Group lockout boxes are a practical tool in the lockout/tagout procedure. They are typically used when a large number of employees need to secure a machine. In this case, only one person secures each individual energy source with a safety lock and places the keys in the group lockout box. Each employee working on the machine now only needs to attach a single lock to the group lockout box to be secured, as no one can access the keys in the box as long as their lock is attached to the box.
If a company does not use pool locks – as described in the previous section – but instead uses energy and personal locks, then the use of a group lock box is mandatory, because the energy sources are secured with the energy locks, the keys of which are placed in the box, and each employee secures themselves with their personal lock on the group lock box..
The cross-shift use is of course also possible. It is always important to ensure that at least one lock is connected to the box..
Group closure boxes come in various sizes and materials, depending on the intended use. There is also a distinction between mobile and stationary group closure boxes..
What advantages does it offer?
The advantages are obvious:
- The number of locks required to shut down a system is significantly reduced.
- Subsequent locking or securing of energy sources is possible without all employees having to attach a lock to the energy source again. The key can be dropped into the box through an extra slot.
- As a company, it is easier to control the start of a machine after maintenance work is completed, as responsible individuals can remove their lock last. This prevents unauthorized switching.
What should one pay attention to when making a purchase?
Good boxes are made robustly. In practice, these boxes are usually not handled with kid gloves and must withstand quite a bit. Strong sheet metal, proper welds, and a powder coating are advantageous here. Cheap boxes are often only spot-welded. This is generally okay, but dirt and water often accumulate in the crevices, leading to corrosion and an unsightly appearance.
Ideally, one can look from the outside into the inside of the box to see which keys or release documents are inside.
If you have any questions about group closure boxes, please feel free to contact us.