Castell  interlocking systems are designed to be robust, durable and are proven in all types of operating environments that meet the demands of the harsh locations our customers operate in. Above all, they are designed to protect personnel and assets where the risk of injury and damage are high. Castell’s approach to working with customers is deeply rooted in understanding the safety issues found in modern industrial environments. Recognizing how safety impacts operations is an important step to designing  systems that deliver fast safe access ensuring that efficiency is maintained and output rates are secured.

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Trapped key interlocking ensures that a process is followed and cannot be circumvented or short cut. The transfer of a key ensures that wherever personnel find themselves, in either starting or shutting down operations, they can be assured that they are safe. There are three simple steps in designing a trapped key system, what is being isolated, how many access points are there and what type of access is required.

A key is used to start the process and remains trapped whilst the machine is running. The only way to remove the key is to isolate the hazard. This key is then used to gain access to the dangerous area and remains trapped in position while the gate or door is opened. The key can only be removed when the gate or door has been shut. In this way the key is either trapped when the machine is running and access cannot be gained, or the key is trapped while access is gained and the machine cannot be started.