- Updated
- 2026-06-11
- Standard
- 29 CFR 1910.147
- Elements cited
- 6
- Citations
- All link to .gov
OSHA's lockout/tagout standard, 29 CFR 1910.147, requires employers to establish an energy control program that keeps machines from unexpectedly starting up, or releasing stored energy, while they are serviced or maintained.
A compliant program has six parts: a written program, machine-specific procedures, employer-provided hardware, an annual periodic inspection, role-based training, and a sequenced apply/release procedure. Each is set out below with the controlling CFR text quoted verbatim and linked to osha.gov.
What the standard covers
"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."
It does not cover normal production operations or work covered by 1910.147(a)(2)(ii)'s exceptions.
Why it matters: the enforcement record
Figures are real OSHA citation counts and proposed penalties from the federal enforcement record, filtered by NAICS sector. Want the count for your own industry and state? The free OSHA citation-risk tool ranks the standards most cited in your sector, no account required.
The six elements of a compliant program
A written energy control program
1910.147(c)(1)The program ties together three things, written procedures, training, and periodic inspections, so that no servicing or maintenance work starts until the machine is isolated and de-energized.
"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."
1910.147(c)(1) · osha.gov Machine-specific written procedures
1910.147(c)(4)(i)–(ii)A generic, undocumented policy does not satisfy the standard. Procedures must be documented and must outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques, including the steps for shutdown, isolation, lockout-device placement and removal, and verification of de-energization under (c)(4)(ii)(A)–(D).
"Procedures shall be developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees are engaged in the activities covered by this section."
1910.147(c)(4)(i)–(ii) · osha.gov Employer-provided lockout/tagout hardware
1910.147(c)(5)(i)The employer, not the worker, supplies the locks, tags, and blocking hardware. Devices must be durable, standardized, substantial, and identifiable to the individual who applies them.
"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."
1910.147(c)(5)(i) · osha.gov Annual periodic inspection
1910.147(c)(6)(i)At least once a year, an authorized employee, someone other than the worker using the procedure being checked, must inspect the energy control procedure and correct any deviations or inadequacies found.
"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."
1910.147(c)(6)(i) · osha.gov Role-based employee training
1910.147(c)(7)(i)Authorized, affected, and other employees each get training scoped to their role. Retraining is required when jobs, machines, or procedures change, or when an inspection reveals deviations.
"The employer shall provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program are understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls are acquired by employees."
1910.147(c)(7)(i) · osha.gov A sequenced apply / release procedure
1910.147(d)–(e)Application and release are an ordered sequence: notify, shut down, isolate, apply devices, release stored energy, and verify isolation before work begins, then inspect, clear, and re-energize when work is done.
"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:"
1910.147(d)–(e) · osha.gov
Lockout vs. tagout: which is required
Lockout is the default. Tagout is permitted only when an energy-isolating device cannot be locked out, and even then it must deliver protection equivalent to lockout.
| Dimension | Lockout | Tagout |
|---|---|---|
| When is each required? | Default. Required whenever the energy-isolating device is capable of being locked out. | Permitted only when the isolating device is not capable of being locked out, 1910.147(c)(2)(i). |
| Level of protection | A physical lock that prevents the device from being operated. | A warning tag only, no physical restraint. Must provide protection equivalent to lockout under (c)(3)(ii). |
| Extra steps | Standard apply / verify / release sequence. | Demonstrated full-employee protection plus additional safety measures (e.g., removing an isolating circuit element) per (c)(3)(ii). |
Grounded in 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(2) and (c)(3) · osha.gov
Group and contractor work
When a crew works under one procedure, 1910.147(f)(3)(i) requires a group procedure that gives each worker "a level of protection equivalent to that provided by the implementation of a personal lockout or tagout device." And under (f)(2)(i), when outside servicing personnel are on site, "the on-site employer and the outside employer shall inform each other of their respective lockout or tagout procedures."
Frequently asked questions
Related on Cairn
Have a question OSHA hasn't directly answered for your equipment? The LOI Drafter builds a cited request grounded in the standard and prior interpretations.
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This guide summarizes 29 CFR 1910.147 for general reference and quotes the standard verbatim where indicated; it is not legal advice. Always consult the current eCFR text and osha.gov for the controlling requirements.