How Can Trapped Key Interlocks Keep Your Employees Safe? These Five Examples Tell You Just That!
We're huge advocates for Trapped Key Systems, but we understand that if you've never used a Trapped Key Interlock system before, it might all seem a bit confusing. That's why we've put together some examples to demonstrate just how they could help to keep you and your employees safe.
So, How Exactly Do They Work?
Trapped Key Systems are based on a simple concept: when one key is removed from its lock, it physically cannot be inserted into another. This ensures that only the correct, authorised personnel can access your hazardous areas, as they must have the correct keys to do so. And it doesn't stop there, IDEM's Trapped Key solution also provides an extra layer of security with multiple levels of control possible. What does that mean? Well, if there are three different levels of authorisation required for entry into a particular area, then each level would require its own unique set of keys that cannot be used interchangeably.
Why Choose IDEM Trapped Key Interlocks? 
1-Door Part-Body Access
1. The machine power supply is isolated using the enclosure mounted switch. You can then release the key.
2. Insert the isolator key into the single access lock that is fitted to the guard door.
3. While the guard door is open, the key is trapped in the locking mechanism.
This ensures the safety of the operatives working on your machine as the key cannot be returned to the isolator, and resume power to the machine, until the guard door has been safely closed.
 2-Door Part-Body Access
1. The machine power supply is isolated using the enclosure mounted switch. You can then release the key.
2. The isolator key is inserted into the key exchange unit. The isolator key is trapped by the locking mechanism, which releases the two additional keys.
3. The additional keys are used to unlock the guard doors.
4. While the guard doors are open, the additional keys are trapped in the locks and can't be returned to the key exchange unit.
When both guards are safely closed, the keys can be returned to the key exchange unit, releasing the isolator key. Power can now be returned to the machine, safe in the knowledge that both guard doors are closed, and all operatives are safe.
1-Door Full-Body Access
1. The machine power supply is isolated using the enclosure mounted switch. You can then release the key.
2. The isolator key is used to unlock the guard door and is now trapped.
3. Unlocking the guard door releases an additional key, which the operative takes with them into the guarded area.
The isolator key remains trapped in the locking mechanism, making sure the machine can't be restarted until the operative is outside the dangerous area, has replaced the additional key and the guard door has been safely closed. This is a great way to ensure the guard cannot be closed, or the machine accidentally restarted by someone else, while the operative is within the dangerous area.
2-Door Full-Body Access
1. The machine power supply is isolated using the enclosure mounted switch. You can then release the key.
2. The isolator key is inserted into the key exchange unit. The isolator key is trapped by the locking mechanism, which releases the two additional keys.
3. The additional keys are used to unlock the guard doors.
4. Unlocking the guard doors releases two final keys. Each operative takes one of these keys with them into the guarded area.
The isolator key remains trapped in the key exchange unit to make sure the machine cannot be restarted until both operatives are outside the dangerous area, have developed the final keys and both guard doors have been safely closed. This is a great way to ensure the guards cannot be closed, or the machine restarted by someone else while either of the operatives is within the dangerous area.
3-Door Full-Body Access
1. The machine power supply is isolated using the enclosure mounted switch. You can then release the key.
2. The isolator key is inserted into the key exchange unit. The isolator key is trapped by the locking mechanism, which releases the three additional keys.
3. The additional keys are used to unlock the guard doors.
4. Unlocking the guard doors releases the three final keys. Each operative takes one of these keys with them into the guarded area.
The isolator key remains trapped in the key exchange unit to ensure the machine cannot be restarted until all three operatives are outside the dangerous area, have replaced the final keys and all three guard doors are safely closed.
What if I Have More Doors... or More Operatives?
That's no problem at all. Larger key exchange units can be used to accommodate more doors, and/or more operatives. It's important that each operative takes their own key into the dangerous area, to ensure the guards cannot be closed, or the machine accidentally restarted by someone else while an operative is still within the dangerous area.
Looking for More Information? We Can Help With That...
If you want to improve the safety in your manufacturing application, IDEM Trapped Key Interlocks are waiting for you! And, don't worry, if you've never used or specified a Trapped Key System before, it's really straightforward and our Technical Support Engineers and Field Sales Engineers are always on hand to help.
So, if you're interested in specifying a solution for your application, or have any questions that aren't answered on our Top 11 Trapped Key FAQs page , don't hesitate to get in touch by filling in the form below, or giving us a call on 01254 685900 - we'll be happy to chat!
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