Durable Printing for Lockout/Tagout

Posted March 26, 2012

Industry Need

Ensuring employee safety is a foundational focus of any world-class industrial operation. Fully functional equipment has well-documented procedures and robust safeguards in place to eliminate hazardous conditions. However, during installation and maintenance, significant additional risks such as exposed sources of electricity, mechanical force, or pneumatic/hydraulic pressure are encountered. These risks are mitigated by a well defined set of lockout/tagout policies. As a frequently cited OSHA violation in 2009, the importance of compliant and effective procedures to fully de-energize and communicate equipment status is underscored. Selecting the optimal printers and media to support lockout/tagout helps ensure success of this critical process.

Intermec Solution

The two relevant OSHA standards state that tagout devices shall be substantial enough to prevent inadvertent or accidental removal and must withstand the use environment and weather conditions. Intermec offers solutions to meet these standards. Two leading film tag products from Intermec have been proven successful in this environment, both rated for outdoor exposure up to one year. Duratran Synthetic Tag has excellent resistance to water, oil, and chemicals, and the strength to ensure it remains attached with typical locks or cable ties. Duratran II Valeron tag has premium pull strength available for operations where maximum stress on the tagout device is anticipated.

Printed on-demand with Intermec thermal printers such as the PM4i and combined with durable thermal transfer ribbons, you can be sure these rugged tags will maintain legibility in challenging industrial and outdoor environments.

This complete solution enables robust bar code traceability ultimately ensuring that supervision and safety staff can accurately track maintenance jobs in progress and effectively manage downtime.

Media Recommendation

Duratran Synthetic Tag (Standard product)
Duratran Valeron Tag (Premium pull/tear strength)

Ribbon Recommendation

TMX2000 series mid-range

Printer Recommendation

PM4i Mid Range Printer

  • Smart – Powerful smart-printing capabilities enable error-proof labeling and can simplify processes; all-in-one printer language abilities for drop-in simplicity
  • Strong – Superior throughput, designed to excel in demanding environments
  • Secure – Industry leading, advanced and secure network connectivity options

PC43t Desktop Printer

  • Intuitive – Super Easy to Install & Use
    • 10-language LCD or Icon graphics user interface maximizes uptime
    • One hand media loading for trouble-free use
    • Fastest throughput in its class at 8 ips
    • Quick configuration with USB stick device
  • Flexible – Fits your business needs today & tomorrow
    • User installable connectivity upgrades and accessories for scalability
    • Leading command languages for seamless deployment
    • Modular IT-friendly design speeds up deployment and support
  • Smart – Keeps you informed & productive
    • Remote status updates with Intermec tools minimize downtime
    • Programmable with ability to directly add keyboard or scale improves efficiency

The Intermec Advantage

When worker safety hinges on legible and durable printed tags, it is essential that the printer and media provide optimum reliability. Intermec printers and media are optimized to deliver superior performance when used together. Our rigorous testing and co-engineering ensures consistently high print quality, proven label and tag performance in demanding real-world environments, and maximum print head service life for reduced downtime.

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