Lockouts

Lockout devices are designed to keep employees safe while in the workplace. They are used to prevent accidents or injury. Engineers and electricians must be safe in the knowledge that all equipment is safely isolated and locked off before carrying out any essential maintenance or repair work.

When a machine has been shut down properly and all primary and secondary energy sources have been disconnected, safety lockout devices, such as cable lockouts or universal circuit breaker lockouts may be fitted. This procedure should only be carried out by experienced personnel.

A tag will always be used when the lockout is required. See our range of Lockout Tags available. They can be written on with all the essential details for safety purposes. Lockout tags are typically kept in wall-mounted or portable Lockout Stations.

Types of Lockout Devices

There are many different types of lockout devices available. Some of the most popular ones are:

Gate Valve Lockouts

For locking out valves during any maintenance work. Gate valve lockouts fit over the valve handle and are secured in place by a padlock via the attachment point.

Ball Valve Lockouts

The Ball valve lockout device is used to prevent the valve from opening. They are designed to clamp over the lever and stop the handle from being turned. The Ball valve lockout is secured in place by a padlock via the attachment point.

There are several types of ball valve lockouts available:

• Small Ball Valve Lockouts: These devices lock pipes with diameters ranging from ½" to 3". They are ideal for smaller applications and tight spaces.
• Large Ball Valve Lockouts: Designed to lock out pipes that range from 2" to 8" in diameter, these are suitable for larger industrial applications.
• Adjustable Ball Valve Lockouts: These versatile devices can be adjusted to fit a variety of valve sizes, offering flexibility for different applications.
• Stainless Steel Ball Valve Lockouts: Made from durable stainless steel, these lockouts are perfect for harsh environments where corrosion resistance is necessary.

Circuit Breaker Lockouts

Circuit breaker lockouts, also referred to as MCB lockouts, are used to ensure miniature circuit breakers (MCB) are locked out safely. They are essential for anyone working on electrical circuits to prevent accidental re-energising during maintenance or repair work.

There are several well-known types of circuit breaker lockouts available:

• Miniature Circuit Breaker Lockout: Designed specifically for small breakers, ensuring they remain safely locked out.
• Universal Circuit Breaker Lockout: Fits a wide range of breakers, providing versatility and convenience for various applications.
• Universal Multi-Pole Breaker Lockout: Suitable for locking out multiple breakers simultaneously, ensuring comprehensive safety.
• Clamp-On Breaker Lockout: A versatile option that clamps onto the breaker switch, suitable for different breaker types.
• Single Pole Breaker Lockout: Designed for single pole breakers, ensuring individual circuits are securely locked out.
• Multi-Pole Tie Bar Breaker Lockout: Used for multi-pole breakers, tying bars together to prevent reactivation.

Cable Lockouts

Cable lockouts are ideal for use on larger equipment, or where multiple items need to be isolated. The cable can be fitted around the equipment and a safety padlock is attached. They are an easy-to-use, multi-purpose energy isolation solution, perfect for unusual devices that are difficult to lock using conventional means.

There are several well-known types of cable lockouts available:

• Adjustable Cable Lockouts: These devices feature adjustable cables that can fit around various equipment sizes and shapes, providing versatile and secure isolation.
• Heavy-Duty Cable Lockouts: Designed for robust industrial applications, these lockouts feature durable cables that can withstand harsh environments and heavy use.
• Compact Cable Lockouts: These compact devices are perfect for smaller equipment or tight spaces, offering effective isolation without taking up much room.
• Multi-Purpose Cable Lockouts: These versatile lockouts can be used across a wide range of applications, making them ideal for facilities with diverse safety needs.

Lockout Hasps

Lockout hasps are essential in any LOTO (Lockout Tagout) safety procedure. The safety hasp jaw is passed through the attachment point of any lockout devices and is secured in place by one or multiple safety padlocks.

Safety Padlocks

Safety padlocks come in a range of body sizes and shackle sizes. The padlocks are used in conjunction with lockout hasps and lockout devices. Safety padlocks should be compliant with the (OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration). 1 employee = 1 padlock = 1 key

Lockout Kits

Supplied in a tough carrying case, electrical lockout kits are an essential addition to any workplace. Lockout Kits contain everything you should need for your electrical isolation safety lockout procedure.

Lockout Device Applications

Lockout devices are essential in various industrial applications to ensure the safety and security of equipment during maintenance and repair. Here are some common applications and the specific lockout devices used:

• Manufacturing: In manufacturing plants, cable lockouts are used to secure multiple machinery points, preventing accidental startup during maintenance. Ball valve lockouts are also commonly used to isolate valves in hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Oil and Gas: Gate valve lockouts are crucial in the oil and gas industry to secure valve positions, ensuring that hazardous substances are safely contained. Circuit breaker lockouts are used to isolate electrical circuits, preventing accidental energisation during repair work.
• Construction: On construction sites, miniature circuit breaker lockouts are used to lock out individual electrical circuits, ensuring worker safety during electrical installations and repairs. Universal circuit breaker lockouts provide flexibility to secure various breaker types and sizes.
• Chemical Processing: In chemical plants, lockout hasps are used to secure multiple lockout points, ensuring that all energy sources are isolated before maintenance.
• Automotive Industry: Circuit breaker lockout devices are used to secure electrical circuits in automotive manufacturing facilities, ensuring that machinery cannot be accidentally powered on during maintenance. Cable lockouts are also used to isolate various equipment types efficiently.

Buying Lockout Devices: Ordering & Delivery

RS is a trusted supplier and distributor of a comprehensive range of lockout devices, including cable lockouts, gate valve lockouts, ball valve lockouts, universal and miniature circuit breaker lockouts from leading brands. Shop electrical lockout kits from reputable names like ABUS, Brady, Martindale, our in-house brand RS PRO, and more. To place an order online, simply browse our extensive catalogue where you can filter and select your preferred products based on your specifications.

RS Singapore offers fast delivery of lockout devices to ensure you receive your safety equipment promptly. For more details on delivery services and fees, please refer to our Delivery Page.