A lockout is an instance of someone or something being prevented from being used. It’s common in professional sports, where teams lock out players during a dispute about money or playing time. It can also happen in private life, when someone locks themselves in a bathroom, for example. Getting locked out of one’s house is a frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. It is possible to come up with a plan to get back in, and it’s also important to know what not to do.
If you’re locked out of your house, first take a deep breath and try to calm down. It’s not the end of the world, and you can always call a locksmith to help. However, before you do that, it’s worth trying to think of any other solutions that don’t involve breaking a window or kicking down a door. Doing so can result in serious injuries and a high repair bill. It’s best to consider this as a last resort, especially when it comes to rental properties.
Another option is to leave a spare key with a neighbor or friend. This can be a good way to prevent becoming locked out in the future, but it’s important to choose a trustworthy person who will not steal your property. It’s also recommended that you write down the code for your key, as well as any other necessary information, and keep it in a safe place.
Lastly, you could reach out to a landlord or other landlord-related person. If you’re lucky, they will have a copy of your key and be able to let you in. If not, it may be possible to find a locksmith within the area. Just be sure to research local options and pick the right one, so you don’t get gouged or receive shoddy work.
Lockouts can occur at work, too. Some companies will lock out workers to force them to accept new terms of employment during a labor dispute. This is a common tactic in the National Football League, Major League Baseball, and other professional sports leagues. It can also happen in other industries.
To avoid a lockout, employees must ensure that the system they are working on is de-energized before any work begins. The de-energization process disconnects the system from its source of energy and isolates it. This prevents hazardous energy from being released inadvertently or accidentally during maintenance or repairs. Employees should also receive regular training to make sure they understand the lockout tag out procedure. Using an app like SafetyCulture can help employees submit LOTO reports to their supervisors with just a tap and ensure that the policy is being followed at all times. For more tips on preventing lockouts, check out this article.