September 2007
Industrial safety specialist Castell Iso-Lok has developed a new Multi-Clasp padlock for Lock-Out/Tag-Out procedures. The new lock features a standard fixed-width hasp shape and now sports a highly-visible, safety-colour coded, polyester powder coated finish.
The new Multi-Clasp has room for six individual padlocks to be attached, allowing multiple workers to lock off the same machine. The lock will not open until each separate padlock has been removed. This ensures that the locked-off equipment cannot be reactivated until everyone has completed their work, and safe operation can continue.
Lock-Out/Tag-Out systems work on the principle of individually keyed padlocks and keys which workers can use to lock off machinery or controls. They cannot then be operated while the worker might be at risk due to their use. Usually used during machinery maintenance, this simple, reassuringly mechanical method of improving personal safety is as reliably effective as it is straightforward.
September 2007
Castell’s drive-away prevention system Salvo is now protecting warehouse staff at Europe’s largest single-site PVC compounding operation.
Hydro Polymers, part of Norsk Hydro ASA, has installed Salvo on the only loading bay at its Newton Aycliffe site, in County Durham. The bay handles approximately 30 trailers per day, for both the UK and European markets.
“As soon as I saw Salvo, I thought that it was a little bit of genius,” says Paul Burns, Warehouse Manager at Hydro Polymers. “It’s simple to use, cost-effective and does exactly what it’s supposed to.”
Prior to contacting Castell, Paul had recognised the need for an additional safety system beyond the wheel chocks and driver-surrendered keys that were already in operation at the site. He had investigated alternative methods - such as vehicle restraints, hydraulic gates, barriers and traffic lights – but had found them all to be cost-prohibitive.
When drivers have reversed their trailer up to the loading bay, they are given the Salvo Susie lock by the warehouse operative. Fitting the lock to the trailer’s exposed emergency air line coupling immobilises the trailer and releases a uniquely-coded key, which the operative then inserts into a control box located inside the warehouse. Turning the key powers up the bay, enabling the door to be raised and loading or unloading to begin. The key remains trapped in the control box until the door is fully closed once more.
