Voluntary standards introduced for packaging machinery to oven volume measurement

From bottled water and pharmaceutical drugs and to electronics and clothes, packaging machinery is used daily in manufacturing plants around the globe to speed the shipping and distribution of a wide range of consumer goods. The potential risks involved in the operation of these machines depend upon numerous elements, including the type of machinery being used, the condition of the equipment, electrical design, ergonomics and human factors.

The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), an ANSI-accredited standards developer, recently published a newly revised standard that helps manufacturers and operators of packaging machinery reduce risks of injury within the scope of their respective work activities. ANSI/PMMI B155.1-2006 defines a process for use by machine users and suppliers to identify potential hazards, evaluate risks, and employ countermeasures to reduce these risks to an acceptable level.

Taking into account factors such as personnel safety, product quality and machine productivity, the risk assessment process minimizes variation in the safety performance of machines. The standard can be applied to both new and modified packaging machinery and related converting equipment. Because modifications to machinery can introduce new hazards, risk assessment of upgraded equipment is an important element in ensuring personnel safety. The standard is harmonized with existing international and European standards.

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Plant Engineering Staff

Since 1947, plant engineers, plant managers, maintenance supervisors and manufacturing leaders have turned to Plant Engineering for the information they needed to run their plants smarter, safer, faster and better. Plant Engineering‘s editors stay on top of the latest trends in manufacturing at every corner of the plant floor. The major content areas include electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, automation engineering and maintenance and management.