Brady Nylon Safety Padlocks

Brady Nylon Safety Padlocks for Lockout Tagout

Brady nylon safety padlocks are designed for use in Lockout Tagout (LOTO) procedures to secure energy-isolating devices during maintenance, servicing, cleaning and inspection work. Their lightweight, fibreglass-reinforced nylon bodies are electrically non-conductive and designed for use in industrial environments where hazardous energy must be safely controlled.

The Brady range includes several configurations, including standard and compact safety padlocks, different shackle materials and different shackle sizes. This allows you to select a padlock according to the isolation point, working environment and Lockout Tagout procedure used within your organisation.

What is a nylon safety padlock?

For these Brady safety padlocks, nylon primarily refers to the material used for the lock body. Brady uses lightweight, fibreglass-reinforced nylon bodies for several of its Lockout Tagout padlock ranges. The nylon body is electrically non-conductive and designed for industrial LOTO applications.

The shackle material, however, can vary between models. The range includes configurations with hardened-steel, nylon and aluminium shackles, as well as compact safety padlocks with flexible cables. It is therefore important to consider both the lock-body material and the shackle when selecting a safety padlock.

Which Brady nylon safety padlock should I choose?

The right safety padlock depends on the isolation point, available space and conditions in which the lock will be used. The main configurations within this category can be compared as follows:

Choosing the right shackle material

Hardened-steel shackle

Many standard Brady nylon safety padlocks combine a fibreglass-reinforced nylon body with a hardened-steel shackle. Brady uses a shackle diameter of approximately 6.4 mm on several standard models. This configuration is suitable for a wide range of general industrial Lockout Tagout applications.

Although the nylon lock body is electrically non-conductive, these models have a metal shackle. If electrical conductivity is an important consideration, the shackle material and the specifications of the complete padlock must therefore also be taken into account.

Nylon shackle

Brady also offers safety padlocks with nylon shackles for applications where electrical hazards are an important consideration. On applicable models, Brady specifies both the nylon lock body and the nylon shackle as electrically non-conductive.

These models can be suitable for electrical Lockout Tagout applications where a nylon shackle is required. Always check the specifications of the complete padlock against the requirements of the application before selection.

Aluminium shackle

Several compact Brady nylon safety padlocks are fitted with an aluminium shackle. These models combine a small, lightweight nylon body with a compact shackle and can be useful where space around the isolation point is limited.

As aluminium is a metal, a non-conductive nylon body does not automatically make a padlock with an aluminium shackle completely non-conductive. Consider the properties of the complete padlock when selecting a model for an electrical application.

Flexible cable

A safety padlock with a flexible cable can provide an alternative where a conventional rigid shackle does not fit the isolation point. The flexible cable provides additional freedom when locking small, unusual or difficult-to-access openings.

Standard or compact nylon safety padlock?

In addition to standard Brady nylon safety padlocks, compact models are available for applications where a smaller and lightweight LOTO padlock is preferred.

A standard safety padlock is suitable for many general industrial applications. A compact padlock can be useful where space is limited, several lockout devices are positioned close together or the dimensions of the isolation point make a smaller padlock more practical.

Always check the dimensions of the individual product before ordering. The shackle diameter, vertical shackle clearance and horizontal shackle clearance determine whether the padlock will fit the intended lockout point.

Are nylon safety padlocks non-conductive?

The fibreglass-reinforced nylon bodies used for the relevant Brady LOTO padlocks are electrically non-conductive. This makes the material particularly relevant when selecting safety padlocks for applications where electrical conductivity must be considered.

However, it is important to distinguish between the lock body and the complete padlock. Models with hardened-steel or aluminium shackles still contain conductive metal components. If electrical conductivity is a critical safety consideration, the shackle material and all other relevant components of the specific padlock must be considered.

For applications where electrical conductivity is an important consideration, Brady offers LOTO padlocks with nylon shackles. Always verify the specifications of the complete padlock against the requirements of the application.

Key-retaining design for Lockout Tagout

Many Brady nylon safety padlocks feature a key-retaining design. The operating key cannot be removed while the padlock is open and is released once the shackle is securely closed.

This feature is particularly useful for Lockout Tagout because the key remains with the open padlock until the lock has actually been secured.

Cylinder construction varies between Brady product ranges. Several standard nylon models use a 6-pin cylinder, while other series can use different cylinder or key technologies. Always check the specifications of the individual model where a particular cylinder or key system is required.

Keyed Different, Keyed Alike or Master Keyed?

The keying system is another important consideration when selecting a Lockout Tagout safety padlock. Depending on the Brady range and configuration, different keying options are available:

• Keyed Different (KD): each padlock has its own individual operating key. This is a commonly used configuration for personal LOTO padlocks.
• Keyed Alike (KA): multiple padlocks within a defined set can be operated using the same key.
• Master Keyed (MK): depending on the selected configuration, a controlled master key can provide an additional level of access within a larger keying system.

Keyed Different is commonly used for personal Lockout Tagout because each authorised employee can retain control of their own safety padlock and operating key. Keyed Alike and Master Keyed systems can be appropriate for specific applications or organisational structures, but the selected configuration must support the organisation's Lockout Tagout procedure and key-control requirements.

For more information about KD, KA, Master Keyed configurations and larger key plans, see our Lockout Tagout keying systems page.

Colour coding and identification

Brady nylon safety padlocks are available in a wide range of colours, including red, blue, green, yellow, black, orange, purple, brown, grey and white, depending on the selected series and configuration.

These colours can be used to create a visual identification system, for example by department, trade, employee group, location or application. There is no single universal colour code for every Lockout Tagout programme, so the meaning of each colour should be clearly defined in your organisation's own LOTO procedure.

Brady also offers custom identification options for selected Lockout Tagout padlocks and key systems, including options such as laser engraving, serialisation and key charting. Availability depends on the selected padlock, configuration and keying system.

Designed for industrial environments

Brady develops its nylon LOTO padlocks for use in industrial environments. For applicable standard nylon models, Brady specifies properties including resistance to temperature, chemicals and corrosion. Exact material properties and operating-temperature ranges vary between product series.

If the padlock will be exposed to extreme temperatures, chemicals, outdoor conditions or other demanding environments, always check the technical specifications of the individual model before selection.

How to choose a Brady nylon safety padlock

When selecting a nylon Lockout Tagout safety padlock, consider the following:

• the lock-body material;
• the shackle material, such as hardened steel, nylon or aluminium;
• the shackle diameter and available shackle clearance;
• the space available around the isolation point;
• any requirements relating to electrical conductivity;
• the environmental conditions in which the padlock will be used;
• the required keying system, such as KD, KA or a Master Keyed configuration;
• the required colour and identification options;
• the requirements of your organisation's Lockout Tagout procedure.

For another composite-body option, compare our Zenex composite safety padlocks, or view the complete range of Lockout Tagout safety padlocks.

Not sure which Brady safety padlock or keying system is suitable for your application? Contact us for help selecting the appropriate configuration for your Lockout Tagout requirements.

Frequently asked questions about nylon safety padlocks

What is a nylon safety padlock?

A nylon safety padlock is a Lockout Tagout padlock with a nylon lock body. Brady uses lightweight, fibreglass-reinforced nylon bodies for several LOTO padlock ranges. Depending on the model, the nylon body can be combined with a hardened-steel, nylon or aluminium shackle or a flexible cable.

Are Brady nylon safety padlocks designed for Lockout Tagout?

Yes. The Brady nylon safety padlocks in this category are designed for Lockout Tagout applications. Brady also states that applicable nylon lockout padlock ranges comply with OSHA requirements for Lockout Tagout. The specific legal and safety requirements that apply to your organisation depend on your location, activities and applicable regulations.

Are all nylon safety padlocks completely non-conductive?

No. The nylon lock body is non-conductive, but the shackle material varies between models. A padlock with a metal shackle should not be considered completely non-conductive solely because it has a nylon body. For applications where electrical conductivity is an important consideration, Brady also offers models with nylon shackles. Always check the specifications of the complete padlock before selection.

What is the difference between a steel and nylon shackle?

A hardened-steel shackle is a versatile choice for general industrial Lockout Tagout applications. A nylon shackle is electrically non-conductive and can therefore be more appropriate where electrical conductivity is an important consideration. The required shackle diameter and clearance should also be checked before selection.

When should I choose a compact nylon safety padlock?

A compact safety padlock can be useful where space around the isolation point is limited, several lockout devices are positioned close together or a smaller and lighter padlock better suits the application. Always check the exact dimensions and shackle material of the selected model.

What is the difference between Keyed Different and Keyed Alike?

With Keyed Different (KD), each padlock has its own individual operating key. With Keyed Alike (KA), multiple padlocks within a defined set can be operated using the same key. Keyed Different is commonly used for personal Lockout Tagout, while Keyed Alike can be appropriate for specific applications where one authorised user needs to operate multiple locks.

Which colour safety padlock should I use?

There is no single universal colour requirement for every Lockout Tagout application. Organisations can use different colours to identify employees, departments, trades, locations or applications. The selected colour-coding system should be clearly documented in the organisation's Lockout Tagout procedure.

Can Brady nylon safety padlocks be laser engraved?

Brady offers custom identification options for selected LOTO padlocks, including laser engraving and serialisation. Available options depend on the selected series, configuration and order requirements. Contact us if you require customised safety padlocks or a larger managed keying system.

View our complete range of Lockout Tagout safety padlocks for additional Brady, ABUS and Master Lock options.