Lockout/Tagout: What you need to know

The lockout/tagout rules are designed to prevent accidents during servicing and/or maintenance operations on 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. The regulation calls for the control of energy-isolating devices by attaching locks (lockout) that prevent the machine from being operated, or tags (tagout) that warn people not to start up the machine.

Documented lockout/tagout program. The employer must set up a program that includes energy-control procedures, employee training, and periodic inspections. Any machine or equipment that is to be serviced must have its energy source isolated so that the machine is made inoperable. If it is not possible to do this with a lockout device, a tagout system must be used. Employers must conduct inspections, at least annually, of the energy-control procedures to make sure that they comply with all regulations. Employers must provide training so that employees acquire the knowledge and skills needed to apply, use, and remove the energy controls safely. All lockout and tagout of equipment must be performed by the employees who are going to service the machines. Employees who will be affected by a lockout or tagout must be notified before and after the controls are applied.

29 CFR 1910.147(a)

The lockout/tagout rule applies to the control of hazardous energy during servicing and/or maintenance of machines and equipment, including any source of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other energy.

Hazardous energy defined. Hazardous energy includes mechanical motion, potential (i.e., stored) energy due ...