An effective lockout program relies, among other things, on choosing the right padlocks and their clear classification. Here’s how to navigate the different types and use them properly to ensure everyone’s safety.
Different Colours Based on Usage
Each padlock colour has its importance. It’s a simple system created by Fabtech ID that allows you to see the danger level at a glance.
Green padlock (personal). Each worker trained in your company’s lockout rules has their own unique personal padlock. This padlock represents the worker’s life when carrying out lockout procedures.
Yellow padlock (borrowing). This type of safety padlock is generally used by subcontractors and workers external to your company. They must have completed lockout/tagout training to use your company’s borrowing padlocks.
Orange padlock (control/department/communication). This padlock is used by managers trained in the company’s lockout procedures. The colour orange was assigned to it since it represents a moderately high risk if misused. It’s used when supervising a lockout. These padlocks come with control tags.
Red padlock (series). The red padlock identifies a padlock that is affixed directly to equipment. If this padlock is misused, the risk of incidents is high.
View padlocks in the online store
Key Systems
Depending on your needs, you have several options:
Keyed different system (KD). Each padlock has its own unique key.
Keyed alike system (KA). A single key is used to open multiple padlocks.
Keyed different with master key system (MK+KD). Each padlock has its own unique key; however, there’s a master key that can still open each of these padlocks.
Keyed alike with master key system (MK+KA). The two red padlocks have a single key that opens them, as do the two blue padlocks. Even though the red and blue padlocks don’t have the same key, the master key can open all four padlocks.
Mixed key with master key system (MK+KA+KD. The red and green padlocks each open with their own unique key. The two blue padlocks open with a single key for both. The master key will open the red padlock, the green one, and both blue ones. It’s assigned to this specific group of padlocks.
How to Choose Properly?
Ask yourself the right questions:
- How many people work in the facility?
- Are there often subcontractors?
- Who supervises operations?
Why Call on an Expert?
Having someone knowledgeable in padlock management, like one of our experts at Fabtech ID, makes managing padlocks easier.
- Padlock repair
- Database management
- Support in updating padlocks
- Training of new employees
Do you have questions? Do you need help updating your lockout program? Contact us now at communication@fabtechid.com.
Now, have you considered engraving your padlocks?
