Never risk worker safety, use the new Arco Lockout Tagout guide

9 Jan 2017

Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has created a comprehensive product guide featuring their wide range of Lockout Tagout devices, padlocks and signs and how to use them to create a safer working environment.

Workers can face serious or fatal injures if machinery starts up or 'energises' unexpectedly. To ensure worker well-being and reduce the risk of employer liability and possible prosecution, planned procedures for isolating and clearly labelling restricted machinery is critical. Lockout Tagout (LOTO), available from Arco provides a physical method of isolating powered-down equipment plus highly visible warnings showing that equipment should not be used.

The guide, available online and in print, demonstrates how basic LOTO locking off steps are an effective way of reducing risks for those maintaining, cleaning or repairing equipment.

In a typical locking off situation, equipment is closed down safely, turned off and isolated from its energy sources using a disconnect switch, circuit breaker or valve. A lockout device is then fitted to each energy source and padlocked to prevent it being reactivated. To ward off potential users, a visual tag is attached to the device or piece of machinery. Often working situations involve multiple people; these situations require greater attention and a more detailed control system. To ensure worker safety there is a sequence of steps and authorisations before the lockout device and tag are retrieved and the equipment safely reactivated. A properly planned and executed LOTO procedure is an efficient and effective way of reducing the risks for all involved, whilst also protecting equipment.

Within the guide there is helpful advice on the basics of implementing an effective LOTO programme, information on the various types of lockout equipment and details of the different keying systems available and their uses in different industrial settings. To make product selection easier, Arco provides pre-selected LOTO kits curated especially for certain industries, each supplied in a convenient carrying case. The Arco LOTO product guide also provides current regulations and legislative information, emphasising self-regulation, risk assessment and workforce involvement in the control of health and safety.

Contact your local sales office to discuss your requirements. Order online at www.arco.co.uk or visit www.arco.co.uk/LOTO for further information.