Collection: Lock Boxes

A lockout tagout lock box is a storage device that keeps safety padlock keys locked and secure against unauthorized access. It is especially effective when two or more personnel work or service a single machine or piece of equipment.

Group lockout tagout is a lockout tagout method that involves multiple authorized personnel working together to perform maintenance or repairs on machines or equipment safely. The lockout tagout procedure thus involves using multiple lockout tagout devices, and the protocols can differ from the protocols in LOTO procedures that involve a single employee.

Typically, group LOTO procedures are more complex and require more coordination between members of a crew. These procedures can involve a single crew of multiple people, but they can also involve multiple crews. Tools like lockout tagout lock boxes and lockout tagout stations can help multiple employees coordinate and communicate with each other more effectively.

When multiple employees or crews are working together on the same lockout tagout job, there should be one authorized employee responsible for implementing LOTO procedures. This individual is also responsible for all the other employees currently working the maintenance or repair job.

LOTO procedures always involve authorized personnel. In group lockout tagout procedures, some of these employees are supervisors and/or managers in group lockout procedures.

• Supervisors distribute and ensure the proper use of lockout tagout devices and other protective equipment. They also ensure that only properly trained employees are participating in the procedure.
• Managers are in charge of writing and updating the LOTO program and are also responsible for providing protective equipment. They are also the ones that identify the individuals or crews that can participate in particular lockout tagout procedures.

Padlocks that are specially made for lockout tagout procedures are essential. They are made of materials that can withstand harsh environments, and they are also more easily recognizable as part of a lockout tagout procedure.

Other tools include other lockout tagout devices such as hasps, tags, circuit breaker locks, plug locks, cable locks, and more. Lock boxes and LOTO stations are tools that can help employees keep track of devices and strictly adhere to lockout tagout procedures.

Have a single employee in charge – Primary responsibility must be given to one authorized employee for communicating, coordinating, and implementing the energy control procedures.

Assign an individual lock to each worker – Providing one lock for each worker increases group lockout cooperation and communication. If the device remains attached, the authorized person in charge of the group is aware that the task has not been completed yet. Therefore, re-energizing the equipment is not yet safe.

Use work authorization permits – A work authorization permit is a document that authorizes employees to perform specific tasks. These documents may be used to achieve compliance with the group lockout tagout requirements.

Utilize work authorization permits– Such a document grants employees the authority to carry out particular tasks while also ensuring that the group lockout tagout criteria are met.

The main purpose of a lockout tagout lock box is to secure safety padlock keys that are being used in a lockout tagout procedure. Typically, employees have their own personal safety padlocks that they can use to lock out hazardous energy sources.

Each employee involved in the group lockout procedure needs to place their personal safety padlock keys inside the lock box and their padlocks locked to the box cover. This way, the keys will remain inside the LOTO box as long as there is a member of the group who is still actively working on a machine or piece of equipment. Thus, no lockout tagout device will be removed before any other device.

Group lockout activities necessitate more cooperation and communication between all employees involved. The following are the 7 steps to a more structured and successful group lockout:

1. Each lockout point is secured by a designated supervisor.
2. The supervisor notifies all authorized employees involved in the group lockout.
3. Each lockout point is secured by the supervisor with a device, padlock, and tag.
4. All padlock keys are placed into the lock box by the supervisor.
5. Other authorized employees conducting service or maintenance secure the lock box with a padlock.
6. Once the group lockout procedure is completed, each authorized employee removes their individual padlock from the lock box.
7. After removing all padlocks from the lock box, the supervisor recovers all keys from within the lock box.
8. The supervisor, then, removes the padlocks from the locked out switch, machine, or equipment, indicating that it is now ready for use.

When performing any lockout tagout, it is critical to have a checklist to ensure that the procedure is carried out correctly. During a group lockout, a checklist with the names, identification numbers, and contact information of all workers in the group should be employed. Before applying their lock and tag to the equipment or lock box, each individual may be required to sign on the list to prove they are present.

Each employee involved in a lockout tagout procedure should use at least one lock each. For example, if 5 authorized employees are working together on the same maintenance or repair job, there should be at least five locks used in the procedure. Each employee must also place their personal safety locks, and each lock can only be removed by the person that placed them.

The use of a lockout tagout lock box can help streamline this process even further. Once all employees have placed their personal safety padlocks on the relevant isolation points, they can place the keys to these padlocks in the lock box. Each member of the team can then place another personal safety padlock on the lock box itself.

Lockout tagout devices should only be used for their intended purposes to remain compliant with OSHA standards. While it can be used as storage because of its spacious interior, it is not encouraged to use a lockout lock box to keep other LOTO devices.