An important decision while developing your lockout program is choosing between keyed alike or keyed different lockout tagout padlocks. What’s the difference? In short, the answer is in the names.

Keyed different locks are opened by their own unique, different key. Keyed alike means one key opens multiple alike locks. Simple at its core? Yes. But when it comes to lockout tagout, there’s a lot on the line, including worker safety, OSHA compliance, operational efficiency during equipment maintenance and more. Keyed alike or different locks offer both common and different benefits in each. Let’s break it down.

What are keyed different padlocks?

Keyed different means that each lock is opened by its own unique key. They’re often best utilized as a personal lock assigned to authorized personnel, which ensures each employee has exclusive control over his or her lockout padlock. This keying system is ideal for simple lockout applications dealing with a manageable number of energy isolation points. Each facility defines “manageable” differently, and it’s why every lockout program is unique. But, in general, simple lockout applications for keyed different locks deal with one to two isolation points.

Keyed different

Five different colored padlocks, each with its own corresponding colored key

What are keyed alike padlocks?

Keyed alike means that each lock in a group can be opened with the same key. This keying system reduces the number of keys needed to be carried by a worker. It’s ideal for individuals or trades responsible for locking out machines with multiple isolation points.

Keyed alike

Five red padlocks and one red key that fits in all of them

Keyed different vs keyed alike OSHA guidance

While not specifically mentioned, the portion of OSHA’s lockout tagout standard that most closely applies to keyed padlocks is 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5) OSHA Lockout Device Requirements. This section states that lockout devices must:

Be provided by the employer
Be standardized by size, shape or color
Be distinguishable from locks used for other purposes; lockout locks should only be used for lockout
Identify the individual who applied the lock (tags, lock engraving and lock labels are acceptable for this purpose); it’s best practice to include employee name and contact information at a minimum
Be capable of withstanding the usage environment and must be strong enough to prevent removal except by using excessive force with special tools, such as bolt cutters
Whenever lockout devices are applied, they must remain under the exclusive control of the individual who attached them; no employee should be able to open a lock attached by someone else

The final bullet applies most directly to the issue of keyed different vs keyed alike, specifically OSHA’s "one person, one lock, one key" guidance. Keyed alike locks should never be split among multiple employees, as that would mean more than one employee could open the same lock, and thereby increase the risk of accidental re-energization.

When and why to use keyed alike or keyed different safety padlocks

Keyed different

When to use keyed different padlocks:

Larger teams are involved in the lockout procedure, like group lockout, and will take responsibility for their own equipment
As a personal lock assigned to authorized personnel
Lockout devices with holes for multiple locks, such as hasps, are in use
Where they can be checked out on a lock board (usually when one person works on one piece of equipment)

Why they’re beneficial:

Every lock has its own key
Losing a key doesn’t mean loss of control over other locks
No key duplication when multiple maintenance personnel need to lock out equipment

Keyed alike

When to use keyed alike padlocks:

Keyed alike lockout padlocks are best suited when a maintenance individual is responsible for machines with multiple isolation points

Why they’re beneficial:

Helps to streamline key management
Fewer keys to track and keep on a keyring
Makes it easier to find the right key

Red exclamation point Compliance reminder! If used improperly through sharing, keyed alike lockout padlocks can be less secure than their keyed different counterparts. Keyed alike locks should never be split among multiple employees because it violates OSHA’s "one person, one lock, one key” guidance. So in this case, a more appropriate mantra would be “one person, one unique key code.”

Additional keying options: master keyed and grand master keyed

Additionally, master and grand master keyed scenarios are available for larger programs and greater control.

Master keyed

In a master keyed scenario, each group of locks, whether keyed alike or keyed different, can be opened with a single master key. This is useful for larger complex systems when supervisory access may be required.

Master Keyed

Five different colored locks, each with its own colored key, and one black key that fits in all five locks

Grand master keyed

The grand master key can open all locks grouped into two or more master-keyed systems. This system is useful when supervisory or managerial access to all locks is needed. Grand master keyed scenarios are critical to complex lockout tagout programs, such as those with numerous employees, machines and locations.

Grand master keyed

Two sets of locks, each with their own keys. Each set has a master key, and there is a grandmaster key that fits in each lock among both sets.

Keyed Different vs. Keyed Alike Lockout Devices

How keying options fit into an overall lockout tagout program

infographic explaining what keyed alike and what keyed different mean

infographic explaining when to use keyed different and keyed alike

infographic explaining why keyed different and keyed alike are beneficial

OSHA & Lockout Device Keying

Never split keyed alike lockout devices among multiple employees, as this violates 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5) OSHA Lockout Device Requirements. It states: “Whenever lockout devices are applied, they must remain under the exclusive control of the individual who attached them; no employee should be able to open a lock attached by someone else.” This is commonly referred to as “one person, one lock, one key.”

Additional keying options

Contact a Brady representative today to learn more at 1-800-272-3946

Brady is your full-service partner

No matter where you are or what you need in your lockout program, Brady can help. Our comprehensive lockout programs are customized in partnership with you through a wide range of services to meet your requirements, keep your employees safe and ensure your compliance. Learn more about Brady’s lockout tagout services.