Safety Padlocks for Lockout Tagout

A safety padlock needs to fit both the locking point and the site's key-control rules. Compare rigid and cable shackles, materials, usable clearance and the verified keying choices for each article.

Colours can help identify people or responsibilities. The colour alone does not tell you whether a lock fits a device or is suitable for an electrical application.

Check the shackle. Then check the keying.

Shackle diameter is only one part of fit. The internal width and height must leave room for the device, and the padlock body must not prevent closure. Cable length describes the cable, not a guaranteed installed loop or rigid-shackle clearance.

Keyed different, keyed alike and master-keyed arrangements have different key-control implications. Confirm the required system and ordering information before specifying a keyed-alike or master-keyed article. A matching colour or model does not establish a matching key.

Key retention means the key stays in the padlock until it is locked. Check that feature, and the number of supplied keys, against the exact article rather than assuming every padlock in a range is identical.