In lockout/tagout, which statement best describes the protective difference?

• A. Tagout provides more physical protection.
• B. Lockout uses a physical device to prevent energy release; tagout uses a tag to warn that the equipment is not to be energized, but provides less physical protection.
• C. Both are equally protective.
• D. There is no difference.

Answer: (B)

The protective difference rests on physical isolation versus a warning only. A lockout device physically blocks the energy source, so the equipment cannot be energized until the lock is removed by the authorized person with the key. A tagout relies on a warning tag to say “do not energize,” but it does not provide a real physical barrier, so energy could be released if someone ignores, damages, or removes the tag. Because of that, lockout offers stronger protection. The described statement matches this distinction: a physical device prevents energy release, while a tag warns and provides less physical protection.