In a first for the safety interlocking industry, industrial safety specialist Castell Safety International Ltd has launched a web shop with unique functionality, Porta Castell (www.porta.castell.com).

Castell has been a leader in trapped key interlocking technology, developing products that keep pace with the needs of emerging markets and applications in all business sectors. Its products go beyond meeting legislation to create the safest working environments possible. The company now designs and manufactures the world's widest range of industrial safety systems and offers unrivalled experience in trapped key interlocking.

Porta Castell is an online facility that allows customers to order not only Iso-Lok lock-out / tag-out products and replacement FS keys, but now selected trapped key interlocks and Salvo products via a symbol configurator. Iso-Lok padlocks can be ordered according to existing differs or suites, with customers specifying the required differs when placing their order. Replacement spares of trapped key interlocks and Salvo products can also be purchased to suit customers' existing on-site systems.

Payment can now be made via a purchase order system, in addition to the existing payment (credit / debit) card option. The web shop also features a facility to create and export a quotation to satisfy customers' paperwork requirements.

Porta Castell ensures that orders are processed faster, with improved lead times for trapped key interlocks and Salvo products; products can be despatched within seven days.

Customers also benefit from an improved acknowledgement service; Porta Castell orders receive an immediate order confirmation.

David Hughes, Castell's sales director, commented: "This is an important development for Castell. The ability for customers to be able to place orders and select products using Porta Castell will reduce lead times and also ensure that customers can select the correct products at the point of purchase. Castell's products are installed all over the world - being able to respond to demands from our customers to support this installed base is a key issue that Porta Castell helps solve."

Ashok Dhanasekaran, Application Engineer, Castell Safety International Ltd, Chennai. Mobile: 098406-31258. Email: adhanasekaran@castell.com