Periodic Inspections

The employer must conduct a periodic inspection of its energy control procedures at least annually to ensure they meet the requirements of 29 CFR §1910.147.

• The periodic inspection must be performed by an authorized employee other than the one(s) utilizing the energy control procedure being inspected.
• The periodic inspection must be conducted to correct any deviations or inadequacies identified.
• Where lockout is used for energy control, the periodic inspection must include a review, between the inspector and each authorized employee, of that employee's responsibilities under the energy control procedure being inspected.
• Where tagout is used for energy control, the periodic inspection must include a review, between the inspector and each authorized and affected employee, of that employee's responsibilities under the energy control procedure being inspected.
• The employer must certify that the periodic inspections have been performed. The certification must identify the machine on which the energy control procedure was being utilized, the date of the inspection, the employees included in the inspection, and the person performing the inspection.

Notification of Employees

Lockout or tagout can be performed only by the authorized employees who are performing maintenance.

Affected employees must be notified by the employer or authorized employee of the application and removal of lockout devices or tagout devices.

Notification must be given before the controls are applied and after they are removed from the machine.

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