How does a valve lockout work?

In the current industrial economy, there are naturally higher demands on the safety management of production companies. In such situations, the application of valve lockouts is essential.

Valve lockouts belong to a category of industrial safety locks, which are most often used to protect employees from injury. It is arguably one of the most secure locks available. However, some people don’t know how does a valve lockout work.

In this report, we will illustrate the function of a valve lockout. Meanwhile, we make an overall analysis of different types of valve lockout devices.

The function of a valve lockout.

How does a ball valve lockout work?

What are the precautions when using a valve lockout?

The function of a valve lockout.

Valve lockouts relate to the safe operation of a company's installations. The function of valve latching is to install a robust latching device in the operating part of the valve. Afterward, it is fixed in place by using a latch or padlock.

The use of valve lockouts not only ensures that misuse of the valve by operating and non-operating personnel is avoided, but also ensures the life safety of the operating personnel.

How is a valve lockout work made?

It is understood that there is strict international control over the materials used for valve locks. Valve locks can be made of materials such as Q235 or stainless steel, which are customizable and fully adaptable to various needs. Because of this, valve locks are available in many specifications.

Keys for valve locks are generally made of stainless steel sheet. Each key is often of distinctive construction and numbering and does not normally have a separate key.

How does a ball valve lockout work?

There are a host of types of valve lockout devices. The ball valve lockout is one of the most common types. These locking devices clamp onto the valve stem and prevent the valve from being moved.

Ball valve door locks are composed of 2 half-moons with a hinge on one side. Those are placed on the valve, closed, and then retained with a padlock or hook that requires further padlocks. Meanwhile, the ball valve lockout device clamps onto the valve lever, thereby preventing the valve from being moved.

What are the precautions when using a valve lockout?

Obviously, there are some precautions that need to be taken into account. First of all, when using valve locks, the supply of energy from all sources must be cut off, which allows staff to be better protected and prevents accidents.

In addition to this, it is important to determine the size and material of the valve locks before purchasing them. As mentioned earlier, valve lockouts are available in a variety of materials. It is a matter of choosing the right lock for the environment and the requirements in which the lock will be used. At the same time, when choosing a valve lock, it is best to choose a large-scale manufacturer, which also aims to have better product quality.