Environmental Testing
MARITIME NAVIGATION SYSTEMS
DERA FRASER, Fort Cumberland Road, Portsmouth, PO4 9LJ
Results Summary Of Environmental Testing for
Pro-Lock® Safety Ltd
of
Pro-Lock® Security Devices
DERA/S&E/SPS/MNS/R/NTT-17/01
Date:-17thApril 2001
Pro-Lock Safety Ltd
TESTING – NO 1217
Environmental Testing
OF
Pro-Lock® Security Devices
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Customers Requirement
3. Environment & Consumption
4. Test Procedure
5. Conclusions
1. Introduction:
1.1 Maritime Navigation Systems Group (MNS) DERA Fraser Portsmouth, part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, is an independent shoreside test laboratory equipped to conduct Type Approval and Prototype Testing of Marine Navigational and Safety Equipment.
1.2 The Test Laboratories at DERA Fraser have been Accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for Performance and Environmental testing on a wide range of Marine Navigational and Safety Equipment.
2. Customers Requirement:
Pro-Lock UK supplied DERA Fraser with a quantity of the Polypropylene version of their security devices. Both Standard and Standard Plus versions of the device were supplied for testing. The customer required the devices to be tested to selected temperature extremes with the addition of a drop/shock test to be conducted on the devices at the temperature extremes.
3. Environment:
3.1 The devices were environmentally tested to the following temperatures:
3.1.1 +55 C
3.1.2 -55 C
4. Test Procedure:
-55 C Test
4.1 Four devices plus spanners and tools were placed in an Astell Chamber and the chamber reduced in temperature to -550 C. This temperature was maintained for 24hrs after which the devices were removed and a functional test conducted. This entailed locking and unlocking both versions of the device using the tools from the sub zero environment.
Drop Test
4.2 The devices were then subjected to a drop test. They were dropped from a height of 1.5metres onto a steel plate. This was repeated three times on each of the four devices, spanner and tools. After each drop a functional test was conducted.
Shock Test
4.3 The devices were then subjected to a shock test. They were swung overhand and struck against a steel plate. This was repeated six times on each device. After each shock a functional test was conducted.
+55 C Test
4.4 The locking devices were returned to ambient temperature, as was the Astell Chamber and the chamber increased in temperature to +550 C. This temperature was maintained for 24hrs after which the devices were removed and a functional test conducted. This again entailed locking and unlocking both versions of the device.
Drop Test
4.5 The devices were then subjected to a drop test. They were dropped from a height of 1.5metres onto a steel plate. This was repeated three times on each of the four devices, spanner and tools. After each drop a functional test was conducted.
Shock Test
4.6 The devices were again subjected to a shock test. They were swung overhand and struck against a steel plate. This was again repeated six times on each device. After each shock a functional test was conducted.
5. Conclusions:
5.1 The items of Pro-Lock® equipment that have undergone the tests detailed in this document continued to function satisfactorily and sustained no visible damage that impaired their performance.
Test Engineer & Summary Originator: – R A Sharp
Position: – Head of Test
Ensuring workplace safety is a paramount concern in industrial and commercial settings.
Among the crucial tools that contribute to a safe work environment, valve lockout devices stand out as essential components of any comprehensive safety program.
In this blog post, we will delve into what valve lockout devices are, their benefits, and their wide-ranging applications in promoting workplace safety.
What Are Valve Lockout Devices?
Valve lockout devices are specialised tools designed to prevent the operation of valves, switches, and other control mechanisms that regulate the flow of energy or materials.
These devices physically secure the valve or control, rendering it inoperable, and thus, preventing accidents caused by inadvertent activation during maintenance, repair, or servicing.
Benefits of Valve Lockout Devices
Enhanced Safety: The primary benefit of valve lockout devices is the enhancement of workplace safety. By preventing unauthorised valve operation, these devices minimise the risk of accidents and injuries caused by the release of hazardous substances, energy, or equipment malfunction.
Compliance: Valve lockout devices help organisations comply with lockout/tagout (LOTO) regulations and safety standards. Proper use of these devices ensures that energy sources are isolated in accordance with industry-specific guidelines.
Versatility: Valve lockout devices are versatile and can be used in various industries, including manufacturing, chemical processing, and utilities, to secure a wide range of valves and control points.
Easy Identification: Many valve lockout devices are designed with bright colours or labels that make them easy to identify. This ensures that the right lockout device is applied to the correct valve or control.
Cost-Efficiency: Implementing valve lockout devices is a cost-effective safety measure compared to the potential costs of workplace accidents, damage to equipment, and regulatory fines.
Applications of Valve Lockout Devices
Valve lockout devices have diverse applications in promoting safety and preventing accidents in various industries:
Energy Isolation: Valve lockout devices are used to isolate energy sources, such as electrical circuits, hydraulic systems, and pneumatic systems, during maintenance or repair work.
Chemical Processing: In chemical processing plants, valve lockout devices secure valves that control the flow of hazardous chemicals, preventing leaks or spills during maintenance.
Utilities: In utilities and water treatment facilities, valve lockout devices are applied to control valves and pumps to ensure the safety of maintenance personnel and the integrity of the infrastructure.
Manufacturing: Valve lockout devices are used in manufacturing facilities to secure control valves, ensuring the safety of workers performing maintenance on equipment.
Oil and Gas: In the oil and gas industry, valve lockout devices are employed to isolate pipelines, valves, and pumps to prevent the release of hazardous fluids during maintenance or emergency shutdowns.
Construction: On construction sites, valve lockout devices are used to secure valves on heavy machinery, preventing accidental activation during maintenance or repairs.
Types of Valve Lockout Devices
Lockout Devices: These devices are designed to fit over the handle of a ball valve and prevent it from being turned.
Butterfly Valve Lockout Devices: Butterfly valve lockout devices are used to lock the lever of butterfly valves in the closed position.
Gate Valve Lockout Devices: Gate valve lockout devices immobilise the handwheel of gate valves, preventing operation.
Needle Valve Lockout Devices: Needle valve lockout devices are used to secure needle valves, particularly in high-pressure applications.
Universal Valve Lockout Devices: Universal valve lockout devices are versatile and can be adjusted to fit various valve types and sizes.
Conclusion
Best Selling Products
We Offer An Extensive Product Range
For Sales & Assistance Call 01253 811333