Which type of devices are acceptable for lockout procedures?

The correct answer, which states that padlocks and lock boxes are acceptable for lockout procedures, reflects OSHA's guidance on the proper methods for implementing lockout/tagout protocols.

Lockout/tagout procedures are essential for ensuring that machines and equipment are properly shut off and unable to be started up again until maintenance or servicing has been completed. The use of padlocks is significant because they provide a physical barrier against unauthorized access to energy sources. A lock box further enhances this by allowing multiple employees to secure their individual padlocks onto a single lockout device, ensuring that all parties involved in a task can safely operate without the risk of unexpected energization.

In comparison, although digital locks may be used in certain contexts, they don't universally meet the requirements for all lockout situations due to potential vulnerabilities and reliance on electronic mechanisms. Security alarms and cameras do not serve as lockout devices; instead, they are security measures that do not physically prevent a machine from being energized. Generically labeled lockout devices may not provide sufficient specificity or security, which is critical in ensuring that only authorized personnel are able to re-energize the machine.

Therefore, the use of padlocks and lock boxes is fundamental within OSHA’s lockout/tagout standards, emphasizing safety and