Why It Is Important to Have a Lockout Option on Debris Caps 12/2014
Debris caps are an incredibly beneficial feature that can be added to pipes and valves, throughout any city, to prevent dirt and debris from entering them. In any city, pipes and vales tend to accumulate a lot of dirt and debris over time due to foot and vehicle traffic and also weather conditions. The pipes and valves that help supply things like water and gas can become difficult to access and maintain when dirt and debris has accumulated. Additionally, when dirt and debris accumulates and sits for prolonged periods of time, it can actually cause pipes and valves to wear down or get damaged more easily. Not only is it dangerous when pipes and valves are compromised, but it is also quite expensive as they will likely need to be repaired. Debris caps can be added to help prevent dirt and debris from entering pipes and valves and also to make utility worker's jobs more easy and safe. One feature of debris caps is a lockout mechanism that is incredibly helpful and important.
The lockout mechanism on a debris caps is invaluable because it protects the safety of the workers whose job it is to maintain pipes and valves. If maintenance is happening simultaneously throughout the city, or if there is concern of a leak or problem with pipes and valves and multiple workers are attempting to fix the problem, it is incredibly important to have a lockout mechanism. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has strict rulings in place to ensure the safety of workers who put themselves in hazardous situations, such as utility workers. Locking devices help prevent unauthorized access and tampering. With the lockout device, when a line is open it can prevent others from being opened while work is being performed. This helps greatly improve the safety of workers which is beneficial for workers and for employers. Not only will the worker feel more safe and confident when performing their job but employers will be able to rest more easily knowing that the safety of their workers is protected, which also helps prevent great expense for employers due to on-the-job injuries. Debris caps with a lockout device allow companies to remain OSHA compliant by proving that they can effectively lockout shut-off valves. Debris caps with lockout devices, for a relatively small expense, will pay for themselves time and time again in the field. When a company is OSHA compliant with a debris cap lockout device, it will help cut the company's liability, insurance and maintenance costs.