JOD Engineering take access cover to market after LPCB certification
Overview
Through LPS1175 certification, JOD Engineering has demonstrated that its Easi-Lok secure access cover is a robust and secure product, reducing risk for companies and end-users.
About
JOD Engineering provides mechanical engineering and fabrication services to utility companies in the North. JOD’s team of innovative engineers and fabricators are the creators of the Easi-Lok secure access cover. The team are dedicated to improving operations and making access safe, secure, and efficient. JOD Engineering was established in 2001 and is based in Preston.
Background
In early 2015, as JOD had ongoing projects requiring access to equipment in chambers, they noticed that legitimately getting into, and subsequently locking, a secure access cover had become cumbersome. Keen to address this issue, JOD decided to develop a system to make access faster and easier. JOD Engineering’s LPS1175 journey began following discussions with LPCB technical experts who explained what certification can offer to manufacturers.
Challenges
Within conventional hasp and staple type systems however, padlocks can become lost, contaminated or damaged as they are removed from the access cover.
The challenge therefore was creating a secure locking mechanism, built around captive padlocks, which eliminated the operational weaknesses possible in a conventional shrouded hasp and staple arrangement.
Solutions
JOD Engineering wanted to develop a solution that was easy to use, eliminated the possibility of losing or contaminating the padlock and was demonstrably secure. The Easi-Lok access cover was developed to incorporate captive padlocks and integrated mechanism secured within the chamber. The unique arrangement within the steel access covers ensures they are easily accessible and allows for safe, single-handed operation.
Working with a specific client, who required certified access covers and had prior knowledge of LPS1175, JOD trialled the unique locking mechanism built into the Easi-Lok access cover on several installations in various settings. With the support of their client, prototypes were field trialled, and feedback was incorporated until the final configuration was achieved. JOD were confident to proceed due to the successful testing period, and overwhelmingly positive feedback from field operations.
JOD Engineering’s LPS1175 journey began following discussions with LPCB technical experts who explained what certification can offer to manufacturers. These conversations helped JOD to understand the advantages of third-party certification, such as improving their already high standards and exceeding the expectations of their customers. The thorough testing and certification process was completed by May 2020, and JOD Engineering received certificate 1589a for the access cover.
Benefits
- Thorough testing confirmed the true performance of the innovative solution
- LPCB experts provided JOD Engineering with crucial insight
- Third-party certification led to a competitive advantage
JOD Engineering were impressed with BRE’s security test engineers, who are renowned for their expertise, and the dedication of BRE to ensuring that security products perform effectively. John Cowell, Managing Director at JOD Engineering, believes that LPCB certification is imperative for any organisation seeking to enhance a product’s quality and recognition in the market.
He shared, “Working with BRE has been a success on a number of fronts, the obvious one being the flagship certified secure Easi-Lok access cover to LPS1175. Behind the scenes the work required to obtain and maintain the certification has resulted in JOD introducing processes and procedures which have resulted in the business becoming more sustainable and professional in the way work is managed and executed”.