Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 05-22-2023 Origin: Site
Choosing the right safety padlock for your business, area of operations and closure procedures and processes is vital. A suitable padlock is an integral part of the security process and choosing the wrong padlock can undermine the effectiveness of the entire security process.
A normal padlock is simply a locking device, whereas a security padlock is a padlock specifically designed to meet security requirements. Security padlocks have key features such as uniqueness and non-reproducibility of the key, as well as adaptability of materials and fire/explosion resistance to provide a higher level of security.
Safety padlocks are widely used in the following scenarios:
When isolation is required for maintenance, cleaning, inspection and operation of machinery and equipment.
When authorised operators implement and manage complex isolation measures for contractors/employees.
When operators use padlocks and/or group lock boxes to lock out machines to manage their own security.
Where multiple padlocks are used in the shutdown process.
When selecting a padlock, the following factors need to be considered:
Keying systems: Depending on the need, it is possible to choose between same keying systems, different keying systems or a combination of a master lock and different keying systems. These systems can be used to manage security according to specific requirements and needs between operators.
Same key system: All locks and keys are identical. Such systems are suitable for situations where authorised personnel are required to isolate the machine for the operator or contractor. They can also be used to control security procedures such as the use of individual lock kits where each person has several identical locks but different locks to those of others to ensure personal security.
Different key systems: Each lock has a unique key. In different key systems, different locks use different keys to ensure that each lock is unique. However, some locks may use a standard key rather than a specific security key, which may lead to a small possibility of duplication. When selecting different key systems, ensure that the supplier chosen is able to guarantee the uniqueness of the keys and use key blanks for the keys and record the number of each lock to ensure that the key number is always unique during supply.
Master lock with different key system: The master lock with different key system combines the advantages of both of these key systems. It allows each person and operator to use a unique lock with a master key that can be used for the entire locking kit or divided into multiple kits. For example, you can have several lock kits, each managed by a master key. The master key for each kit can only open the locks of the corresponding kit, which is often used in emergency situations or in isolation situations to meet the requirements of security procedures.
The padlock material is selected to suit the industry, the business, the environment and the prescribed security requirements. Plastic/nylon padlocks offer advantages such as colour coding and lightness, while brass padlocks offer properties such as resistance to rust and corrosion.
Plastic/nylon: Plastic padlocks offer a variety of advantages. They can be differentiated by colour coding to distinguish between different lock sets, sectors or allocations. Plastic padlocks are relatively lightweight and are suitable for situations where multiple locks need to be carried. In addition, they can be easily engraved with a logo to further ensure the uniqueness of the lock and proper management and storage. Red security padlocks have become the standard choice for many industries.
Brass: Brass padlocks are the standard material for lockout padlocks and are one of the most widely used padlocks. They have been standardised in several industries and are particularly widely used in many power plants. Brass padlocks can be colour coded, engraved and uniquely keyed, just like plastic/nylon padlocks. Although brass padlocks can be more expensive, they offer a number of advantages such as resistance to rust and corrosion and can be used for long periods in harsh environments.
Other materials such as stainless steel padlocks or non-conductive padlocks (for use in high risk ATEX areas to avoid the risk of sparks) are also available depending on the specific needs and environment.
Ensure that padlocks and keys are marked with a standard number and choose a supplier who can record the number of each lock. This helps prevent duplicate locks and better manages the padlock supply process.
Record of uniqueness: Suppliers are able to automatically record the number of each lock to ensure that key numbers are always unique during supply, avoiding duplicate locks being sent to different orders.
Use of key blanks: Suppliers use key blanks to make keys to ensure that locks have a unique key shape that is difficult to duplicate.
Recording and managing locksets: Suppliers are able to record and manage information about each locket, including unique numbering, allocation and usage.
MRS Security offers the relevant services, please contact us if you need them.
Choosing the right security padlock for you is key to ensuring effective security procedures. Consider factors such as key systems, material selection and identification management in the selection process. Only by considering these elements together can you choose the right security padlock to ensure that it works effectively in your business and during the closure process to safeguard personnel and equipment. By choosing and using the correct safety padlock, you are able to comply with regulations, prevent unauthorised operation of equipment by others, protect yourself and effectively manage every step of the closure process. Therefore, when purchasing a safety padlock, ensure that the above elements are fully considered to avoid weakening and disrupting the closure process, thereby reducing security and creating potential risks.