Lockout device

A method for locking out a valve having a valve body, a valve stem extending from the valve body for operating the valve, and a valve handle assembled with the valve stem for moving the valve stem to operate the valve, the method comprising:

• removing the valve handle from the valve stem;
• assembling a bottom member with the valve body;
• connecting a first end of a flexible member with the bottom member;
• wrapping a second end of the flexible member around a portion of the valve body;
• tightening the flexible member around the portion of the valve body such that a selected cinching portion of the flexible member is held against the bottom member;
• assembling a cover member with the bottom member such that the cover member covers the valve stem and the cover member holds the selected cinching portion of the flexible member fixed against the bottom member;
• providing a compartment attached to the bottom member, and depositing the removed valve handle in the compartment;
• and
• attaching a first end of a lanyard to the bottom member, inserting a second end of the lanyard through a closing portion of the compartment, and securing the second end of the lanyard between the bottom member and the cover member.

A valve lockout device for a valve having a valve body, a valve stem extending from the valve body for operating the valve, and a valve handle attachable to the valve stem for actuation of the valve stem, the lockout device comprising:

• a latch base bottom, adapted to be positioned over the valve body, the latch base bottom including a lock bar having at least one hole, a first cinch pad and an opening for receiving the valve stem;
• a slide bar connected to the latch base bottom and movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, the slide bar comprising at least one hole and at least one protrusion, wherein the at least one slide bar hole aligns with the at least one lock bar hole when the slide bar is in the locking position;
• a latch base cover connected to the latch base bottom at a hinge portion for movement between a closed position and an open position, the latch base cover including a covering portion for covering the valve stem in the closed position, an opening for receiving the lock bar and the slide bar therethrough in the closed position, at least one notch adapted to align with the at least one slide bar protrusion when the slide bar is in the unlocking position, and a second cinch pad adapted to interlock with the first cinch pad in the closed position;
• a back plate removably attached to a lower surface of the latch base bottom, the back plate comprising an aperture for receiving the valve stem and a cushion pad for conforming the back plate with the valve body;
• a bag portion for covering the valve, the bag portion comprising a compartment having a zipper for closing the compartment, wherein at least part of the bag portion is captured between the latch base bottom and the back plate;
• a cinch strap having a first end attached to the bag portion, wherein the latch base bottom and the latch base cover are adapted to receive the cinch strap through first and second strap slots to retain a cinching portion of the cinch strap between the first and second cinch pads;
• and
• a lanyard including a lanyard anchor retained in an anchor pocket of the latch base member and a free end receivable in a receiver pocket of the latch base member, the free end being retained in the receiver pocket when the latch base cover is in the closed position, wherein the lanyard is adapted to fit through a zipper pull on the zipper to secure the zipper in a closed position.