permanently installed pull cords, push button
(b) Dump hoppers having the hopper flush with the stations, etc. shall be permitted for maintenance person-
floor and which by their use cannot be guarded shall nel who patrol overland conveyors. At those points
be equipped with grating having a maximum opening where personnel are normally stationed, the conveyors
of 50 mm (2 in.) and be heavy enough to withstand any shall be equipped with permanently installed pull cords
load of personnel or trucks, etc. that may be imposed or similar stop controllers.
on it. If the openings in the grating are larger or no
6.2 Guarding of Bucket Conveyors
grating is provided, temporary railing guard shall be
placed around ground level hoppers when dumping (a) Guards shall be provided at points where person-
operations are not in progress. During dumping opera- nel could come in contact with cables, chains, belts, and
tions, warning signs shall be placed in conspicuous loca- runways of exposed bucket conveyors.
tions warning personnel of an open pit. If there is a (b) Inspection or maintenance doors or both should
need to give operators of trucks, loaders, or bulldozers include signs warning of possible danger if opened or
a reference to the hopper location, guide posts shall removed while the conveyor is in operation.
be used.
6.3 Safety Considerations for Chain Conveyors
5.15 Fire Safety (a) Chain conveyors, by necessity, have moving chains
This Standard is not intended to address fire-related that cannot be enclosed without impairing the function.
considerations. Applicable national, state, and local They shall be provided with warning signs or personnel
codes should be complied with. barriers, unless guarded by location.
9
ASME B20.1-2009
(b) Where a chain conveyor is raised and lowered as a and unloading station, arranged so that they can be
transfer mechanism, mounted within another conveyor, opened only when the carrier is present at that level
and where enclosure would impair the function, warn- and such that the carrier cannot be actuated until they
ing signs or personnel barriers shall be provided, unless are closed. This requirement is typically satisfied by use
guarded by location. of a mechanical locking device, which is actuated by
the motion of the carrier, and an electrical switch indicat-
6.4 En Masse Conveyors ing that the door is closed.
6.4.1 Safety Considerations. En masse conveyors (c) Inclined reciprocating conveyors that automati-
are not considered as free standing and are to be braced cally receive and discharge material may have inter-
at intervals indicated by the manufacturer. Eccentric locked doors as in (b) above or, as an alternative, may
platform loads or other lateral loads may require lateral be guarded by a suitable enclosure extending from the
bracing or other bracing or both. path of the moving carrier.
(d) Where the application requires that personnel
6.4.2 Guarding. Inspection or maintenance doors walk onto the carrier to load or unload material, the
or both should include signs warning of possible danger carrier shall be provided with standard railings, snap
if opened or removed while conveyor is in operation. chains, or equivalent, across the loading/unloading
6.4.3 Operation and Maintenance side(s). Snap chains shall be at least 1 m (39 in.) at their
(a) Where flight or casing cleaning or both are lowest point.
required, they shall be performed by trained personnel, (e) Controls shall be installed or located so they can-
with conveyor power supply locked out. Special atten- not be actuated by a person on the carrier.
tion may be required at feed and discharge points.
(b) When coupling or uncoupling the en masse con- 6.7 Live Roller Conveyors — Belt or Chain Driven
veyor line, the line shall be restrained to prevent injury 6.7.1 Safety Considerations
through the uncontrolled travel of the broken line. (a) Nip points occur between chain and sprockets on
chain driven live roller conveyors.
6.5 Flight and Apron Conveyors — Bulk Material
(b) Nip points can occur between belt and carrier roll-
6.5.1 Safety Considerations. Inclined apron con- ers on belt driven live roller conveyors.
veyors shall be equipped with lifting blades when the (c) Nip points occur at terminals, drives, take-ups,
conveyor inclination exceeds the slide angle of the idlers, and snub rollers where the belt changes direction.
design material. A return belt idler does not require guarding.
6.5.2 Operation and Maintenance. At installation, (d) Nip points occur on transfers and deflectors used
flight and apron conveyors should be “jogged” or hand with live roller conveyors.
run through at least one complete revolution to check (e) Shear points occur at automatic take-ups; they
design clearances prior to running under automatic shall be guarded.
power. 6.7.2 Guarding
Flight and apron conveyors handling sticky materials, (a) On chain driven live roller conveyors, unless
which tend to build up, shall be cleaned as often as guarded by location or position, the nip point between
required for safe operation. chains and sprockets shall be enclosed to prevent entry
6.6 Inclined Reciprocating Conveyors of hands, fingers, or other parts of the body into a point
of hazard by reaching through, over, under, or around
6.6.1 Safety Considerations the guard.
(a) Means shall be provided to prevent hazard to per- (b) On belt driven live roller conveyors, nip points
sonnel in the event of mechanical or electrical failure. between the belt and roller may be considered guarded
The carrier must be equipped with backstop devices if the load-carrying rollers are spaced so as to prevent
sufficient to stop and hold the carrier and load. access, if plates or rods are placed between rollers, if
(b) Overtravel devices shall be provided where neces- pop-out rollers are used as load-carrying rollers, or if
sary to minimize potential for injury to personnel. other suitable guarding is used, such as guarding by
(c) Riding the conveyor shall be forbidden to all per- location.
sonnel. Warning signs to this effect shall be prominently
posted at each point of access and operation. 6.8 Mobile Conveyors
6.6.2 Guarding 6.8.1 Safety Considerations
(a) The conveyor shall be guarded so as to prevent (a) Mobile conveyors shall be provided with a brake,
injury from inadvertent physical contact. rail clamp, or other position-locking device for each
(b) The conveyor housing shall be equipped with motion, such as, but not limited to, luffing, slewing, and
doors or an equivalent means at each manual loading traversing, where movement would present a hazard.
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ASME B20.1-2009
(b) Limit switches shall be provided on rail-mounted will not topple when in use or when being moved in the
mobile conveyors to limit the travel within design limits. manner for which it was intended. When the portable
Rail stops shall be provided beyond the design travel conveyor must be lashed to prevent movement or over-
limits to physically stop the mobile conveyor in case of turning in high winds, a warning sign indicating the
overtravel. necessity shall be clearly posted.
(c) Sweeps shall be provided on all rail-mounted (e) Guarding by location shall be determined with the
mobile conveyors to deflect objects ahead of the nip boom in its lowest position.
points between wheels and rails where a hazard to per-
sonnel would result without the sweep. 6.10 Safety Considerations for Pusher Bar Conveyors
(d) A mobile conveyor shall be designed to be stable (a) If a hazard exists where the bar passes through
against runaway or overturning under normal condi- the bed at the discharge end, suitable guards or warnings
tions of operation. Resting a portion of a mobile con- shall be provided at this point.
veyor on the ground, a pile, or any other support shall (b) Loads on the incline shall have pushers of ade-
not cause instability of the machine. quate height above the bed or have top restraining
6.8.2 Guarding members.
(a) Where power to electrically powered mobile con- (c) All chains shall be guarded by suitable means,
veyors is provided by trolley or rail, these conductors including warning signs, to prevent accidental contact
shall be guarded in such a manner as to prevent acciden- with the moving chain.
tal contact by personnel. (d) In a pusher bar conveyor having a roller bed,
(b) Access stairways, ladders, and platforms shall be where the relationship between the height of the bar
designed and located so as to avoid hazardous shear or and spacing of the rollers creates a hazard, adequate
nip points between sections of structures that in opera- guarding shall be provided.
tion move relative to each other. (e) When a shear point exists between the return
pusher bar and a frame member, guarding shall be
6.8.3 Operation and Maintenance provided.
(a) When a mobile conveyor exposed to high wind (f) When the conveyor is automatically loaded, an
conditions creates a hazard to personnel, normal opera- automatic spacer shall be provided to ensure feeding
tion shall cease, and, if necessary, the conveyor shall be the loads ahead of the pusher bars where a hazard to
moved to a parking position and secured. personnel could exist.
(b) When an operator is required on a mobile con- (g) When a pusher bar conveyor discharges to another
veyor, a platform or cab shall be constructed for his conveyor, means shall be provided to stop the pusher
protection. The conveyor shall be designed so that, when bar conveyor in the event the receiving conveyor cannot
the operator is on the platform engaged in the normal accept another load.
performance of his duties, he will be protected from
injury. 6.11 Roller and Wheel Conveyors
(c) Where operation is such that there is danger of
6.11.1 Safety Considerations
movement of the mobile conveyor into the stockpile or
(a) Unit or package speeds that could create a safety
any other obstacle, a detector shall be provided to stop
hazard shall be avoided by limiting the length of the
the conveyor movement.
pitched run or using speed retarders, brakes, or other
6.9 Safety Considerations for Portable Conveyors, means that effectively provide the control needed.
Extendible Belt Conveyors, and Car Unloaders (b) Personnel shall not be allowed to walk or step on
free turning rollers or wheels. Suitable means, such as
(a) The raising and lowering mechanism for the boom tread plates, can be used between the rollers as a walking
of a portable conveyor shall include in its design, or be surface for designated operators in the performance of
provided with, a safety device that will hold the boom their duties.
at any rated angle of inclination.
(b) A powered extendible conveyor shall be equipped 6.11.2 Operation and Maintenance. Rollers and
with a device located on the outermost boom end that wheels shall be free running to prevent unintentional
shall stop extension of the conveyor when contact is diverting of units being conveyed when such a diverted
made with the device as may be required to protect unit could create a hazard to personnel.
personnel.
(c) An extendible conveyor shall be equipped with 6.12 Safety Considerations for Screw Conveyors
momentary contact push buttons without holding cir- (a) Screw conveyors shall not be operated unless the
cuits to activate powered booms. conveyor housing completely encloses the conveyor-
(d) Portable conveyors shall be stable when used moving elements, and power transmission guards are
within the manufacturer’s rating so that the conveyor in place, except as provided in (b) and (c) below.
11
ASME B20.1-2009
(b) If the conveyor must have an open housing as a (b) Slack cable switches shall be provided and so
condition of its use and application, the entire conveyor arranged that whenever the skip- or counterweight-
is then to be guarded by a railing or fence, unless hoisting rope develops slack or loses tension due to
guarded by location. sticking in the guides, overtravel, or for any other reason,
(c) Feed openings for shovel, front end loader, or other power to the drive will be cut off, and the brake will
manual or mechanical equipment shall be constructed be set.
in such a way that the conveyor screw is covered by (c) Riding the skip bucket by personnel shall be
grating. If the nature of the material is such that a grating forbidden.
cannot be used, then the exposed section of the conveyor
is to be guarded by a railing, and there shall be warning 6.14.2 Guarding
signs posted. (a) All sheaves shall be fitted with sheave guards to
prevent the wire rope from coming off the sheaves under
6.13 Safety Considerations for Shuttle Conveyors, a slack cable or similar condition.
Belt Trippers, and Transfer Cars (b) The guarding of the wire rope and drum on the
(a) These conveyors shall be provided with a brake, hoist is normally not practical due to fleet angle require-
rail clamp, or other position-locking device. ments. If the hoist unit is located in an area that is
(b) Means shall be provided to limit travel. Stops shall generally accessible, then a complete wire mesh or simi-
be provided beyond the normal travel limits to stop the lar guard shall be placed around the hoist. This guard
conveyor in case of overtravel. is not required when guarded by location.
(c) When the conveyor and its path are obstructed 6.14.3 Operation and Maintenance
from view of the controlling operator, the conveyor shall (a) The following wearing parts should be regularly
have a device to warn of its movement or provide other and frequently inspected by qualified maintenance per-
means to ensure personnel safety in the area. sonnel and maintained regularly or replaced when the
(d) Sweeps shall be provided for all moving cars, trip- degree of wear indicates possibility of failure before the
pers, or shuttles to deflect objects ahead of pinch points next inspection:
between wheels and rails, where a hazard to personnel (1) brake shoes and operating parts
would result without the sweep. (2) hoisting ropes, clamps, and attachments
(e) Although all nip and shear points shall be (3) sheaves, particularly head sheaves
guarded, it is not the intent of this requirement to provide
(4) tracks, wheels, and mechanisms
guards where the belt rides on the idlers.
(5) limit switches and slack cable device
(f) Trippers or shuttles may discharge into silo or bun-
(b) Whenever the brake or any parts of the drive train
ker openings, with or without seals. In either case, open-
between the brake and drum shaft are being repaired
ings shall be provided with grating to suit the material
or replaced, the skip bucket and counterweight shall be
being handled, and the width of the openings shall not
blocked in their guides.
be large enough to permit personnel to fall through.
Where material size requires openings that would per-
6.15 Slat Conveyors and Roller Slat Conveyors
mit personnel to fall through, the openings shall be pro-
tected by other means. 6.15.1 Safety Considerations. A slat conveyor can
(g) Where power is electrically provided via trolley present a shear point when the gap between the slats is
or rail, these power conductors shall be guarded in such great enough to permit access to cross members below
a manner as to prevent accidental contact by personnel. the slats. At these points, all members should be a safe
In explosive areas, explosion-proof equipment and cable distance away from the slats, or a continuous pan under
reels shall be used instead of trolley and rail. the slats should be provided.
(h) When a person is required to move with the shut-
tle, tripper, or transfer car, a workstation shall be pro- 6.15.2 Guarding. A hazard exists at the tail end of
vided for his/her protection. a slat conveyor in which the slats are above the center
line of the chain. The gap between slats closes when the
6.14 Skip Hoists — Bulk Materials slats reach the top surface of the conveyor. This area
should be guarded. If the material flow enters over the
6.14.1 Safety Considerations tail sprocket, making guards impractical, a warning sign
(a) Limit switches shall be provided to establish travel should identify the hazard.
limits of the skip bucket. Additional switches shall be
provided to interrupt the power supply and actuate the 6.16 Suspended Vertical Tray Conveyors
hoist brake whenever the skip bucket, through failure of
the design travel limit switches or for any other reason, 6.16.1 Safety Considerations
exceeds the design travel limit by a predetermined safe (a) Means shall be provided to sense overloads where
distance. these loads could cause failure and injury to personnel.
12
ASME B20.1-2009
(b) Automatic loading and unloading devices are rec- (b) Ramps with traffic aisles shall have a barrier of
ommended to prevent placing of any parts of the human sufficient strength and height to prevent a runaway cart
body into the path of vertically traveling carriers. from entering the traffic aisle.
(c) Ramps without traffic aisles shall have warning
6.16.2 Guarding signs to warn personnel not to enter.
(a) The conveyor shall be installed in an enclosed (d) Means shall be provided to maintain the stopped
shaftway or housing to prevent injury from inadvertent position of a ramp conveyor or carts under maximum
physical contact with moving parts of the equipment. rated load condition.
Access doors to the shaftway or housing shall be secured
(e) Where there is a projection above the floor, the
so that only authorized service personnel may enter.
projection and adjacent area shall be identified by appro-
(b) For suspended vertical tray conveyors designed priate diagonal stripes, warning signs, or both. This
so that the pendant tray, car, or carrier comes to a stop identification shall particularly apply to devices that
during manual loading or unloading, the conveyor project intermittently at unpredictable times.
housing should be equipped with interlocked doors or
equivalent safety barriers at each manual loading and 6.17.2 Tow Conveyors — Public Use Intended
unloading station. The doors shall be mechanically or
6.17.2.1 Safety Considerations
electrically interlocked to the operation of the conveyor
so that they can be opened only when the pendant tray, (a) Means shall be provided to sense overloads where
car, or carrier has stopped and so that the pendant tray, these loads could cause injury.
car, or carrier cannot be moved until they are closed. (b) Loading and unloading areas shall be provided
with means to detect personnel on or in unauthorized
(c) Suspended vertical tray conveyors designed to
proximity to the conveyor and automatically stop or
automatically receive and discharge material may have
prevent motion.
interlocked doors as in (b) above or, as an alternative,
may be guarded by a suitable enclosure extending on (c) Means shall be provided to physically restrict peo-
all sides a safe distance from the path of the moving ple from the path of the towed vehicle.
pendant trays, cars, or carriers. (d) Riding or walking on the conveyor or towed vehi-
cle shall be forbidden. Warning signs to this effect shall
6.17 Tow Conveyors be prominently posted at each point of access and control
station.
6.17.1 Tow Conveyors — In the Floor/Overhead
6.17.2.2 Guarding. Where a parted chain, cable,
6.17.1.1 Safety Considerations belt, tow pin, or other linkage would permit a runaway
(a) A clearance space for personnel shall be provided condition on an incline or decline, antirunaway/
between the side of a cart, or between any load over- backstop devices shall be provided.
hanging the side of a cart, and any fixed or moving
object. 6.18 Trolley Conveyors and Power and Free
(b) The cart path shall be identified by a floor stripe Conveyors
parallel to the cart path, one line on each side, located 6.18.1 Safety Considerations
a safe distance from the edge of the cart or overhang- (a) In areas where the parted chain, cable, or other
ing load. linkage would permit a runaway condition on an
(c) Where wall openings or other conditions do not inclined or declined section, and where personnel are
permit a safe clearance, the reduced clearance area shall present, antirunaway devices shall be provided. The con-
be marked with appropriate warnings. veyor path may be arranged so that travel of the uncon-
(d) Where a cart may change its direction without trolled conveyor will be arrested before it enters an area
warning, such as switching off the main line into a trans- where personnel are present.
fer conveyor or a spur, this area shall be marked with (b) In areas where personnel perform work on the
an appropriate warning such as diagonal stripes on the load of a moving conveyor, and guards would impair
floor within the clearance lines. the workers’ performance, the load shall be cradled,
(e) Where carts start automatically, a warning is hooked, bolted, or otherwise attached to the carrier.
required.
(f) Means shall be provided to allow the operator to 6.18.2 Guarding
disengage the tow pin from the conveyor pusher without (a) Nip points occur at traction wheels, sprockets, cat-
being in front of the cart. erpillar drives, and roller turns and shall be guarded
unless guarded by location.
6.17.1.2 Guarding (b) The telltale effect of the moving conveyor compo-
(a) Provisions shall be made to prevent runaway carts nents serves as a warning device and permits unguarded
from exiting the ramp zone and entering work areas. nip or shear points at heights of less than 2.44 m (8 ft).
13
ASME B20.1-2009
(c) Automatic stops or closures shall prevent a trolley 6.20.2 Guarding

or trolleys from moving off the track during the portion (a) The conveyor shall be housed so as to prevent
of a cycle when any track end is not aligned with its injury from inadvertent physical contact with the mov-
mating member. ing parts of the equipment.
(d) Hoisting equipment for lift sections or drop (b) The conveyor housing shall be equipped with
sections or both shall stop or control the vertical motion doors or an equivalent means at each manual loading
in the event of power failure. and unloading station, arranged so that they can be
(e) On inclined or declined conveyors or sections, opened only when the carrier is present at that level
where personnel are present and there may be an occur- and such that the carrier cannot be actuated until they
rence of uncontrolled movement of a free trolley, are closed. This requirement is typically satisfied by use
arresting devices shall be provided. A rigid pusher dog of a mechanical locking device, which is actuated by
on the power chain with positive carrier engagement the motion of the carrier, and an electrical switch indicat-
shall be considered an acceptable means, or the conveyor ing that the door is closed.
path may be arranged so that travel of the uncontrolled (c) Vertical chain-opposed shelf conveyors that auto-
free trolley, carrier, or load, or combination thereof, will matically receive and discharge material may have inter-
be arrested before it enters the personnel area. locked doors as in (b) above or, as an alternative, be
(f) Guards shall be provided to restrict unauthorized guarded by a suitable enclosure extending from the path
personnel from entering hazardous loading, unloading, of the moving carrier platform.
and transfer areas. When guarding is not feasible, clear
6.21 Vertical-Reciprocating Conveyors
and legible warnings shall be provided.
(g) Access to lift or drop sections shall be guarded to 6.21.1 Safety Considerations
prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the area. (a) Means shall be provided to prevent hazard to per-
Warning signs shall be posted where guarding is not sonnel in the event of mechanical or electrical failure.
feasible, unless access to lift or drop sections is guarded The carrier must be equipped with backstop devices
by location. sufficient to stop and hold the carrier and load.
(h) Where conveyors are located above personnel and (b) Overtravel device(s) shall be provided where nec-
the possibility exists that the transported product may essary to minimize potential for injury to personnel.
fall off from any cause, guards (spill guards) shall be (c) Riding the conveyor shall be forbidden to all per-
provided. sonnel. Warning signs to this effect shall be prominently
posted at each point of access and operation.
6.19 Vertical-Articulated Conveyors 6.21.2 Guarding
6.19.1 Safety Considerations (a) The conveyor shall be guarded so as to prevent
injury from inadvertent physical contact.
(a) The control system shall include means to prevent
(b) The conveyor housing shall be equipped with
jamming or spilling objects if the absence of such controls
doors or an equivalent means at each manual loading
could produce a hazards to personnel.
and unloading station, arranged so that they can be
(b) Means shall be provided to stop the conveyor in
opened only when the carrier is present at that level
the event a jam occurs where injury to personnel would
and such that the carrier cannot be actuated until they
otherwise result.
are closed. This requirement is typically satisfied by use
6.19.2 Guarding of a mechanical locking device, which is actuated by
(a) The conveyor shall be enclosed to prevent injury the motion of the carrier, and an electrical switch indicat-
from inadvertent physical contact with the moving parts ing that the door is closed.
of the equipment. (c) Vertical-reciprocating conveyors designed to auto-
(b) The entry and exit openings in the enclosure shall matically receive and discharge material may have inter-
be guarded by extending the enclosure side guards a locked doors as in (b) above or, as an alternative, be
safe distance from the path of the vertically moving guarded by a suitable enclosure extending from the path
carrier. A top cover shall be provided to form a tunnel, of the moving carrier.
if practical. (d) Where the application requires that personnel
walk onto the carrier to load or unload material, the
6.20 Vertical Chain-Opposed Shelf Type Conveyors carriers shall be provided with standard railings, snap
chains, or equivalent across the loading/unloading
6.20.1 Safety Considerations. Overload devices side(s). Snap chains shall be at least 1 m (39 in.) at their
shall be furnished to stop the conveyor in the event a lowest point.
jam occurs where injury to personnel would otherwise (e) Controls shall be installed or located so they can-
result. not be actuated by a person on the carrier.
14
ASME B20.1 INTERPRETATIONS
ASME B20.1-2009 INTERPRETATIONS
Replies to Technical Inquiries

January 2007 Through April 2007
FOREWORD
This publication includes all of the written replies issued between the indicated dates by the
Secretary, speaking for the ASME B20 Standards Committee, Safety Standard for Conveyors and
Related Equipment, to inquiries concerning interpretations of technical aspects of ASME B20.1,
Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment.
These replies are taken verbatim from the original letters except for a few typographical
corrections and some minor editorial corrections made for the purpose of improved clarity. In
some few instances, a review of the interpretation revealed a need for corrections of a technical
nature; in these cases, a corrected interpretation follows immediately after the original reply.
These interpretations were prepared in accordance with the accredited ASME procedures.
ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of these interpretations when or if additional
information is available that the inquirer believes might affect the interpretation. Further, persons
aggrieved by this interpretation may appeal to the cognizant ASME Committee or Subcommittee.
ASME does not “approve,” “certify,” “rate,” or “endorse” any item, construction, proprietary
device, or activity.
I-1
ASME B20.1 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: 20-22
Subject: ASME B20.1-2000, Para. 6.21.2(b)

Date Issued: January 31, 2007
Question (1): Does the term “interlocked” mean that the conveyor housing must be constructed
with a “door interlock device” as defined in the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and
Escalators?
Reply (1): No. The term “interlocked,” as used in B20.1-2000, is a verb, which describes the
objective to be accomplished. It is not meant or intended to require A17.1 type “door interlock
device.”
Question (2): Can the conveyor housing be constructed with a different device, or combination
of devices, that also achieve the level of safety defined in para. 6.21.2(b)?
Reply (2): Yes. Any device that will meet the performance criteria of para. 6.21.2(b) is acceptable.
Interpretation: 20-23
Subject: ASME B20.1-1993, Paras. 5.9 and 6.1, Meaning of “Guarded”

Date Issued: April 10, 2007
Question (1): A belt conveyor is installed in an area where only authorized personnel (technical
and maintenance) are allowed. No operators or public have access in the area. Does this installation
satisfy the intent of para. 5.9.2(a)?
Reply (1): ASME does not “approve,” “rate,” or “endorse,” any item, construction, proprietary
device, or activity. Therefore, the Committee cannot respond to that question. See the definition
for “guarded by location.”
Question (2): Is it correct to say that nip and shear points need not be guarded if they are
already guarded by location?
Reply (2): Definition for “guarded” is as follows:
Page 5, Definitions: guarded – shielded, fenced, enclosed, or otherwise protected by means of

suitable enclosures, covers, casing, shields, troughs, railings, or by nature of location so as to
reduce foreseeable risk of personal injury.
The B20 Standard is performance oriented and does not consider any one methodology of
safeguarding a hazard to be preferable over another. While slightly different terminology is used
such as “to prevent inadvertent physical contact” or “to reduce the risk of accidental contact,”
the standard for safeguarding a nip or shear point hazard is the same. The B20 Standard does
not support the concept that “redundant” or “secondary” safeguarding is necessary.
Question (3): With respect to guarding of nips and shear points in para. 6.1.1(a) relating to belt
conveyors at these typical locations:
(a) at terminals, drives, take-ups, pulleys, and snub rollers where the belt changes direction
(b) where belts wrap around pulleys
(c) at the discharge end of a belt conveyor
(d) on transfers and deflectors used with belt conveyors
(e) at take-ups
Is it correct to say that nips and shear points need not be guarded if they are already guarded
by location?
Reply (3): See response to Question (2).
I-2
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Copyright c 2009 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

AN AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

Copyright c 2009 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

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No part of this document may be reproduced in any form,

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Copyright c 2009 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

STANDARDS COMMITTEE OFFICERS

STANDARDS COMMITTEE PERSONNEL

T. M. Berger, Martin Sprocket & Gear

No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME.

SAFETY STANDARD FOR

INTRODUCTION hoists, power shovels, power scoops, bucket drag lines,

(c) Automatic stops or closures shall prevent a trolley 6.20.2 Guarding

ASME B20.1-2009 INTERPRETATIONS

Replies to Technical Inquiries

Subject: ASME B20.1-2000, Para. 6.21.2(b)

Subject: ASME B20.1-1993, Paras. 5.9 and 6.1, Meaning of “Guarded”

Page 5, Definitions: guarded – shielded, fenced, enclosed, or otherwise protected by means of

No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME.

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