Which statement about tagout compared to physical locks is true?

• A. Tagout provides at least the same level of protection as physical locks
• B. Tagout provides less protection
• C. Tagout provides more protection
• D. Tagout is always sufficient

Answer: (A)

In energy-control practices, locks provide true mechanical isolation, while tags are warnings that energy has been isolated. A lock physically prevents the energy source from being re-energized because the locking device cannot be removed without authorized access. A tagout device merely communicates that work is being done and that the equipment should not be operated, but it does not prevent a startup or energization by itself. Because tags rely on human compliance and can be lost, damaged, or ignored, they do not offer the same level of protection as a lock. OSHA emphasizes using lockout for the highest level of safety and uses tagout mainly as a supplementary warning when a lock cannot be applied, or in special circumstances with additional controls. So tagout does not provide the same protection as physical locks; it provides less protection.