What Is Lockout/Tagout?

The easiest way to think about "lockout" is that locked out equipment cannot be restarted unless the lockout device is removed. Once the equipment is locked, the worker can then safely proceed with the work. Lockout procedures can mean the difference between life and death.

"Tagged out" means that a tag has been placed on the equipment to show everyone that it is prohibited to restart or operate the equipment.

The main federal OSHA regulation is located in The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) and is found in 29 CFR 1910.147, there are also regulations found in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart K specific to the construction industry, and CFR 29 1910 Subpart S which is a general industry regulation. In order to work safely, workers must make sure they receive training and understand their employer's lockout/tagout program. If workers have any questions or doubts about how to work safely, they should raise their concerns with their supervisor right away.

For each machine, piece of equipment, or prime mover a worker has been assigned to work on or around, the worker must follow his or her employer's Hazardous Energy Control Procedures. These procedures must include the following:

• Workers know what all of the hazardous energy sources are for each machine they have been assigned to work on or around. These include main and secondary power supplies as well as potential and stored energy (such as capacitors, springs, elevated machine members, rotating flywheels, hydraulic systems, and air, gas, steam or water pressure).
• Workers are in control of all hazardous energy sources because they have performed all the necessary actions to de-energize machinery, which may include one or more of the following:
  • Shutting down equipment
  • Closing valves, disconnecting switches, or unplugging machinery
  • Blocking or inserting blank flanges
  • Bleeding or opening drain/vent valves
  • Relieving or restraining potential energy
• Workers have applied all personal locks and tags that are needed.
• Workers have tested and checked that the hazardous energy has been controlled.
• Workers have safely restored the equipment, machinery, and prime movers back to service

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