CASE STUDY · GUARDIAN GLASS

A trapped key system that can't be cheated

Guardian Glass deployed the SHGV Forced Extraction system because employees were able to bypass the key removal sequence on the previous setup.

CLIENT
Guardian Glass
LOCATION
Plant (hazardous machine area)
MACHINE
Trapped key interlock access
PRODUCT
SHGV Forced Extraction

Get the full case study

The core problem, how forced extraction works, the comparison and the field result.

No spam. We respect your privacy.

01 · THE CHALLENGE

Standard trapped key interlocks can depend on operator compliance.

Standard trapped key interlocks are designed to force a safe sequence before access to a hazardous machine area. In practice, the sequence can depend heavily on operator compliance.

THE WEAK POINT

A standard system may allow an operator to bypass a step, force a key out of order, or work around the interlock under time pressure. The system can therefore depend on procedures, training, supervision, and operator discipline.

AT GUARDIAN GLASS

Employees were able to bypass the key removal sequence on the previous setup.

02 · THE SOLUTION

Key removal is mechanically enforced, not merely procedurally expected.

The maintenance key physically cannot be extracted until the safety sequence is complete.

01Mechanical enforcementThe maintenance key physically cannot be extracted until the safety sequence is complete.
02Sequence complianceEnforced through mechanism design rather than relying solely on training, supervision, or operator discipline.
03No partial-compliance stateThe key remains trapped until the system is genuinely and safely isolated.
04Controlled accessA mandatory safe sequence: the machine cannot be opened out of order.
03 · HOW IT WORKS

Other brands vs SHGV with Forced Extraction.

Safety sequenceCOMPLETE?YESNOKey can be removedSAFELY ISOLATEDKey stays trappedNO PARTIAL COMPLIANCE
COMPLETE
Key can be removed once safely isolated.
INCOMPLETE
Key stays trapped.
OTHER BRANDSSHGV FORCED EXTRACTION
Safety key removalOperator may bypass key removal sequenceMechanically enforced
Sequence complianceDependent on operator actionGuaranteed through mechanism design
Human error preventionPossibility of incorrect operationSignificantly reduced
Machine access controlStandard trapped-key functionControlled access with mandatory safe sequence
Safety integrityRelies on procedures and trainingEnhanced through built-in safety mechanism
Compliance supportStandardImproved support for safety requirements

Source: Creative Industrial Automation project data sheet for this case study.

04 · RESULTS

Employees can no longer work around the safety sequence.

Since switching, the mechanical design has prevented employees from working around the safety sequence, whether intentionally or by mistake. The plant has reported being satisfied with the change.

INSIDE THE FULL CASE STUDY
01Core problem
02The weak point
03SHGV Forced Extraction
04Mechanical enforcement
05Comparison with other brands
06Proven in the field
CREATIVE INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION

The system is designed to prevent the sequence from being followed incorrectly.

Get the full case study ↑
CREATIVE INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION · CASE STUDYSHGV FORCED EXTRACTION · GUARDIAN GLASS