| Product suitability | Confirm the padlock is intended for lockout/tagout use and is suitable for the workplace hazards and procedures. | Product datasheet, user instructions, available body and shackle options, and sample units. | Specifications clearly state dimensions, materials, operating conditions, and intended application. |
| Lockout program compatibility | Check that the proposed locks can be used within the buyer’s site-specific energy-control procedures, identification system, and key-control rules. | Keying options, labeling or engraving options, and written details on how keys are assigned and controlled. | The supplier can explain available keying configurations and provide samples for compatibility checks before bulk production. |
| Construction and materials | Review body and shackle materials, corrosion resistance, and the suitability of the construction for the intended environment. | Material specifications, dimensional drawings, sample inspection, and any applicable test reports. | Material and finish details are documented, consistent across samples, and appropriate for the stated use conditions. |
| Durability and operation | Assess key operation, shackle movement, body finish, and resistance to wear under normal handling. | Written inspection or test methods, sample testing results, and a clear defect-handling process. | Samples operate smoothly, and the supplier defines inspection criteria and corrective actions for nonconforming units. |
| Safety and regulatory claims | Verify any stated compliance or performance claims against the exact product model and the relevant market requirements. | Applicable declarations, test reports, and the name and scope of the issuing laboratory or assessment body, where relevant. | Claims are specific and supported by traceable documents; avoid relying on unsupported statements such as “fully certified.” |
| Quality management | Understand how incoming materials, production, final inspection, and product traceability are controlled. | Quality procedures, inspection records, batch or lot identification method, and any current quality-system certificates claimed. | The supplier can describe documented inspection stages and trace a finished batch to relevant production records. |
| Sample and pre-production approval | Confirm samples represent the proposed materials, dimensions, keying, colors, and packaging for the order. | Approved reference sample, signed specification sheet, and written change-approval process. | Bulk production begins only after key product details and the reference sample are approved in writing. |
| Order terms and capacity | Clarify minimum order quantity, production lead time, payment terms, customization limits, and peak-season capacity. | Written quotation, order confirmation, production schedule, and stated assumptions for customized orders. | All commercial terms are itemized and consistent between the quotation, purchase order, and final invoice. |
| Packaging and shipping | Check protective packaging, carton details, shipping marks, and whether export documentation can meet the destination market’s needs. | Packaging specification, carton dimensions and gross weight, packing list, and agreed shipping terms. | Packaging protects the locks in transit, and shipping responsibilities and documents are agreed before dispatch. |
| Communication and after-sales support | Evaluate response clarity, technical support, complaint handling, replacement terms, and availability of spare keys or parts where applicable. | Named sales and quality contacts, written warranty terms, and a documented process for reporting product issues. | The supplier responds with clear, consistent information and provides a defined route for resolving quality concerns. |