Chain guard rules?

[Jon Stratis]

ROBOT parts shall not be made from hazardous materials, be unsafe, cause an unsafe condition, or interfere with the operation of other ROBOTS.

The concern here with chain is that it can literally detach body parts that get stuck between the chain and sprocket! And yes, this has happened at an event before. (I think there's more info in another thread somewhere, but I couldn't find it).

So, your inspector is going to try to evaluate the risk, and probably land on the side of Safety. If it's exposed, put a shield on it so you can't get a finger stuck between the chain and sprocket, at least not without really trying to.

[Jimmy Nichols]

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis

The concern here with chain is that it can literally detach body parts that get stuck between the chain and sprocket! And yes, this has happened at an event before. (I think there's more info in another thread somewhere, but I couldn't find it).

So, your inspector is going to try to evaluate the risk, and probably land on the side of Safety. If it's exposed, put a shield on it so you can't get a finger stuck between the chain and sprocket, at least not without really trying to.

I believe a similar incident happened at the Pittsburgh regional a number of years ago. When in Doubt, Guard It.

[MrForbes]

You need to guard the area where the chain meets the sprocket. The chain itself isn't very dangerous, but if a finger gets near where the chain goes onto the sprocket, bad things can happen. A flat plate of polycarbonate (ie. Lexan) over the side of the sprocket, extending about an inch past the edge of the sprocket, and mounted as close to the chain as you can get it, should suffice.