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What is a Lockout Device?
Put simply, a lockout device effectively ‘locks’ a valve, lever or other actuator in place. This prevents the valve accidentally opening or closing in situations where this may cause hazards or operational issues, such as the accidental leakage of chemicals or the actuation of dangerous machinery.
Consider this example: in many production settings, networks of pipes carry a vast array of gases, chemicals and other fluids around a factory environment to where they are needed. A blockage or unregulated flow to the pipe can cause problems within this complex environment, potentially causing not only catastrophic damage to property and assets, but more importantly posing risks to the health and safety of employees or members of the public. Lockout devices can ensure that valves and other actuators are placed into their safe mode of working.
Another example: a piece of production machinery needs close inspection, maintenance or repair by an engineer, potentially posing a risk to the engineer if the equipment is accidentally engaged during this process. Deploying a lock out device on the equipment's energy source ensures that the unit is rendered inactive during the maintenance and inspection regimes, thereby safeguarding the engineer from harm.
Typically lockout devices have multiple points of locking, so that they can only be removed once all engineers or safety managers have removed their own respective seal or padlock fom the lockout device. This can be particularly helpful where different engineers will carry out different tasks, or whereby any alterations will undergo supervisor or management safety checks as part of a LOTO ("Lockout Tagout") program.
Types of Lockout Device
 | Universal Valve LockoutsUniversal Valve Lockouts provide effective lockout of energy sources. The are available with and without arms and cable attachments for use on many valves, including quarter-turn, butterfly, gate valve, and 3, 4, 5-way valves. They can be sealed using hasps and safety padlocks to ensure that they cannot be removed without following approved procedure and compliance. |
 | Ball Valve LockoutA two-piece sliding ball valve lockout device is used to fully encompass a ball valve handle to secure it from unintentional or unauthorised activation by keeping the handle in the off position. They are made from an ABS material which is highly durable, crack-proof, weather resistant and abrasion-resistant. |
 | Clamshell Gate Valve LockoutsGate Valve Lockout devices have a clamshell design, completely encompassing a gate valve for effective lockout of energy sources. Once locked, using a padlock, hasp or security seal, the clamshell rotates freely around the hand wheel, preventing it from being turned. They come in several different sizes for optimal fit. |
| Cable Valve Lockout DeviceLockout cables provide an effective lock out solution for all manner of gate valves, handles and oversized equipment. They ensure that all energy sources are secured in the ‘off’ position while essential inspection and maintenance is undertaken. They are particularly effective for safely locking out a series of valves in one operation. |
| Car SealsCar seals for the lockout of valves are strong, single-use security devices which effectively lock safety valves in place. They work well where the valve or actuator in question is non-standard or in an awkward position, as car seals only require a simple tethering point to function well. Car seals perform well as single-use lockout devices to seal a valve in the open or closed position, typically for long durations |
| Valve Lockout Security ConnectorsValve lockout security connectors provide a re-usable way of encasing industrial connectors and valves to prevent their misuse or tampering. The y come in two separate parts to allow for easy install, and are secured in place around the valve by use of a meter seal - each connection cannot be accessed without first removing the associated security seal. |
| Steel and Nylon Lockout HaspsSafety Lockout Hasps allow for the lockout of an energy source with multiple securing devices, such as security seals or keyed different safety padlocks. They incorporate a wrap hook, to prevent brute force attempts to access. Nylon safety lockout hasps allow for the lockout of an electric energy source with multiple safety padlocks. Power cannot be restored until all checks and safety padlocks are removed. The dielectric nylon has is non-conductive, protecting discharge of energy through the padlock. |
Associated Lockout Equipment
Safety Warning Tags
Lockout tags are a crucial part of lockout / tagout regimes, communicating key safety-critical information to employees including who is responsible for locking and removing the valve. They are made of PVC to be hard wearing.
Plastic Shackle Padlocks
Safety padlocks are widely used widely in the chemical, electrical, automobile and other industrial sectors. The non-conductive, plastic construction makes it particularly suited to use in electrical lockout applications, where there is a risk of unsafe electrical discharge.