OSHA 1910.147 Overview
The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) standard, OSHA 1910.147, establishes requirements for controlling hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment. This standard helps prevent serious injuries and fatalities from unexpected energization, startup, or release of stored energy.
Scope and Application
What is covered:
- Servicing and maintenance activities where unexpected energization could cause injury
- All sources of hazardous energy (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal)
- General industry workplaces under OSHA jurisdiction
What is NOT covered:
- Construction, agriculture, and maritime operations
- Installation, construction, or repair work on public utilities
- Hot tap operations on pressurized pipelines
- Normal production operations
Key Definitions
Authorized Employee
A person who locks out or tags out machines or equipment to perform servicing or maintenance.
Affected Employee
An employee whose job requires operating or using a machine or equipment on which servicing or maintenance is being performed.
Energy Isolating Device
A mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy.
Lockout
The placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device to ensure the device cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed.
Tagout
The placement of a tagout device on an energy isolating device to indicate that the device cannot be operated until the tagout device is removed.
Servicing and/or Maintenance
Workplace activities such as constructing, installing, setting up, adjusting, inspecting, modifying, and maintaining and/or servicing machines or equipment.
Energy Control Program Requirements
1. Energy Control Program
Employers must establish a program consisting of:
- Energy control procedures
- Employee training
- Periodic inspections
2. Energy Control Procedures
Procedures must be developed, documented, and used for the control of potentially hazardous energy. They must include:
- Specific steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking, and securing machines
- Specific steps for placement, removal, and transfer of lockout/tagout devices
- Requirements for testing machines to verify isolation
- Specific requirements for lockout/tagout device removal
3. Employee Training
Training must be provided to ensure employees understand:
- The purpose and function of the energy control program
- Energy control procedures relevant to their job assignments
- Prohibited activities and consequences of violations
4. Periodic Inspections
Inspections must be conducted at least annually to ensure:
- Procedures are being followed
- Employees are properly trained
- Procedures are adequate for current equipment
Lockout/Tagout Procedures
Six-Step Process
1
Preparation
Identify the type and magnitude of energy, understand hazards, and know methods to control energy.
2
Shutdown
Notify affected employees and shut down the machine or equipment using established procedures.
3
Isolation
Operate energy isolating devices to isolate the machine from energy sources.
4
Application
Apply lockout or tagout devices to energy isolating devices.
5
Verification
Verify isolation by attempting to start the machine and checking for residual energy.
6
Work
Perform servicing or maintenance work.
Removal of Lockout/Tagout Devices
Before lockout/tagout devices are removed and energy is restored:
- The work area must be inspected to ensure all tools have been removed
- All employees must be safely positioned or removed from the area
- Affected employees must be notified that devices are being removed
- Each lockout/tagout device must be removed by the employee who applied it
Group Lockout/Tagout
When servicing is performed by a crew, craft, department, or other group:
- Each authorized employee must affix a personal lockout or tagout device
- Procedures must provide equivalent safety to individual lockout/tagout
- Primary responsibility must be assigned to an authorized employee
- All group members must be accounted for before energy is restored
Training Requirements
Authorized Employees
Must receive training in:
- Recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources
- Type and magnitude of energy available in the workplace
- Methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control
- Procedures for lockout/tagout application and removal
Affected Employees
Must receive training in:
- Purpose and use of energy control procedures
- Prohibition against restarting locked out or tagged out equipment
- Prohibition against removing lockout/tagout devices
Other Employees
Must receive training in:
- Prohibition against restarting locked out or tagged out equipment
- Prohibition against removing lockout/tagout devices
Periodic Inspections
Inspections must be conducted at least annually and include:
- Review of each authorized employee's responsibilities under the energy control procedures
- Review of each affected employee's responsibilities under the energy control procedures
- Review of each other employee's responsibilities under the energy control procedures
- Documentation of inspection findings
How LOCKOUT ID Enhances Compliance
LOCKOUT ID's Smart LOTO Tag System addresses key challenges in OSHA 1910.147 compliance:
- Digital Audit Trail: Automatic recording of all lockout/tagout activities with timestamps
- Real-time Verification: Instant confirmation of tag status and worker assignments
- Enhanced Training: Built-in training modules and procedure guidance
- Compliance Reporting: Automated generation of compliance documentation
- Worker Accountability: Clear identification of authorized and affected employees
- Procedure Standardization: Consistent application of lockout/tagout procedures
Additional Resources
For more information about OSHA 1910.147 compliance and how LOCKOUT ID can help your organization meet these requirements, contact our safety experts: