What is a requirement for locks and tags used in a lockout/tagout procedure?

Locks and tags utilized in a lockout/tagout procedure are critical components for ensuring safety during maintenance and servicing of potentially hazardous machinery. A key requirement is that they must identify the person who applied the device. This identification facilitates accountability and communication, allowing others to know who is responsible for the lockout or tagout. This is essential in ensuring that only the authorized person can remove or bypass the lock or tag, thus preventing any accidental machine start-up that could lead to injury.

The other options do not fulfill this primary concern. While certain materials and colors can be specified in organizational policies, they are not universally mandated requirements by regulations. Similarly, the frequency of inspections for locks and tags is an operational decision and is not a standard requirement of lockout/tagout procedures. The necessity for clear identification is central to maintaining a safe working environment during hazardous operations.