OSHA Regulation 1910.147 is the standard for the Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout). It’s a very important regulation with serious consequences if it’s not understood and followed. One of the components is the use of padlocks in your lock-out/tagout program. As you know, there are many choices when it comes to padlock selection. Top brands such as Master® and American Lock® offer various color choices, keying options, materials, shackle lengths and diameters to suit your needs. Here are the basic steps to selecting a padlock:
Step 1: Select a brand- Master® or American Lock® are the highest quality padlocks on the market.
Step 2: Determine the number of people or departments included in your Lock-Out program to decide which keying and color options you’ll need.
Step 3: Know what you are locking out. The power sources and the hardware used determines the best shackle length and diameter you should choose.
A user-friendly Keying Option Chart diagram will help you better visualize your choices. These are the differences that you need to keep in mind:
Individually-Keyed- each padlock is keyed differently for maximum security for individual users
Master-Keyed- each padlock is keyed differently and can be opened by a master key (sold separately) for supervisor control.
Keyed-Alike- all padlocks are keyed the same. The same key opens all padlocks.
Keyed-Alike by Color- all padlocks of the same color are keyed the same. Same key opens all padlocks of that color only.
Keyed-Alike Sets- padlocks within the same set are keyed-alike, but are keyed differently than other sets.
Master-Keyed Sets- padlocks are individually keyed with a master-key that opens any lock within that set.
Besides padlocks, Emedco has a large selection of other high quality lock-out and electrical products to keep you compliant. For example, Lock-Out Signs and Labels, Tags, Lock-Out Devices, Group Lock Boxes, Cabinets, Stations & Storage and Lock-Out Training. Make Emedco your One-Stop Safety Source- Your Way, Today, Guaranteed!
-Donna Kolody
