Which devices are commonly used to implement lockout/tagout?

Which devices are commonly used to implement lockout/tagout?

• A. A lockout device such as a padlock is applied to each energy source.
• B. A safety cone.
• C. A digital password.
• D. A hammer.

Answer: (A)

Lockout/tagout centers on preventing unexpected machine energization during maintenance by physically isolating the energy source. The safest and most reliable method is to apply a lockout device, such as a padlock, to each energy source’s control point (switch, valve, circuit breaker, etc.). This creates a physical barrier that prevents re-energizing the equipment until the lock is removed by the person who applied it. A tag may accompany the lock to indicate who applied it and why, but the critical protection comes from the lock holding the energy source in the off position. By using individual locks on every energy source, multiple workers can work safely, each keeping their own device in place until the work is finished. In contrast, items like a safety cone, a digital password, or a hammer do not physically isolate energy and thus do not implement lockout/tagout.

Lockout/tagout centers on preventing unexpected machine energization during maintenance by physically isolating the energy source. The safest and most reliable method is to apply a lockout device, such as a padlock, to each energy source’s control point (switch, valve, circuit breaker, etc.). This creates a physical barrier that prevents re-energizing the equipment until the lock is removed by the person who applied it. A tag may accompany the lock to indicate who applied it and why, but the critical protection comes from the lock holding the energy source in the off position. By using individual locks on every energy source, multiple workers can work safely, each keeping their own device in place until the work is finished. In contrast, items like a safety cone, a digital password, or a hammer do not physically isolate energy and thus do not implement lockout/tagout.