--- title: "Types of Lockout Devices: Complete Guide to LOTO Equipment" date: 2026-08-09T06:53:03Z modified: 2026-09-03T08:26:48Z permalink: "https://www.bozzys.com/blog/lockout-kits/types-of-lockout-devices-complete-guide/" type: post status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 5476 categories: - Lockout Kits featured_image: "https://www.bozzys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/83cde54089d70095b3a317d0faf7f9d7.png" featured_image_alt: Types of lockout devices for LOTO equipment and workplace safety timestamp: 2026-09-03T08:26:48Z tags: - Lockout Kits --- ![Types of lockout devices for industrial safety](https://www.bozzys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/f6edadf2801b68234ab3a37f70eb4438.png) ## Quick Answer: Build a Complete LOTO Kit The right types of lockout/tagout devices meet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 1910.147 benchmark. This means they are durable, substantial, standardized, and identifiable for energy isolation. Plus, they match the energy source, equipment type, color code, and environmental needs of the facility where they will be used. The [BOZZYS full product range](https://www.bozzys.com/products/) includes ISO 9001- and CE-certified personal safety padlocks, lockout hasps, and more. Getting a customized LOTO kit from BOZZYS can prevent workplace injuries while meeting global regulations. ## What Are Lockout Devices? ### Definition and Purpose A lockout device is a mechanical tool that physically holds an energy-isolating component in a safe position. Their core purpose is to protect workers from the unexpected release of residual energy. ### OSHA Requirements To fully comply with federal regulation OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, all lockout device types have to meet these fundamental requirements: - Durable: Hardware must be capable of withstanding the environmental conditions to which it is exposed. This includes physical wear, corrosive chemicals, moisture, and extreme temperatures. - Standardized: Every lockout has to be uniform in size, shape, color, or format throughout a facility for easy identification. Many workplaces implement a color code, differentiating red, yellow, and orange locks, to streamline this. - Substantial: Components need to be strong enough to prevent removal without excessive force or specialized metal-cutting tools like bolt cutters. This means devices should not slip or have unnecessary slack between points. - Identifiable: Every lock or tag must clearly identify the authorized employee responsible for attaching it. This speeds up the process of determining who holds which keys and if proper access can be reinstated. ## What is the Complete List Of LOTO Device Types? ![Different types of lockout devices and safety equipment](https://www.bozzys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/c29d8eff5a142e35a77902febd425cf0.png) ### Safety Padlocks Unlike conventional security locks, LOTO locks typically have insulated, non-conductive bodies to reduce electrical hazards. Their key-retaining cylinders ensure the key cannot be removed while the shackle is open. ### Valve Lockouts These physically block valves from being operated, isolating mechanical energy from steam, fluid, and gas. - Ball valve lockouts secure lever handles in the ‘off’ or ‘closed’ position. Check the detailed selection criteria in the [Ball Valve Lockout Complete Guide](https://www.bozzys.com/blog/valve-lockouts/ball-valve-lockout-complete-guide-to-types-installation-safety/) - Gate valve lockouts enclose handwheels in circular clamshell covers to prevent them from being rotated. - Butterfly valve lockouts clamp the unique handles of butterfly valves, which often feature a spring. ### Safety Hasps Hasps are used for different types of lockout scenarios where several technicians and authorized personnel are involved. It is applied to an isolation point, permitting up to 6 workers to apply their individual locks. The machine cannot be returned to service until every single lock has been removed, providing an additional layer of accountability. ### Breaker Lockouts These devices are designed to directly attach to toggle switches. Design variations are available for single-pole, double-pole, and multi-pole breakers, as well as miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) and molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs). ### Cable Lockouts The most versatile among the lockout devices, [cable lockouts](https://www.bozzys.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/post/cable-lockout-devices-types-uses-guide.md) secure multiple isolation points. They generally use a flexible nylon or stainless steel cable to route through handles and levers before being secured with a padlock. More information on this device is found in the [Cable Lockout Types and Selection Guide](https://www.bozzys.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/post/cable-lockout-devices-types-uses-guide.md) ### Lockout Stations These provide centralized storage for different types of LOTO locks, documentation, and other relevant items. These range from wall-mounted open boards to portable kits to heavy-duty dustproof cabinets. ### Plug Lockouts These prevent electrical plugs from being reinserted into outlets while maintenance is ongoing. They enclose the male plug head in a cylindrical box, making it impossible to physically reconnect to a power source. Discover how to choose the right enclosure in the separate [Plug Lockout Devices Guide](https://www.bozzys.com/blog/electrical-lockouts/plug-lockout-devices-complete-guide/) ### Group Lock Boxes Keys used for the attached types of lockout devices are placed inside the box, then each authorized worker applies a personal lock to the exterior. They keep the keys inaccessible until every individual has removed their lock. ### Lockout Tags These feature a standardized warning message like “Do Not Operate” and identify the authorized employee responsible for the isolation. They are durable and moisture-resistant to ensure they stay in place. ### E-Stop Lockouts Emergency stop lockouts fit over mushroom-style buttons and rotary switches to keep them from being pressed or pulled during servicing. They come in a rectangular, square, or even cylindrical form to be secured with a padlock. For installation tips and other valuable insights on these devices, view the [Emergency Stop Lockout Guide for E-Stop Button Safety](https://www.bozzys.com/blog/electrical-lockouts/emergency-stop-lockout-guide/) ![BD-Z14 electrical and valve lockout kit with multiple LOTO devices](https://bunny-wp-pullzone-cqhjpnp5tu.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BD-Z14-2.jpg) BD-Z14 Electrical and Valve Lockout Kit BOZZYS BD-Z14 Electrical and Valve Lockout Kit combines multiple LOTO devices for electrical and valve isolation, including circuit breaker, plug, cable, gate valve, padlock, and hasp solutions for industrial maintenance and workplace safety. [ More Details ](https://www.bozzys.com/product/bd-z14-electrical-and-valve-lockout-kit/) ## How Do You Choose Amongst the Many LOTO Device Types? ![Lockout devices for different hazardous energy applications](https://www.bozzys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/efeca041e96cdf1c22c148614403026d.png) ### By Energy Source The device needs to match the hazardous energy source to be isolated. Pneumatic, fluid, and mechanical energy require physical covers, chains, and blocks, while electrical systems require breaker or plug lockouts. ### By Equipment Type The device has to be compatible with the machinery and configuration where it will be attached. Authorized personnel must confirm breaker dimensions, valve handwheel sizes, and lever accessibility before purchase. ### By Environment Workplace conditions have a significant impact on material selection. Corrosion-resistant or PVC units are recommended for chemical applications, for example. High-performance PA66 nylon is ideal for high-heat settings as it remains stable under thermal loads up to 248°F. ## What Are the LOTO Color Coding Standards? ![Lockout tagout devices for industrial energy isolation](https://www.bozzys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/0a8559302cfa24cfffb13639e288f888.png) Although OSHA mandates lockouts and tags to be standardized for each facility, there is no universal color scheme to follow. Most teams usually assign the following colors to certain roles: - Red for Personal Danger - Orange for Group Isolation - Yellow for Equipment Status Well-documented, consistent standardization is the most important aspect so employees can easily recognize different types of lockout/tagout devices and tags from each other. For detailed guidelines regarding this topic, refer to the [LOTO Color Code](https://www.bozzys.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/post/loto-color-code-red-yellow-orange-lockout-padlocks.md) blog post. ## **How Do Different LOTO Device Materials Compare?** | **Material** | **Characteristics** | **Best Use Case** | | --- | --- | --- | | PA66 Nylon | Lightweight, high-insulation, heat- and impact-resistant | Breaker lockouts, safety padlock bodies, plug covers | | Steel | Physical durability and high strength | Valve lockout components, lock shackles, heavy-duty hasps | | Aluminum | Corrosion-resistant, lightweight | Portable lockout kits | | Copper (cores) | Non-sparking characteristics, smooth operation over thousands of duty cycles | Padlock cylinders in chemical, explosive, and volatile environments | | PVC | Tear-resistant, moisture-resistant, durable | Standard lockout labels and tags | Selecting the right hardware for **different types of lockout** situations is crucial to an OSHA-compliant LOTO program. Using the appropriate devices is a worthwhile investment in industrial workplace safety, protecting employees and maintaining operational integrity. [Contact us for a Quote](https://www.bozzys.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/contact-us.md)