OSHA general industry lockout/tagout study guide

The standard covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the unexpected energization or start up of the machines or equipment, or release of stored energy, could cause injury to employees. It sets minimum performance requirements for controlling that hazardous energy.

“This standard covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the unexpected energization or start up of the machines or equipment, or release of stored energy could cause injury to employees. This standard establishes minimum performance requirements for the control of such hazardous energy.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

The standard does not cover construction and agriculture employment; employment covered by parts 1915, 1917 and 1918 of Title 29; installations under the exclusive control of electric utilities for power generation, transmission and distribution (including related communication or metering equipment); exposure to electrical hazards from work on, near or with conductors or equipment in electric-utilization installations (covered by Subpart S of Part 1910); or oil and gas well drilling and servicing.

“(ii) This standard does not cover the following: (A) Construction and agriculture employment; (B) Employment covered by parts 1915, 1917, and 1918 of this title; (C) Installations under the exclusive control of electric utilities for the purpose of power generation, transmission and distribution, including related equipment for communication or metering; (D) Exposure to electrical hazards from work on, near, or with conductors or equipment in electric-utilization installations, which is covered by subpart S of this part; and (E) Oil and gas well drilling and servicing.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Normal production operations are not covered by this standard (the rule points to Subpart O of Part 1910). Servicing or maintenance that takes place during normal production operations is covered only if an employee is required to remove or bypass a guard or other safety device, or the condition in the next point applies.

“Normal production operations are not covered by this standard (See subpart O of this part). Servicing and/or maintenance which takes place during normal production operations is covered by this standard only if;: (A) An employee is required to remove or bypass a guard or other safety device; or”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

The other condition: an employee is required to place any part of his or her body into the point of operation (the area on a machine where work is actually performed on the material being processed) or where an associated danger zone exists during a machine operating cycle.

“(B) An employee is required to place any part of his or her body into an area on a machine or piece of equipment where work is actually performed upon the material being processed (point of operation) or where an associated danger zone exists during a machine operating cycle.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Minor tool changes and adjustments and other minor servicing during normal production operations are not covered if they are routine, repetitive and integral to the use of the equipment for production, provided that the work is performed using alternative measures which provide effective protection.

“Minor tool changes and adjustments, and other minor servicing activities, which take place during normal production operations, are not covered by this standard if they are routine, repetitive, and integral to the use of the equipment for production, provided that the work is performed using alternative measures which provide effective protection”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

The standard does not apply to work on cord and plug connected electric equipment when exposure to the hazards of unexpected energization or start up is controlled by unplugging the equipment from the energy source and by the plug being under the exclusive control of the employee performing the servicing or maintenance.

“(iii) This standard does not apply to the following. (A) Work on cord and plug connected electric equipment for which exposure to the hazards of unexpected energization or start up of the equipment is controlled by the unplugging of the equipment from the energy source and by the plug being under the exclusive control of the employee performing the servicing or maintenance.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

It also does not apply to hot tap operations on transmission and distribution systems for substances such as gas, steam, water or petroleum products when performed on pressurized pipelines, provided the employer demonstrates that continuity of service is essential, shutdown of the system is impractical, and documented procedures are followed with special equipment that provides proven effective protection for employees.

“(B) Hot tap operations involving transmission and distribution systems for substances such as gas, steam, water or petroleum products when they are performed on pressurized pipelines, provided that the employer demonstrates that (1) continuity of service is essential; (2) shutdown of the system is impractical; and (3) documented procedures are followed, and special equipment is used which will provide proven effective protection for employees.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

An affected employee is one whose job requires him or her to operate or use a machine or equipment on which servicing or maintenance is being performed under lockout or tagout, or to work in an area where such servicing or maintenance is being performed.

“Affected employee. An employee whose job requires him/her to operate or use a machine or equipment on which servicing or maintenance is being performed under lockout or tagout, or whose job requires him/her to work in an area in which such servicing or maintenance is being performed.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

An authorized employee is a person who locks out or tags out machines or equipment in order to perform servicing or maintenance on them. An affected employee becomes an authorized employee when that employee's duties include performing servicing or maintenance covered by the section.

“Authorized employee. A person who locks out or tags out machines or equipment in order to perform servicing or maintenance on that machine or equipment. An affected employee becomes an authorized employee when that employee's duties include performing servicing or maintenance covered under this section.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

An energy isolating device is capable of being locked out if it has a hasp or other means of attachment for a lock, or a built-in locking mechanism. Other devices also count if lockout can be achieved without dismantling, rebuilding or replacing the device or permanently altering its energy control capability.

“Capable of being locked out. An energy isolating device is capable of being locked out if it has a hasp or other means of attachment to which, or through which, a lock can be affixed, or it has a locking mechanism built into it. Other energy isolating devices are capable of being locked out, if lockout can be achieved without the need to dismantle, rebuild, or replace the energy isolating device or permanently alter its energy control capability.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

An energy isolating device is a mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy. The listed examples include a manually operated electrical circuit breaker, a disconnect switch, a manually operated switch meeting the stated conditions, a line valve and a block. Push buttons, selector switches and other control circuit type devices are not energy isolating devices.

“Energy isolating device. A mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy, including but not limited to the following: A manually operated electrical circuit breaker; a disconnect switch; a manually operated switch by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from all ungrounded supply conductors, and, in addition, no pole can be operated independently; a line valve; a block; and any similar device used to block or isolate energy. Push buttons, selector switches and other control circuit type devices are not energy isolating devices.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

A lockout device uses a positive means, such as a key or combination lock, to hold an energy isolating device in a safe position and prevent energizing of a machine or equipment. Blank flanges and bolted slip blinds are included.

“Lockout device. A device that utilizes a positive means such as a lock, either key or combination type, to hold an energy isolating device in a safe position and prevent the energizing of a machine or equipment. Included are blank flanges and bolted slip blinds.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

A tagout device is a prominent warning device, such as a tag and a means of attachment, which can be securely fastened to an energy isolating device in accordance with an established procedure, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed.

“Tagout device. A prominent warning device, such as a tag and a means of attachment, which can be securely fastened to an energy isolating device in accordance with an established procedure, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Servicing and/or maintenance includes activities such as constructing, installing, setting up, adjusting, inspecting, modifying and maintaining or servicing machines, including lubrication, cleaning or unjamming and making adjustments or tool changes, where the employee may be exposed to unexpected energization or startup or release of hazardous energy.

“Servicing and/or maintenance. Workplace activities such as constructing, installing, setting up, adjusting, inspecting, modifying, and maintaining and/or servicing machines or equipment. These activities include lubrication, cleaning or unjamming of machines or equipment and making adjustments or tool changes, where the employee may be exposed to the unexpected energization or startup of the equipment or release of hazardous energy.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

The employer must establish a program of energy control procedures, employee training and periodic inspections so that, before any employee services or maintains a machine where unexpected energizing, start up or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury, the machine is isolated from the energy source and rendered inoperative.

“The employer shall establish a program consisting of energy control procedures, employee training and periodic inspections to ensure that before any employee performs any servicing or maintenance on a machine or equipment where the unexpected energizing, start up or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury, the machine or equipment shall be isolated from the energy source, and rendered inoperative.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

If an energy isolating device is not capable of being locked out, the program must use a tagout system.

“If an energy isolating device is not capable of being locked out, the employer's energy control program under paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall utilize a tagout system.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

If an energy isolating device is capable of being locked out, the program must use lockout, unless the employer can demonstrate that a tagout system will provide full employee protection as set out in paragraph (c)(3).

“If an energy isolating device is capable of being locked out, the employer's energy control program under paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall utilize lockout, unless the employer can demonstrate that the utilization of a tagout system will provide full employee protection as set forth in paragraph (c)(3) of this section.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

After January 2, 1990, whenever a machine undergoes replacement or major repair, renovation or modification, and whenever new machines or equipment are installed, energy isolating devices for them must be designed to accept a lockout device.

“After January 2, 1990, whenever replacement or major repair, renovation or modification of a machine or equipment is performed, and whenever new machines or equipment are installed, energy isolating devices for such machine or equipment shall be designed to accept a lockout device.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

When a tagout device is used on a lockable energy isolating device, the tag must be attached at the same location the lock would have been, and the employer must demonstrate that the tagout program gives a level of safety equivalent to a lockout program.

“When a tagout device is used on an energy isolating device which is capable of being locked out, the tagout device shall be attached at the same location that the lockout device would have been attached, and the employer shall demonstrate that the tagout program will provide a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by using a lockout program.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Exception: the employer need not document the required procedure for a particular machine or equipment when all of the listed elements exist. The list begins with: the machine has no potential for stored or residual energy or reaccumulation of stored energy after shut down which could endanger employees, and it has a single energy source which can be readily identified and isolated.

“Note: Exception: The employer need not document the required procedure for a particular machine or equipment, when all of the following elements exist: (1) The machine or equipment has no potential for stored or residual energy or reaccumulation of stored energy after shut down which could endanger employees; (2) the machine or equipment has a single energy source which can be readily identified and isolated;”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

The procedures must clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules and techniques for controlling hazardous energy and the means to enforce compliance, including a specific statement of the intended use of the procedure and specific steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing machines or equipment.

“(ii) The procedures shall clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques to be utilized for the control of hazardous energy, and the means to enforce compliance including, but not limited to, the following: (A) A specific statement of the intended use of the procedure; (B) Specific procedural steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing machines or equipment to control hazardous energy;”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

The procedures must also include specific steps for placing, removing and transferring lockout or tagout devices and the responsibility for them, and specific requirements for testing a machine or equipment to determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout devices, tagout devices and other energy control measures.

“(C) Specific procedural steps for the placement, removal and transfer of lockout devices or tagout devices and the responsibility for them; and (D) Specific requirements for testing a machine or equipment to determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout devices, tagout devices, and other energy control measures.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

The employer must provide the locks, tags, chains, wedges, key blocks, adapter pins, self-locking fasteners or other hardware for isolating, securing or blocking machines or equipment from energy sources.

“Locks, tags, chains, wedges, key blocks, adapter pins, self-locking fasteners, or other hardware shall be provided by the employer for isolating, securing or blocking of machines or equipment from energy sources.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Durable: devices must withstand the environment they are exposed to for the maximum period of time that exposure is expected. Tagout devices must be constructed and printed so that weather or wet and damp locations do not make the tag deteriorate or its message become illegible, and tags must not deteriorate in corrosive environments such as areas where acid and alkali chemicals are handled and stored.

“(A) Durable. (1) Lockout and tagout devices shall be capable of withstanding the environment to which they are exposed for the maximum period of time that exposure is expected. (2) Tagout devices shall be constructed and printed so that exposure to weather conditions or wet and damp locations will not cause the tag to deteriorate or the message on the tag to become illegible. (3) Tags shall not deteriorate when used in corrosive environments such as areas where acid and alkali chemicals are handled and stored.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Standardized: devices must be standardized within the facility in at least one of color, shape or size, and for tagout devices, print and format must also be standardized.

“Lockout and tagout devices shall be standardized within the facility in at least one of the following criteria: Color; shape; or size; and additionally, in the case of tagout devices, print and format shall be standardized.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Substantial (lockout devices): they must be substantial enough to prevent removal without excessive force or unusual techniques, such as bolt cutters or other metal cutting tools.

“Lockout devices shall be substantial enough to prevent removal without the use of excessive force or unusual techniques, such as with the use of bolt cutters or other metal cutting tools.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Substantial (tagout devices): the attachment means must be non-reusable, attachable by hand, self-locking and non-releasable, with a minimum unlocking strength of no less than 50 pounds, and at least equivalent in general design to a one-piece, all-environment-tolerant nylon cable tie.

“Tagout device attachment means shall be of a non-reusable type, attachable by hand, self-locking, and non-releasable with a minimum unlocking strength of no less than 50 pounds and having the general design and basic characteristics of being at least equivalent to a one-piece, all-environment-tolerant nylon cable tie.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Identifiable: lockout and tagout devices must indicate the identity of the employee applying them. Tagout devices must also warn against hazardous conditions if the machine is energized and include a legend such as Do Not Start, Do Not Open, Do Not Close, Do Not Energize, Do Not Operate.

“(D) Identifiable. Lockout devices and tagout devices shall indicate the identity of the employee applying the device(s). (iii) Tagout devices shall warn against hazardous conditions if the machine or equipment is energized and shall include a legend such as the following: Do Not Start, Do Not Open, Do Not Close, Do Not Energize, Do Not Operate.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

The employer must conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the standard's requirements are being followed. It must be performed by an authorized employee other than the one(s) using the energy control procedure being inspected, and conducted to correct any deviations or inadequacies identified.

“The employer shall conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the requirements of this standard are being followed. (A) The periodic inspection shall be perfomed by an authorized employee other than the ones(s) utilizing the energy control procedure being inspected. (B) The periodic inspection shall be conducted to correct any deviations or inadequacies identified.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Where lockout is used, the inspection must include a review between the inspector and each authorized employee of that employee's responsibilities under the procedure being inspected.

“Where lockout is used for energy control, the periodic inspection shall include a review, between the inspector and each authorized employee, of that employee's responsibilities under the energy control procedure being inspected.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Where tagout is used, the review must be between the inspector and each authorized and affected employee, covering that employee's responsibilities under the procedure being inspected and the elements set forth in paragraph (c)(7)(ii).

“Where tagout is used for energy control, the periodic inspection shall include a review, between the inspector and each authorized and affected employee, of that employee's responsibilities under the energy control procedure being inspected, and the elements set forth in paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of this section.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

The employer must certify that periodic inspections were performed. The certification identifies the machine or equipment, the date of the inspection, the employees included and the person performing it.

“The employer shall certify that the periodic inspections have been performed. The certification shall identify the machine or equipment on which the energy control procedure was being utilized, the date of the inspection, the employees included in the inspection, and the person performing the inspection.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Each authorized employee must be trained in recognizing applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of energy in the workplace, and the methods and means needed for energy isolation and control.

“Each authorized employee shall receive training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Each affected employee must be instructed in the purpose and use of the energy control procedure.

“Each affected employee shall be instructed in the purpose and use of the energy control procedure.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

All other employees whose work is or may be in an area where energy control procedures may be used must be instructed about the procedure and about the prohibition on attempting to restart or reenergize machines that are locked out or tagged out.

“All other employees whose work operations are or may be in an area where energy control procedures may be utilized, shall be instructed about the procedure, and about the prohibition relating to attempts to restart or reenergize machines or equipment which are locked out or tagged out.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

When tagout systems are used, employees must also be trained in the limitations of tags that the rule lists. The first is that tags are essentially warning devices affixed to energy isolating devices and do not provide the physical restraint on those devices that a lock provides.

“(ii) When tagout systems are used, employees shall also be trained in the following limitations of tags: (A) Tags are essentially warning devices affixed to energy isolating devices, and do not provide the physical restraint on those devices that is provided by a lock.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Retraining must be provided for all authorized and affected employees whenever their job assignments change, machines, equipment or processes change in a way that presents a new hazard, or the energy control procedures change.

“Retraining shall be provided for all authorized and affected employees whenever there is a change in their job assignments, a change in machines, equipment or processes that present a new hazard, or when there is a change in the energy control procedures.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Additional retraining is also required whenever a periodic inspection reveals, or the employer has reason to believe, that there are deviations from or inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of the energy control procedures.

“Additional retraining shall also be conducted whenever a periodic inspection under paragraph (c)(6) of this section reveals, or whenever the employer has reason to believe, that there are deviations from or inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of the energy control procedures.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

The employer must certify that employee training has been accomplished and is being kept up to date. The certification contains each employee's name and dates of training.

“The employer shall certify that employee training has been accomplished and is being kept up to date. The certification shall contain each employee's name and dates of training.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Lockout or tagout may be performed only by the authorized employees who are performing the servicing or maintenance.

“Lockout or tagout shall be performed only by the authorized employees who are performing the servicing or maintenance.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Affected employees must be notified by the employer or authorized employee of the application and removal of lockout or tagout devices, before the controls are applied and after they are removed.

“Affected employees shall be notified by the employer or authorized employee of the application and removal of lockout devices or tagout devices. Notification shall be given before the controls are applied, and after they are removed from the machine or equipment.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

The procedures for applying energy control must cover the listed elements and actions in this sequence. First, preparation for shutdown: before an authorized or affected employee turns off the machine, the authorized employee must know the type and magnitude of the energy, the hazards of the energy to be controlled, and the method or means to control it.

“(d) Application of control. The established procedures for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) shall cover the following elements and actions and shall be done in the following sequence: (1) Preparation for shutdown. Before an authorized or affected employee turns off a machine or equipment, the authorized employee shall have knowledge of the type and magnitude of the energy, the hazards of the energy to be controlled, and the method or means to control the energy.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Second, machine or equipment shutdown: the machine is turned off or shut down using the procedures established for it, and an orderly shutdown must be used to avoid any additional or increased hazard to employees from the stoppage.

“(2) Machine or equipment shutdown. The machine or equipment shall be turned off or shut down using the procedures established for the machine or equipment. An orderly shutdown must be utilized to avoid any additional or increased hazard(s) to employees as a result of the equipment stoppage.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Third, isolation: all energy isolating devices needed to control the energy must be physically located and operated so as to isolate the machine from its energy source(s). Fourth, authorized employees affix lockout or tagout devices to each energy isolating device.

“(3) Machine or equipment isolation. All energy isolating devices that are needed to control the energy to the machine or equipment shall be physically located and operated in such a manner as to isolate the machine or equipment from the energy source(s). (4) Lockout or tagout device application. (i) Lockout or tagout devices shall be affixed to each energy isolating device by authorized employees.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Next, after the devices are applied, all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy must be relieved, disconnected, restrained and otherwise rendered safe. If stored energy could reaccumulate to a hazardous level, verification of isolation must continue until the servicing or maintenance is completed or the possibility no longer exists.

“(i) Following the application of lockout or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy shall be relieved, disconnected, restrained, and otherwise rendered safe. (ii) If there is a possibility of reaccumulation of stored energy to a hazardous level, verification of isolation shall be continued until the servicing or maintenance is completed, or until the possibility of such accumulation no longer exists.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Last, before starting work on locked-out or tagged-out machines, the authorized employee must verify that isolation and deenergization have been accomplished.

“Prior to starting work on machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out, the authorized employee shall verify that isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment have been accomplished.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Appendix A to the section, a typical minimal lockout procedure, is described in the rule's note as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers and employees. Nothing in it adds to or detracts from any of the requirements of the section.

“Note: The following appendix to § 1910.147 services as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers and employees in complying with the requirements of this section, as well as to provide other helpful information. Nothing in the appendix adds to or detracts from any of the requirements of this section. Appendix A to § 1910.147—Typical Minimal Lockout Procedure”

29 CFR 1910.147, Appendix A

Before lockout or tagout devices are removed and energy is restored, the authorized employee(s) must follow procedures and take actions to ensure that the work area has been inspected so that nonessential items have been removed and machine or equipment components are operationally intact.

“(e) Release from lockout or tagout. Before lockout or tagout devices are removed and energy is restored to the machine or equipment, procedures shall be followed and actions taken by the authorized employee(s) to ensure the following: (1) The machine or equipment. The work area shall be inspected to ensure that nonessential items have been removed and to ensure that machine or equipment components are operationally intact.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

The work area must also be checked to ensure that all employees have been safely positioned or removed. After the devices are removed and before the machine is started, affected employees must be notified that the lockout or tagout devices have been removed.

“(2) Employees. (i) The work area shall be checked to ensure that all employees have been safely positioned or removed. (ii) After lockout or tagout devices have been removed and before a machine or equipment is started, affected employees shall be notified that the lockout or tagout device(s) have been removed.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Each lockout or tagout device must be removed by the employee who applied it. Exception: when the authorized employee who applied it is not available to remove it, the device may be removed under the direction of the employer, provided specific procedures and training for such removal have been developed, documented and incorporated into the energy control program.

“Each lockout or tagout device shall be removed from each energy isolating device by the employee who applied the device. Exception to paragraph (e)(3): When the authorized employee who applied the lockout or tagout device is not available to remove it, that device may be removed under the direction of the employer, provided that specific procedures and training for such removal have been developed, documented and incorporated into the employer's energy control program.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

That specific procedure must include at least: verification by the employer that the authorized employee who applied the device is not at the facility; making all reasonable efforts to contact the authorized employee to say that his or her device has been removed; and ensuring that he or she has this knowledge before resuming work at that facility.

“The specific procedure shall include at least the following elements: (i) Verfication by the employer that the authorized employee who applied the device is not at the facility; (ii) Making all reasonable efforts to contact the authorized employee to inform him/her that his/her lockout or tagout device has been removed; and (iii) Ensuring that the authorized employee has this knowledge before he/she resumes work at that facility.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

For testing or positioning a machine, the required sequence is: clear the machine of tools and materials, remove employees from the machine area, remove the lockout or tagout devices as specified in paragraph (e)(3), energize and proceed with testing or positioning, then deenergize all systems and reapply energy control measures under paragraph (d) to continue the servicing or maintenance.

“(i) Clear the machine or equipment of tools and materials in accordance with paragraph (e)(1) of this section; (ii) Remove employees from the machine or equipment area in accordance with paragraph (e)(2) of this section; (iii) Remove the lockout or tagout devices as specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section; (iv) Energize and proceed with testing or positioning; (v) Deenergize all systems and reapply energy control measures in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section to continue the servicing and/or maintenance.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Whenever outside servicing personnel are to do work covered by the standard, the on-site employer and the outside employer must inform each other of their respective lockout or tagout procedures. The on-site employer must ensure that its employees understand and comply with the restrictions and prohibitions of the outside employer's energy control program.

“Whenever outside servicing personnel are to be engaged in activities covered by the scope and application of this standard, the on-site employer and the outside employer shall inform each other of their respective lockout or tagout procedures. (ii) The on-site employer shall ensure that his/her employees understand and comply with the restrictions and prohibitions of the outside employer's energy control program.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

In group lockout or tagout, each authorized employee must affix a personal lockout or tagout device to the group lockout device, group lockbox or comparable mechanism when he or she begins work, and remove it when he or she stops working on the machine.

“Each authorized employee shall affix a personal lockout or tagout device to the group lockout device, group lockbox, or comparable mechanism when he or she begins work, and shall remove those devices when he or she stops working on the machine or equipment being serviced or maintained.”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

During shift or personnel changes, specific procedures must ensure continuity of lockout or tagout protection, including the orderly transfer of device protection between off-going and oncoming employees.

“Specific procedures shall be utilized during shift or personnel changes to ensure the continuity of lockout or tagout protection, including provision for the orderly transfer of lockout or tagout device protection between off-going and oncoming employees,”

29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)