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Work Equipment
Interlocks

Interlocks

An interlock is a connection between the power supply and a guard or cover on an item of equipment. It is designed to prevent the equipment from operating until the guard or cover is safely closed or locked.

Where interlocks are provided on equipment for safety reasons, they must be regularly maintained and checked for safe operation;
If an interlock is faulty the equipment must not be used until the fault is rectified
It is forbidden to defeat or override interlocks other than under controlled circumstances and with the permission of a competent manager;
If interlocks are over ridden for the purposes of maintenance etc. warning notices must be provided and the interlocks must be restored before the machinery is put back into service.
A permit to work may be required if the interlocks are overridden.