Are tags considered a safety device according to safety practices?

Tags are primarily designed to serve as a warning mechanism, informing employees of the status of equipment, hazards, or the need to avoid specific actions. They communicate important information, such as caution, danger, or instruction, but they do not physically prevent operation or access to equipment in the way that safety devices do.

While tags are an essential part of a comprehensive safety framework, assisting in alerting personnel to potential dangers, they lack the active protective capabilities that safety devices possess, such as locks or barriers that physically restrict access to hazardous areas or equipment. Thus, their role is fundamentally about communication rather than providing direct safety intervention. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing how safety equipment works in conjunction with warning signals like tags to ensure a safe work environment.