A steel lockout hasp is a crucial safety device primarily used in group lockout scenarios during Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to prevent machinery from being re-energized unexpectedly while maintenance or servicing is being performed.
Why Use a Steel Lockout Hasp?
When multiple workers are performing maintenance or servicing on the same piece of equipment, each individual needs to ensure their safety by controlling the energy source. A steel lockout hasp allows multiple workers to apply their personal safety padlocks to a single energy isolation point (like a valve, breaker switch, or power source). This ensures that the device cannot be operated until all workers involved have completed their tasks and removed their personal locks.
As highlighted in safety practices, safety hasps are essential for group lockout scenarios. They can accommodate multiple individual padlocks, providing a secure way for each worker to maintain control over the energy isolation.
How to Use a Steel Lockout Hasp
Using a steel lockout hasp is a key step in ensuring safety during group maintenance activities. Here are the general steps involved:
- Identify the Energy Source: Determine the specific energy source(s) that need to be isolated (e.g., electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic).
- Shut Down Equipment: Safely shut down the machinery or equipment following established procedures.
- Isolate the Energy Source: Apply the appropriate energy isolation device (e.g., turn off a breaker, close a valve, block moving parts).
- Attach the Hasp: Secure the steel lockout hasp to the energy isolation point. The hasp typically has a single hole for attaching to the isolation point and multiple holes around its body.
- Apply Personal Padlocks and Tags: Each worker involved in the task inserts their individual padlock through one of the holes on the hasp and attaches their worker's tag. As indicated by safety guidelines, these hasps are designed to accommodate multiple workers, often up to six workers' padlocks for one device.
- Verify Isolation: Attempt to operate the equipment to ensure that the isolation is effective and the energy source is fully controlled (this is typically done before starting the work, and safely).
- Perform Work: Carry out the necessary maintenance or servicing.
- Remove Locks (Safely): Once the work is completed, the area is cleared, and the equipment is safe to re-energize, each worker removes only their own padlock and tag from the hasp.
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Isolation Point | Identify the device to lock out. | Know where to apply safety control. |
| 2. Apply Hasp | Attach the steel hasp to the isolation device. | Create multiple locking points. |
| 3. Add Padlocks & Tags | Each worker adds their lock and tag to the hasp. | Individual control in a group scenario. |
| 4. Verify | Attempt to operate the equipment (safely). | Ensure energy is truly isolated. |
| 5. Remove Locks | Each worker removes their lock after work is done. | Allow re-energization only when all are ready. |
Key Benefits
- Group Safety: Ensures that no single worker can remove their lock and allow the equipment to be re-energized while others are still working on it.
- Positive Identification: Worker tags attached with padlocks provide clear identification of who is locked onto the equipment.
- Compliance: Helps meet regulatory requirements for Lockout/Tagout procedures.
In essence, using a steel lockout hasp is a procedural step that multiplies the protection afforded by a single padlock, making it indispensable for safeguarding personnel in collaborative maintenance environments.
