<p>The present invention is directed to a switching device comprising a rotary control handle adapted to switch between set-points and a sliding element adapted for protraction from a resting position to an elevated position to lock the control handle at any set-point and retraction from the elevated position to the resting position to unlock the control handle. The protraction defines an opening capable of receiving one or more padlocks in the locked position. There is also provided a locking member that includes a shaft and a recess, said shaft can move in response to the protraction and retraction of the sliding element and respectively displaced into and out the recess so as to cause the control handle to be correspondingly locked and unlocked. The switching device is also provided with means for enabling the protraction of the sliding element once the shaft is disposed within the recess by keeping the shaft stationary.</p>
