What is the flexibility of the cable in a cable lockout? - Blog - HiLink

Yo, fellow safety enthusiasts! As a supplier of cable lockouts, I'm super stoked to dive into the topic of "What is the flexibility of the cable in a cable lockout?" It's a question that often gets overlooked but plays a huge role in the effectiveness of these essential safety devices.

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First off, let's talk about what cable lockouts are all about. Cable lockouts are used to lock out energy sources during maintenance or repair work. They're like the guardians of safety, preventing accidental startup of machinery and keeping workers out of harm's way. And the cable in a cable lockout is a crucial component that determines how well it can do its job.

So, what exactly do we mean by the flexibility of the cable? Well, it's all about how easily the cable can bend, twist, and conform to different shapes and spaces. A flexible cable can be wrapped around various objects, such as pipes, valves, and switches, to secure them effectively. It allows for easy installation and adjustment, making it a versatile tool in the safety toolbox.

One of the main advantages of a flexible cable is its ability to adapt to different lockout scenarios. For example, in a cramped industrial environment, where space is limited, a flexible cable can be maneuvered around tight corners and obstacles to reach the energy source. This means that workers can use cable lockouts in a wider range of applications, increasing the overall safety of the workplace.

Another benefit of a flexible cable is its ease of use. Unlike rigid cables, which can be difficult to manipulate, a flexible cable can be quickly and easily wrapped around an object. This saves time and effort, especially when multiple lockouts need to be installed. It also reduces the risk of injury to workers, as they don't have to struggle with awkward or heavy cables.

But flexibility isn't the only factor to consider when choosing a cable lockout. The strength and durability of the cable are also important. After all, a cable lockout needs to be able to withstand the rigors of industrial use and prevent unauthorized access to energy sources. That's why it's important to choose a cable lockout with a high-quality cable that is made from strong and durable materials.

At our company, we offer a wide range of cable lockouts with different cable flexibilities to meet the needs of our customers. For example, our Round Multipurpose Cable Lock features a highly flexible cable that can be easily wrapped around various objects. It's perfect for general-purpose lockout applications and is available in different lengths to suit different needs.

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If you're looking for a more compact and lightweight option, our Mini Stainless Steel Cable Lockout is a great choice. It has a flexible stainless steel cable that is resistant to corrosion and can be used in harsh environments. It's also easy to carry around, making it ideal for on-the-go lockout applications.

For applications that require a more adjustable cable, our Adjustable Steel Cable Lockout is the way to go. It features a cable that can be adjusted to different lengths, allowing for a custom fit. This makes it suitable for locking out a wide range of energy sources, from small valves to large machinery.

In conclusion, the flexibility of the cable in a cable lockout is an important factor to consider when choosing a safety device. A flexible cable offers many advantages, including adaptability, ease of use, and increased safety. However, it's also important to choose a cable lockout with a strong and durable cable to ensure its effectiveness.

If you're interested in learning more about our cable lockouts or have any questions about cable flexibility, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you find the right safety solutions for your workplace. Whether you're a small business or a large industrial facility, we have the expertise and products to meet your needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step towards a safer workplace and invest in high-quality cable lockouts today. Your workers will thank you for it!

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If it is capable of being locked out it must be locked out.

The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout). - .147

.147(c)(2)(i)
If an energy isolating device is not capable of being locked out, the employer's energy control program under paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall utilize a tagout system.

.147(c)(2)(ii)
If an energy isolating device is capable of being locked out, the employer's energy control program under paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall utilize lockout, unless the employer can demonstrate that the utilization of a tagout system will provide full employee protection as set forth in paragraph (c)(3) of this section.

.147(c)(2)(iii)
After January 2, , whenever replacement or major repair, renovation or modification of a machine or equipment is performed, and whenever new machines or equipment are installed, energy isolating devices for such machine or equipment shall be designed to accept a lockout device.

.147(c)(5)(ii)(C)(1)
Lockout devices. Lockout devices shall be substantial enough to prevent removal without the use of excessive force or unusual techniques, such as with the use of bolt cutters or other metal cutting tools.

.147(c)(5)(ii)(C)(2)
Tagout devices. Tagout devices, including their means of attachment, shall be substantial enough to prevent inadvertent or accidental removal. Tagout device attachment means shall be of a non-reusable type, attachable by hand, self-locking, and non-releasable with a minimum unlocking strength of no less than 50 pounds and having the general design and basic characteristics of being at least equivalent to a one-piece, all environment-tolerant nylon cable tie.

At what point is a lock not needed?

When you finish your work :grin:
or when there is an upstream lock.

If the disconnect handle is tagged and fuses are pulled? (doubt it)

This is called Tagout and can be used if per your company LOTO policy. Not considered to be as safe as Lockout since some helpful Jack-n-ape may decide the circuit *must* be powered up.

If the disconnect handle is tagged, fuses are pulled, and T-leads disconnected?
How about disconnect handle is tagged, fuses are pulled and contactor coil wire disconnected?

As the prior answer. Most Tagout policies don't require going so far. Again go and see your company LOTO; it is required to have the correct answer.

Or none of the above.

Your company policy may not permit Tagout per their LOTO policy

So in reality though peeps in the forum can help guide you to a reasonably safe conclusion on the LOTO issues they cannot really answer this question. Your company LOTO must be followed so you have to look it up there.

Otherwise when you run out of locks it becomes your boss' problem. Dept. Lock and Lock Box

Dept. Lock and Lock Box

Save On Locks:
A lock out station with Department lock out supplies should be part of any companies LOTO policy. The additional locks at the station along with the lock box allows one to us companies Department locks for equipment, put the keys from these locks in a lock box and lock the keys with a personnal safety lock. This meets the intent that a personal lock is used for lock out.
Example:
Machine has 8 primary power sources and 4 electricans working on machine then 8 Dept locks are used to lock out the 8 primary sources the keys are placed in a lock box and the 4 electricians place their personal locks on the box.
8 + 4 = 24 Locks required
8 * 4 = 32 Locks required without lock box.

ECPL Facilitator

This is called Tagout and can be used if per your company LOTO policy. Not considered to be as safe as Lockout since some helpful Jack-n-ape may decide the circuit *must* be powered up.

Regardless of any in house polices regarding 'tagout' OSHA does not permit tag out unless the item is not capable of being locked out.

As posted above

.147(c)(2)(i)
If an energy isolating device is not capable of being locked out, the employer's energy control program under paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall utilize a tagout system.

Regardless of any in house polices regarding 'tagout' OSHA does not permit tag out unless the item is not capable of being locked out.

As posted above

Not true, if your company wants to they can use a tagout policy, very few do but I have seen them. Your quoted OSHA article says the opposite, it says if it cant be locked out you must have tagout procedures in your LOTO program, dosent say you cant use a tag system on something that can be locked out.

Save On Locks:
A lock out station with Department lock out supplies should be part of any companies LOTO policy. The additional locks at the station along with the lock box allows one to us companies Department locks for equipment, put the keys from these locks in a lock box and lock the keys with a personnal safety lock. This meets the intent that a personal lock is used for lock out.
Example:
Machine has 8 primary power sources and 4 electricans working on machine then 8 Dept locks are used to lock out the 8 primary sources the keys are placed in a lock box and the 4 electricians place their personal locks on the box.
8 + 4 = 24 Locks required
8 * 4 = 32 Locks required without lock box.

ECPL Facilitator

8+4=12 last I checked Interesting... Allow me to add a little twist to this thread. Lets say I have three small conveyor motors controlled by seperate contactors being fed by a common disconnect, all motors are within sight of by the way. One of the conveyors needs to be serviced, however, production can and wants to continue running product with the two remaining conveyors. Is it not exceptable to remove the energy source by removing the t-leads and tagging them indicating the reason why they have been removed? Does this fall into the catagory of .147(c)(2)(i)
If an energy isolating device is not capable of being locked out, the employer's energy control program under paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall utilize a tagout system. ? I know it might be suggested that each motor should be fitted with a lockable disconnecting means, but most of the production machine come into our plant with one common lockable disconnect. It seems to get a little confusing when I try to put the NEC, NFPA 79 and OSHA together.

Interesting... Allow me to add a little twist to this thread. Lets say I have three small conveyor motors controlled by seperate contactors being fed by a common disconnect, all motors are within sight of by the way. One of the conveyors needs to be serviced, however, production can and wants to continue running product with the two remaining conveyors. Is it not exceptable to remove the energy source by removing the t-leads and tagging them indicating the reason why they have been removed? Does this fall into the catagory of .147(c)(2)(i)
If an energy isolating device is not capable of being locked out, the employer's energy control program under paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall utilize a tagout system. ? I know it might be suggested that each motor should be fitted with a lockable disconnecting means, but most of the production machine come into our plant with one common lockable disconnect. It seems to get a little confusing when I try to put the NEC, NFPA 79 and OSHA together.

Hard to tell without seeing the system but that sounds OK As long as your written LOTO program reflects this . Not many companies EHS depts can justify or feel comfortable have a tagout system in place, nuclear plants and military facilities re the only places I have seen this allowed. You know, places that can make you dissapear for violating the LOTO policy.

Regardless of any in house polices regarding 'tagout' OSHA does not permit tag out unless the item is not capable of being locked out.

As posted above

.147(c)(2)(ii)
If an energy isolating device is capable of being locked out, the employer's energy control program under paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall utilize lockout, unless the employer can demonstrate that the utilization of a tagout system will provide full employee protection as set forth in paragraph (c)(3) of this section.

.147(c)(3)(i)
When a tagout device is used on an energy isolating device which is capable of being locked out, the tagout device shall be attached at the same location that the lockout device would have been attached, and the employer shall demonstrate that the tagout program will provide a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by using a lockout program.

You should read the OSHA stuff farther. Tagout is permitted in place of lockout under specific conditions. I also did presume that the company LOTO policy was in compliance rather than presume incompetence on the part of the company.