Typical Minimal Lockout Procedures for Employers

Appendix A to 29 CFR §1910.147 is a non-mandatory guideline. It outlines a simple lockout procedure that employers can copy to develop their own procedures. This will assist employers in meeting the requirements of 29 CFR §1910.147.

General

• When the energy-isolating devices are not lockable, tagout may be used, provided the employer complies with the provisions of 29 CFR §1910.147 that require additional training and more rigorous periodic inspections.
• When tagout is used and the energy-isolating devices are lockable, the employer must provide full employee protection; additional training and more rigorous periodic inspections are required.
• For more complex systems, more comprehensive procedures may need to be developed, documented, and used.

Purpose and Compliance

The following procedure represents the minimum requirements for the lockout of energy-isolating devices whenever maintenance is done on machines. Following the procedure ensures that the machine is stopped, isolated from all potentially hazardous energy sources, and locked out before employees perform any maintenance where the unexpected energization or start-up of the machine or release of stored energy could cause injury.

All employees are required to comply with the restrictions imposed on them during the use of lockout. Authorized employees are required to perform the lockout in accordance with this procedure. Employees must not attempt to start, energize, or use a machine that is locked out.

To learn more about Construction Lockout/Tagout visit our Construction Lockout/Tagout Online Training web page.