6 tips to use lockout hasp locks

A lockout hasp is used when more than one employee is involved in a lockout:tagout operation. These employees work in a group on the same energy source. The hasps allow multiple padlocks to be used when isolating one energy source such as a piece of machinery or a power switch. The lockout hasp is placed through a latch on the machinery to be locked out and each person carrying out maintenance or service work attaches their padlock through one of the six openings within the lockout hasp. All of the padlocks are then locked.

      As the hasps must be able to pull at least 50 pounds, many come with a zinc plated steel jaw. Jaws are also made out of strong, spark resistant aluminum for use where required. This ensures each worker’s safety during the lockout operation as prescribed by OSHA.  Lockout Hasps can be purchased with a non-conductive, red vinyl handle coating. This also improves the grip and protects the equipment from scratching. There are also lockout hasps that are available with a highly visible, printed DANGER Do Not Operate so they can be used both as a tag and a lockout device in one central unit. They are also available in various colors making them ideal for group lockout situations. In addition, lockout hasps are available “dual-sided” so that they can lockout more than one piece of equipment at a time.

Long Reach Hasps And Short Reach Hasps. Often times it is difficult to get to the latch in order to use a lockout hasp. Specially designed Long Reach and Short Reach Hasps with thin 1/4” or 1/8” shackles are able to fit into these spaces thus making the hasp available for locking out more than one padlock. There are hasps that are available with shackles on both ends, if that is what is necessary to insure that the attached padlocks lock out the energy sources.

Why you need to buy lockout padlocks

  • Traditional Safety Padlocks — Traditional safety padlocks are a multi-purpose solution that includes flexible cable locks for tight spaces and simultaneous lockout points. Not to mention, this padlock design offers additional material options including non-conductive nylon, aluminum and laminated steel lock bodies. The traditional safety padlocks rely on a classic design that includes a pin tumbler lock mechanism with a jagged key design. It’s design also means fewer key combinations, making it ideal for small work groups and facilities with fewer energy isolation points.
  • SafeKey Lockout Padlocks — SafeKey Lockout Padlocks feature a patent-pending locking mechanism that includes six precision steel tumbler blades and more unique key possibilities, making it ideal for large organizations using hundreds of thousands locks. The innovative design makes for an extra smooth key insertion and removal — even when wearing gloves! It’s linear, low-friction lock mechanism helps maintain key integrity, helping the padlock last longer.
  • Color-coding — Larger organizations have benefited from color-coding locks by trade or location to help keep equipment organized. Color-coded locks can also tell you who is still working on a machine at a glance, improving the visibility of the lockout process. Some facilities have even opted to color code their locks by location to reduce losses when internal maintenance teams are working with outside contractors.
  • Engraving — Engraving is an easy, more permanent way to keep everything organized, while also communicating the status of maintenance. For example, a facility may opt to engrave the department name on each lock, as well as the key code to make it easier to match the locks and keys together.