Lock-Out & Tagging of Circuits

Certain work practices apply specifically to work performed on exposed de-energized parts or near enough to them to expose the employee to any electrical hazard they present. The employer must maintain a written copy of the procedures for working on or near exposed de-energized parts and must make it available for inspection by employees and by the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.

A lock and a tag must be placed on each disconnecting means used to de-energize circuits and equipment on which work is to be performed to prevent people from operating the disconnecting means. Each tag must contain a statement prohibiting unauthorized operation of the disconnecting means and removal of the tag. Conductors and parts of electrical equipment that have been de-energized but have not been locked out or tagged must be treated as energized parts. Whenever any employee is exposed to contact with parts of fixed electrical equipment or circuits that have been de-energized, the circuits energizing the parts must be locked out or tagged.

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