April 11, 2014
SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS
The following is a brief summary of the new and revised paragraphs in the Standard for Internal Combustion Engine–Powered Hand-Held Grass Trimmers And Brushcutters – Safety And Environmental Requirements, ANSI/OPEI B175.3, which have a future Effective Date of October 22, 2015 and the action that may be required to determine compliance.
Paragraphs / General Subject and Comment /Scope / Scope updated to address how to handle certain cutting attachments. Effective date is 2 years after publication.
4.2 / Cutting Attachment shield integrity test. Number of impacts increased from 5 to 25. Retesting is required.
7.2.1.3 / The impact test is now conducted at 1.33 times the maximum power speed or at the speed obtained with wide open throttle, whichever speed tis less. The flexible line shall be set at a length that is 50.8 mm from where the line exits the cutting attachment. A retest may need to be conducted.
7.2.2 / Spin test conducted with line length set at 25.4 ± 12.7 mm extending from the cutting attachment. Spin test may need to be repeated.
9.2.1, 9.2.2, Annex B / Sound level revised to require testing in accordance with ISO 22868 and shall not exceed 85 dB(A). Retesting may be required.
10.1, 10.2 / Handle vibration limit reduced from 15 m/s2 to 12 m/s2 and tested in accordance with ISO 22867. Retesting is required on representative samples.
11 / The cylinder and the parts in direct contact with the cylinder or the muffler shall be protected against inadvertent contact during normal operation of the unit in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Review of hot surfaces is required.
12.1 / Spark arrestor requirements required only if the grass trimmers and brushcutters are equipped with, or have provisions for, spark-arresting mufflers, supplied as an option. A review to determine compliance is required.
13.2 / Requirements for barriers, restrictive harnesses and distance to cutting attachment have been revised. A review of the machines are required.
13.4.2 / Balance requirements have been revised. A review is required.
14.1 / All units shall be equipped with a throttle control that, when released, automatically reverts to an idling position (unless a throttle control latch to aid in starting is engaged). All blade capable units shall be retained in the idle position by automatic engagement of a throttle control lock-out. A review is required.
15.1 / The filler opening shall be located so that filling of the tank is not obstructed by other unit components. A review and testing is required.
15.2 / The design of the caps shall be such that no leakage occurs while the unit is being used at normal operating temperature, in all working positions, and while being transported. The fuel cap shall have a retainer that prevents separation from the unit. A review is required.
15.3 – 15.7, Annex C, D, E / New fuel tank and fuel line requirements. A review of these components and testing will be required.
16 / New requirements for symbols. A review if symbols is required
16.3, 16.4, 16.6, 16.8, 16.9, 17.2.6, 17.2.9, 17.3.1 / Warning instructions have been revised or are new. Reviews of the warning instructions are required.