Forced lockout
Safer than lockout is forced lockout or interlocking, a method used by KIRK INTERLOCK, RONIS and other. The process is to lockout a device with an interlock device attached directly to the equipment (eg high-voltage disconnector). The key will not be released until the equipment is at zero energy. Once the key is released, it is inserted into a transfer lock that will free a 2nd key, giving access to the place now secured. So, if the worker wants to work on the equipment, he will have no choice but to respect the process of foreclosure. He will be forced ... lockout procedures can be circumvented intentionally, or simply omitted or forgotten. The padlock can be removed prematurely even before the work on the equipment in question is not over! But not in the case of interlock! To re-energize the equipment, the worker will have to perform the procedure in reverse, ie re-lock the access to secure equipment, put the key in the transfer lock to release the 1st key. Only then the equipment will be re-energized.
Wanting to ensure a tight procedure? Wanting to enforce safety to your employees? Padlock Experts team will advise you, machine parts and provide you with the locks adapted to the machinery you want to secure.
Here is an example of interlocking with KIRK INTERLOCK type locks:
1) To be able to work on the piece of equipment, the worker must first close the valve of a toxic gas. It was necessary to machine parts directly attached to equipment and change the handle on the valve so that it does not lock in closed position (it will lock only in open position). Once the valve is locked, it releases the key that was previously stuck in the lock.
(Clic on the picture for more details)
2) The released key will permit to lock a disconnector nearby only at the OFF position. Once locked, a second key via the transfer box will be released and will unlock access to the piece of equipment.
3) The key unlocks the access to the equipment via a pedestrian gate or door. Only when the worker has completed his task, the key will be released from the lock to activate the disconnector again, and thereafter the valve. He can work without worries of being poisonned or electrocuted.
