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OSHA 3120
Control Of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)

[Cover - Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)] Control Of Hazardous Energy
(Lockout/Tagout)

U.S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA 3120
1997 (Revised)



This informational booklet is intended to provide a generic, non-exhausive overview of a particular standards-related topic. This publication does not itself alter or determine compliance responsibilities, which are set forth in OSHA standards themselves and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Moreover, because interpretations and inforcement policy may change over time, for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements, the reader should consult current administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the courts.

Material contained in this publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission of the Federal Government. Source credit is requested but not required.



This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request.

Voice phone: (202) 219-8615; Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) message referral phone: 1-800-326-2577.


[Seal - US Department of Labor] Control of Hazardous Energy
(Lockout/tagout)



U.S. Department of Labor
Alexis M. Herman, Secretary

Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Gregory R. Watchman, Acting Assistant Secretary

OSHA 3120
1997 (Revised)




Contents



Introduction

Scope and Application

Normal Production Operations
Servicing and/or Maintenance Operations
Minor Servicing Tasks

Provisions of the Standard
Energy Control Program
Energy Control Procedure
Energy-Isolating Devices
Requirements for Lockout/Tagout Devices
Employee Training
Periodic Inspections
Application of Controls and Lockout/Tagout Devices
Removal of Locks and Tags
Additional Safety Requirements

Other OSHA Standards and Issues
Hazard Communication
Recordkeeping
Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records

Other Sources of OSHA Assistance
Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines
State Programs
Onsite Consultation Services
Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)
Training and Education
Electronic Information
Emergencies

Glossary

OSHA Related Publications

States with Approved Plans

Consultation Project Directory

OSHA Area Offices

OSHA Regional Offices




Introduction



On September 1, 1989, OSHA issued a final rule on the Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) of Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (29 CFR) Part 1910.147. This standard, which went into effect on January 2, 1990, helps safeguard employees from the unexpected startup of machines or equipment or release of hazardous energy while they are performing servicing or maintenance. The standard identifies the practices and procedures necessary to shut down and lock out or tag out machines and equipment, requires that employees receive training in their role in the lockout/tagout program, and mandates that periodic inspections be conducted to maintain or enhance the energy control program.

In the early 1970's, OSHA adopted various lockout-related provisions of the then existing national consensus standards and Federal standards that were developed for specific types of equipment or industries. When the existing standards specify lockout, the new rule supplements these existing standards(1) by requiring the development and utilization of written procedures, the training of employees, and periodic inspections of the use of the procedures.

This rule requires that, in general, before service or maintenance is performed on machines or equipment, the machines or equipment must be turned off and disconnected from the energy source, and the energy-isolating device must be either locked or tagged out.

OSHA has determined that lockout is a more reliable means of deenergizing equipment than tagout and that it should always be the preferred method used by employees. The Agency believes that, except for limited situations, the use of lockout devices will provide a more secure and more effective means of protecting employees from the unexpected release of hazardous energy or startup of machines and equipment.

Approximately 39 million workers are protected by this rule. (The 3 million workers who actually service equipment -- i.e., craft workers, machine operators, and laborers -- face the greatest risk.) OSHA estimates that compliance with the standard prevents about 122 fatalities, 28,400 lost workday injuries, and 31,900 non-lost workday injuries each year.

OSHA estimates that adherence to the requirements of this standard can eliminate nearly 2 percent of all workplace deaths in establishments affected by this rule and can have a significant impact on worker safety and health in the U.S.

Employers and employees in the 25 states that operate OSHA-approved workplace safety and health plans should check with their state agency. Their state may be enforcing standards and other procedures that, while "at least as effective as" federal standards, are not always identical to the federal requirements. See page 19 for more information on state plans.



Scope and Application



The lockout/tagout standard applies to general industry employment and covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the unexpected startup or the release of stored energy could cause injury to employees. The standard applies to any source of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other energy, but does not cover electrical hazards. Subpart S of 29 CFR Part 1910 covers electrical hazards, and 29 CFR Part 1910.333 contains specific lockout/tagout provisions for electrical hazards. (If employees are performing service or maintenance tasks that do not expose them to the unexpected startup of machines or equipment, energization, or release of hazardous energy, the standard does not apply.)

The standard establishes minimum performance requirements for the control of hazardous energy.

The standard does not apply in the following situations:

  • While servicing or maintaining cord and plug connected electrical equipment, provided that the equipment is unplugged from the energy source; and the plug remains under the exclusive control of the employee performing the servicing and/or maintenance; and
  • During hot tap operations that involve transmission and distribution systems for gas, steam, water, or petroleum products when they are performed on pressurized pipelines provided that continuity of service is essential, shutdown of the system is impractical, and employees are provided with alternative protection that is equally effective.




Normal Production Operations



OSHA recognizes that machines and equipment present many hazardous situations during normal production opertions -- i.e., whenever machines and equipment are used to perform their usual production function. These production hazards are covered by rules in other General Industry Standards, such as the requirements in Subpart O of Part 1910 for general machine guarding and guarding power transmission apparatus (29 CFR Part 1910.212 and 1910.219). In certain circumstances, however, some servicing or maintenance hazards encountered during normal production operations may be covered by the lockout/tagout rule. The following pargraphs illustrate some of these instances.



Servicing and/or Maintenance Operations

If a servicing activity -- such as lubricating, cleaning, or unjamming the production equipment -- takes place during production, the employee performing the servicing may be subjected to hazards that are not encountered as part of the production operation itself. Workers engaged in these operations are covered by lockout/tagout when any of the following conditions occur:

  • The employee must either remove or bypass machine guards or other safety devices, resulting in exposure to hazards at the point of operation;
  • The employee is required to place any part of his or her body in contact with the point of operation of the operational machine or piece of equipment; or
  • The employee is required to place any part of his or her body into a danger zone associated with a machine operating cycle.

In the above situations, the equipment must be deenergized and locks or tags must be applied to the energy-isolation devices.

In addition, when other servicing tasks occur -- such as setting up equipment, and/or making significant adjustments to machines -- employees performing such tasks are required to lock out or tag out if they can be injured by unexpected energization or startup of the equipment.

OSHA also recognizes that some servicing operations must be performed with the power on. Making many types of fine adjustments, such as centering the belt on conveyors, is one example. Certain aspects of troubleshooting, such as identifying the source of the problem as well as checking to ensure that it has been corrected, is another. OSHA requires the employer to provide effective protection when employees perform such operations. Although, in these cases, a power-on condition is essential either to accomplish the partitular type of servicing or to verify that it was performed properly, lockout or tagout procedures are required when other service or maintenance occurs and power is not required.



Minor Servicing Tasks

Employees performing minor tool changes and adjustments and/or other minor servicing activities that are routine, repetitive, and integral to the use of the production equipment and that occur during normal production operations are not covered by the lockout/tagout standard, provided the work is performed using alternative measures that provide effective protection.



Provision of the Standard



The standard requires employers to establish procedures for isolating machines or equipment from their source of energy and affixing appropriate locks or tags to energy-isolating devices to prevent any unexpected energization, startup, or release of stored energy that could injure workers. When tags are used on energy-isolating devices NOT capable of being locked out, the employer must provide additional means to assure a level of protection equivalent to that of locks. The standard also requires the training of employees, and periodic inspections of the procedures to maintain or improve their effectiveness.



Energy Control Program

The lockout/tagout rule requires that the employer establish an energy control program that includes (1) documented energy control procedures, (2) an employee training program, and (3) periodic inspections of the use of the procedures. The standard requires employers to establish a program to ensure that machines and equipment are isolated and inoperative before any employee performs servicing or maintenance when the unexpected energization, start up, or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury.

The purpose of the energy control program is to ensure that, whenever the possibility of unexpected machine or equipment startup or energization exists or when the unexpected release of stored energy could occur and cause injury during servicing and maintenance, the equipment is isolated from its energy source(s) and rendered inoperative prior to servicing or maintenance.

Employers have the flexibility to develop programs and procedures that meet the needs of their particular workplace and the particular types of machines and equipment being maintained or serviced.



Energy Control Procedure

This standard requires that energy control procedures be developed, documented, and used to control potentially hazardous energy whenever workers perform activities covered by the standard.

The written procedures must identify the information that the authorized(2) employees must know to control hazardous energy during servicing or maintenance. If this information is the same for various machines or equipment or if other means of logical grouping exists, then a single energy control procedure may be sufficient. If there are other conditions -- such as multiple energy sources, different connecting means, or a particular sequence that must be followed to shut down the machine or equipment -- then the employer must develop separate energy control procedures to protect employees.

The energy control procedures must outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques that will be used to control hazardous energy sources as well as the means that will be used to enforce compliance. At a minimum, they should include, but not be limited to, the following elements:

  • A statement on how the procedures will be used;
  • The procedural steps needed to shut down, isolate, block, and secure machines or equipment;
  • The steps designating the safe placement, removal, and transfer of lockout/tagout devices and who has the responsibility for them;
  • The specific requirements for testing machines or equipment to determine and verify the effectiveness of locks, tags, and other energy control measures; and
  • The employer or an authorized employee must notify affected employees before lockout or tagout devices are applied and after they are removed from the machine or equipment.

The procedures must include the following steps: (1) preparing for shutdown, (2) shutting down the machine or equipment, (3) isolating the machine or equipment from the energy source(s), (4) applying the lockout or tagout device(s) to the energy-isolating device(s), (5) safely releasing all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy, and (6) verifying the isolation of the machine or equipment prior to the start of servicing or maintenance work.

In addition, before lockout or tagout devices are removed and energy is restored to the machines or equipment, certain steps must be taken to reenergize equipment after servicing is completed, including: (1) ensuring that machines or equipment components are operationally intact; (2) ensuring that all employees are safely positioned or removed from equipment; (3) ensuring that lockout or tagout devices are removed from each energy-isolating device by the employee who applied the device. (See sections 6 (e) and 6 (f) of 29 CFR Part 1910.147 for specific requirements of the standard.)



Energy-Isolating Devices

The employer's primary tool for providing protection under the standard is the energy-isolating device, which is the mechanism that prevents the transmission or release of energy and to which locks or tags are attached. (See Glossary for a more complete definition.) This device guards against accidental startup or the unexpected reenergization in machines or equipment during servicing or maintenance. There are two types of energy-isolating devices: those capable of being locked and those that are not. The standard differentiates between the existence of these two conditions and the use of tagout when either condition exists.

When the energy-isolating device cannot be locked out, the employer must use tagout. Of course, the employer may choose to modify or replace the device to make it capable of being locked-out. When using tagout, the employer must comply with all tagout-related provisions of the standard and, in addition to the normal training required for all employees, must train his or her employees in the following limitations of tags:

  • Tags are essentially warning devices affixed to energy-isolating devices and do not provide the physical restraint of a lock.
  • When a tag is attached to an isolating means, it is not to be removed except by the person who applied it, and it is never to be bypassed, ignored, or otherwise defeated.
  • Tags must be legible and understandable by all employees.
  • Tags and their means of attachment must be made of materials that will withstand the environmental conditions encountered in the workplace.
  • Tags may evoke a false sense of security. They are only one part of an overall energy control program.
  • Tags must be securely attached to the energy-isolating devices so that they cannot be detached accidentlly during use.

If the energy-isolating device is lockable, the employer must use locks unless he or she can demonstrate that the use of tags would provide protection at least as effective as locks and would assure "full employee protection."

Full employee protection includes complying with all tagout-related provisions plus implementing additional safety measures that can provide the level of safety equivalent to that obtained by using lockout. This might include removing and isolating a circuit element, blocking a controlling switch, opening an extra disconnecting device, or removing a valve handle to reduce the potential for any inadvertent energization while tags are attached.

Although OSHA acknowledges the existence of energy-isolating devices that cannot be locked out, the standard clearly states that whenever major replacement, repair, renovation or modification of machines or equipment is performed and whenever new machines or equipment are installed, the employer must ensure that the energy-isolating devices for such machines or equipment are lockable. Such modifications and/or new purchases are most effectively and efficiently made as part of the normal equipment replacement cycle. All newly purchased equipment must be lockable.



Requirements for Lockout/Tagout Devices

When attached to an energy-isolating device, both lockout and tagout devices used in accordance with the requirements of the standard help protect employees from hazardous energy. A lockout device provides protection by preventing the machine or equipment from becoming energized. A tagout device does so by identifying the energy-isolating device as a source of potential danger; it indicates that the energy-isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated while the tagout device is in place. Whichever devices are used, they must be singularly identified, must be the only devices used for controlling hazardous energy, and must meet the following requirements:

  • Durability - lockout and tagout devices must withstand the environment to which they are exposed for the maximum duration of the expected exposure. Tagout devices must be constructed and printed so that they do not deteriorate or become illegible, especially when used in corrosive (acid and alkali chemicals) or wet environments.
  • Standardized - Both lockout and tagout devices must be standardized according to either color, shape, or size. Tagout devices must also be standardized according to print and format.
  • Substantial - Lockout and tagout devices must be substantial enough to minimize early or accidental removal. Locks must be substantial to prevent removal except by excessive force of special tools such as bolt cutters or other metal cutting tools. Tag means of attachment must be nonreusable, attachable by hand, self-locking, and nonreleasable, with a minimum unlocking strength of no less than 50 pounds.

The device for attaching the tag also must have the general design and basic characteristics equivalent to a one-piece nylon cable tie that will withstand all environments and conditions.

  • Identifiable - Locks and tags must clearly identify the employee who applies them. Tags also must warn against hazardous conditions if the machine or equipment is energized and must include a legend such as the following: DO NOT START, DO NOT OPEN, DO NOT CLOSE, DO NOT ENERGIZE, DO NOT OPERATE.



Employee Training

The employer must provide effective initial training and retraining as necessary and must certify that such training has been given to all employees covered by the standard. The certification must contain each employee's name and dates of training.

For the purposes of the standard, there are three types of employees -- authorized, affected, and other. The amount and kind of training that each employee receives is based upon (1) the relationship of that employee's job to the machine or equipment being locked or tagged out, and (2) the degree of knowledge relevant to hazardous energy that he or she must possess. For example, the employer's training program for authorized employees (those who are charged with the responsibility for implementing the energy control procedures and performing the servicing or maintenance) must cover, at a minimum, the following areas:

  • recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources,
  • details about the type and magnitude of the hazardous energy sources present in the workplace, and
  • the methods and means necessary to isolate and control those energy sources (i.e., the elements of the energy control procedures).

By contrast, affected employees (usually the machine operators or users) and all other employees need only be able to (1) recognize when the control procedure is being used, and (2) understand the purpose of the procedure and the importance of not attempting to start up or use the equipment that has been locked or tagged out.

Because an "affected" or "other" employee is not performing the servicing or maintenance, that employee's responsibilities under the energy control program are simple: Whenever there is a lockout or tagout device in place on an energy-isolating device, the affected or other employee must leave it alone and not attempt to energize or operate the equipment.

Every employee training program must ensure that all employees understand the purpose, function, and restrictions of the energy control program and that authorized employees possess the knowledge and skills necessary for the safe application, use, and removal of energy controls.

Training programs for authorized employees to comply with this standard, which is performance-oriented, should deal with the equipment, type(s) of energy, and hazard(s) specific to the workplace being covered.

Retraining must be provided, as required, whenever there is a change in job assignments, a change in machines, equipment or processes that present a new hazard, or a change in energy control procedures. Additional retraining must be conducted whenever a periodic inspection reveals, or whenever the employer has reason to believe, that there are deviations from or inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of the energy control procedure.



Periodic Inspections

A periodic inspection of each procedure, when usage is at least once a year, must be performed at least annually to assure that the energy control procedures continue to be implemented properly and that the employees are familiar with their responsibilities under those procedures. The periodic inspections must be designed to correct any deviations or inadequacies observed. An authorized employee other than the one(s) using the energy control procedure must perform the periodic inspections. In addition, the employer must certify that the periodic inspections have been performed. The certification must identify the machine or equipment on which the energy control procedure was used, the date of the inspection, the employees included in the inspection, and the name of the person performing the inspection. For a lockout procedure, 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. When a tagout procedure is inspected, a review on the limitation of tags, in addition to the above requirements, must also be included with each affected and authorized employee.



Application of Controls and Lockout/Tagout Devices

The established procedure of applying energy controls includes the specific elements and actions that must be implemented in sequence.(3) These are briefly identified as follows:

    (1) Prepare for shut down,

    (2) Shut down the machine or equipment,

    (3) Disconnect the energy isolating device,

    (4) Apply the lockout or tagout device,

    (5) Render safe all stored or residual energy, and

    (6) Verify the isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment.



Removal of Locks and Tags

Before lockout or tagout devices are removed and energy is restored to the machine or equipment, the authorized employee(s) must take the following actions or observe the following procedures:

    (1) Inspect the work area to ensure that non-essential items have been removed and that machine or equipment components are intact and capable of operating properly;

    (2) Check the area around the machine or equipment to ensure that all employees have been safely positioned or removed,

    (3) Make sure that locks or tags are removed ONLY by those employees who attached them. (In the very few instances when this is not possible, the device may be removed under the direction of the employer provided that he or she strictly adheres to the specific procedures outlined in the standard); and

    (4) Notify affected employees after removing locks or tags and before starting equipment or machines.



Additional Safety Requirements

Special circumstances exist when (1) machines need to be tested or repositioned during servicing, (2) outside (contractor) personnel are at the worksite, (3) servicing or maintenance is performed by a group (rather than one specific person), and (4) shifts or personnel changes occur during servicing or maintenance.

  • Testing or positioning of machines. OSHA allows the temporary removal of locks or tags and the reenergization of the machine or equipment ONLY when necessary under special conditions -- for example, when power is needed for the testing or positioning of machines, equipment, or components. The reenergization must be conducted in accordance with the sequence of the following steps:
    (1) Clear the machines or equipment of tools and materials,

    (2) Remove employees from the machines or equipment area,

    (3) Remove the lockout or tagout devices as specified,

    (4) Energize and proceed with testing or positioning, and

    (5) Deenergize all systems, isolate the machine or equipment from the energy source, and reapply lockout or tagout devices as specified.

  • Outside personnel (contractors.) The onsite employer and the outside employer must inform each other of their respective lockout or tagout procedures. Each employer must ensure that his or her personnel understand and comply with all restrictions and/or prohibitions of the other employer's energy control program.
  • Group lockout or tagout. When servicing and/or maintenance is performed by a crew, craft, department or other group, they must utilize a procedure which affords the employees a level of protection equivalent to that provided by the implementation of a personal lockout or tagout device.
  • Shift operations. During shift operations either maintain continuous control of the energy-isolating devices or require that the oncoming shift verify deenergization and lockout/tagout.

The following paragraphs discuss other OSHA standards and programs that may be applicable or of interest to the employers covered by the lockout/tagout rule.



Other OSHA Standards and Issues



Hazard Communication

Under the provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR Part 1910.1200), employers are responsible for informing employees of the hazards and the identities of workplace chemicals to which they are exposed. The standard covers both physical hazards (e.g., flammability) and health hazards (e.g., lung damage, cancer). Requirements of the rule include written hazard communication programs, labels and other forms of warning, availability of material safety data sheets, and employee information and training.



Recordkeeping

OSHA requires employers with 11 or more employees to prepare and maintain pertinent employee injury and illness records. Moreover, all employers must report to the nearest OSHA office, within 48 hours, all accidents resulting in a work-related death or in five or more hospitalizations. The report may be either oral or written.

The employer must maintain occupational injury and illness records at each workplace. Records must be retained for 5 calendar years following the end of the year to which they apply. They may be inspected and copied at any reasonable time by authorized Federal or State government representatives.

Unless otherwise specified, each employer shall assure the preservation and retention of records as follows:

  • Medical records are to be kept for at least the duration of employment plus 30 years.
  • Background data for exposure records, such as laboratory reports and work sheets, need to be kept for only 1 year so long as methodology information is retained for 30 years.
  • Records of employees who have worked for less than 1 year need not be retained after employment, but the employer must provide these records to the employee upon termination of employment.
  • First-aid records of one-time treatment need not be retained for any specific period.

All records must be made available to the OSHA Assistant Secretary, the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), affected employees, former employees, and designated representatives. When the employer ceases to do business and there is no successor to receive the records for the prescribed period, the employer must notify the Director of NIOSH at least 90 days prior to disposal of records.



Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records

Under the provisions of the Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records standard (29 CFR Part 1910.20), employers must inform employees of the existence, location, and availability of their medical and exposure records when they first begin employment and at least annually thereafter. Upon request, employers also must provide these records to employees, their designated representatives, and OSHA.

Whenever an employer plans to stop doing business, and there is no successor employer to receive and maintain those records, he must notify employees of their right of access to records at least 3 months before he ceases to do business.

"Access" means the right and opportunity to examine and copy. The employer may give employees (1) copies of the requested records, (2) original records and the use of onsite copying facilities, or (3) may lend employees their records for copying off the premises. All responses to requests for information, whether initial or supplemental, must be provided to the employee free of charge.

When OSHA standards require the employer to measure exposure to harmful substances, the employee (or representative) has the right to observe the testing and to examine the results. If the exposure(s) are above the limit(s) set by an OSHA standard, the employer must tell employees what steps will be taken to reduce the exposure.



Other Sources of OSHA Assistance



Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines

Effective management of worker safety and health protection is a decisive factor in reducing the extent and severity of work-related injuries and illnesses and their related costs. To assist employers and employees in developing effective safety and health programs, OSHA published recommended Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines (Federal Register 54 (18): 3904-3916, January 26, 1989). These voluntary guidelines apply to all places of employment covered by OSHA.

The guidelines identify four general elements that are critical to the development of a successful safety and health management program:

  • Management commitment and employee involvement,
  • Worksite analysis,
  • Hazard prevention and control, and
  • Safety and health training.

The guidelines recommend specific actions under each of these general elements to achieve an effective safety and health program. A single free copy of the guidelines can be obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor OSHA/OICA Publications, P.O. box 37535, Washington, DC 20013-7535, by sending a self-addressed mailing label with your request.



State Programs

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 encourages states to develop and operate their own job safety and health plans. States with plans approved under section 18(b) of the Act must adopt standards and enforce requirements that are at least as effective as federal requirements. There are currently 25 state plan states and territories: 23 covering both private and public (state and local government) employees and two covering public sector employees only. OSHA-approved plan states must adopt safety and health standards comparable, but not necessarily identical, to the federal ones within 6 months of a federal standard's promulgation. Until a state standard is promulgated, OSHA provides interim enforcement assistance, as appropriate, in those states. A listing of states with approved plans appears at the end of this publication.



Onsite Consultation Services

Onsite consultation assistance is available on request to employers who want help in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful workplace. Largely funded by OSHA, the service is provided at no cost to the employer. Primarily developed for smaller employers with more hazardous operations, the consultation service is delivered by state government agencies or universities employing professional safety consultants and health consultants. Comprehensive assistance includes an appraisal, of all work practices and environmental hazards of the workplace and all aspects of the employer's present job safety and health program.

The program is separate from OSHA's inspection efforts. No penalties are proposed or citations issued for any safety or health problems identified by the consultant. The service is confidential.

For more information concerning consultation assistance, see the list of consultation projects at the end of this publication.



Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)

Voluntary Protection Programs (VPPs) and onsite consultation services, when coupled with an effective enforcement program, expand worker protection to help meet the goals of the OSH Act. The three VPPs -- Star, Merit, and Demonstration -- are designed to recognize outstanding achievement by companies that have successfully incorporated comprehensive safety and health programs into their total management system. They motivate others to achieve excellent safety and health results in the same outstanding way as they establish a cooperative relationship among employers, employees, and OSHA.

For additional information on VPPs and how to apply, contact the OSHA area or regional offices listed at the end of this publication.



Training and Education

OSHA's area offices offer a variety of information services, such as publications, audiovisual aids, technical advice, and speakers for special engagements. OSHA's Training Institute in Des Plaines, IL, provides basic and advanced courses in safety and health for federal and state compliance officers, state consultants, federal agency personnel, and private sector employers, employees, and their representatives.

OSHA also provides funds to nonprofit organizations, through grants, to conduct workplace training and education in subjects where OSHA believes there is a lack of workplace training. Grants are awarded annually, with a 1-year renewal possible. Grant recipients are expected to contribute 20 percent of the total grant cost.

For more information on grants, training and education, contact the OSHA Training Institute, Office of Training and Education, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018, (847) 297-4810, Fax (847) 297-4874.



Electronic Information

Internet -- OSHA standards, interpretations, directives, and additional information are now on the World Wide Web at http://www.osha.gov/.

CD-ROM -- A wide variety of OSHA materials, including standards, interpretations, directives, and more, can be purchased on the OSHA CD-ROM from the U.S. Government Printing Office.



Emergencies

For life-threatening situations, call (800) 321-OSHA. Complaints will go immediately to the nearest OSHA area or state office for help.

For further information on any OSHA program, contact your nearest OSHA area or regional office listed at the end of this publication.



Glossary



Affected employee - An employee who performs the duties of his or her job in an area in which the energy control procedure is implemented and servicing or maintenance operations are performed. An authorized employee and an affected employee may be the same person when the affected employee's duties also involve performing maintenance or service on a machine or equipment that must be locked or a tagout system implemented. An effected employee does not perform servicing or maintenance on machines or equipment and, consequently, is not responsible for implementing the energy control procedure. An affected employee becomes an "authorized" employee whenever he or she performs servicing or maintenance functions on machines or equipment that must be locked or tagged.

Authorized employee - An employee who performs servicing or maintenance on machines and equipment. Lockout or tagout is used by these employees for their self protection.

Capable of being locked out - An energy-isolating device is considered capable of being locked out if it meets one of the following requirements:

  • It is designed with a hasp to which a lock can be attached;
  • It is designed with any other integral part through which a lock can be affixed;
  • It has a locking mechanism built into it; or
  • It can be locked without dismantling, rebuilding, or replacing the energy isolating device or permanently altering its energy control capability.

Energized - Machines and equipment are energized when (1) they are connected to an energy source or (2) they contain residual or stored energy.

Energy-isolating device - Any mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy. These include, but are not limited to, manually-operated electrical circuit breakers, disconnect switches, line valves, and blocks.

Energy source - Any source of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other energy.

Energy control procedure - A written document that contains those items of information an authorized employee needs to know in order to safely control hazardous energy during servicing or maintenance of machines or equipment. (A more comprehensive explanation is provided elsewhere in this booklet.)

Energy control program - A program intended to prevent the unexpected energizing or the release of stored energy in machines or equipment. The program consists of energy control procedure(s), an employee training program, and periodic inspections.

Lockout - The placement of a lockout device on an energy-isolating device, in accordance with an established procedure, ensuring that the energy-isolating device and the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed.

Lockout device - Any device that uses positive means such as a lock, either key or combination type, to hold an energy-isolating device in a safe position, thereby preventing the energizing of machinery or equipment. When properly installed, a blank flange or bolted slip blind are considered equivalent to lockout devices.

Tagout - The placement of a tagout device on on energy-isolating device, in accordance with an established procedure, to indicate that the energy-isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed.

Tagout device - Any prominent warning device, such as tag and a means of attachment, that can be securely fastened to an energy-isolating device in accordance with an established procedure. The tag indicates that the machine or equipment to which it is attached is not to be operated until the tagout device is removed in accordance with the energy control procedure.



OSHA Related Publications



Single free copies of the following publications can be obtained from the OSHA area and regional offices and from the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA/OICA Publications, P.O. Box 37535, Washington, DC 20013-7535. Telephone (202) 219-4667; or (202) 219-9266 (Fax). Please enclose a self-addressed mailing label with your written request.

Access to Medical and Exposure Records - OSHA 3110

All About OSHA - OSHA 2056

Chemical Hazard Communication - OSHA 3084

Consultation Services for the Employer - OSHA 3047

How to Prepare for Workplace Emergencies - OSHA 3088

OSHA Employee Workplace Rights - OSHA 3021

OSHA Inspections - OSHA 2098

Personal Protective Equipment - OSHA 3077

Respiratory Protection - OSHA 3079

The following publications are available from the superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (202) 512-1800, FAX (202) 512-2250. Include GPO Order No. and make checks payable to Superintendent of Documents.

Recordkeeping Guidelines for Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Order No. 029-016-00145-0; cost $6.00.

Hazard Communication -- A Compliance Kit -- OSHA 3104 Order No. 029-016-00147-6; cost $18.00, may be ordered from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 for $18.00 ($22.50 for foreign addresses). Specify GPO Order Number 929-022-00000-9. The kit can be ordered from GPO by using VISA or MasterCard; call (202) 783-3238.



States with Approved Plans



Commissioner
Alaska Department of Labor
1111 West 8th Street Room 306
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 465-2700

Director
Industrial Commission of Arizona
800 W. Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542-5795

Director
California Department of Industrial Relations
45 Fremont Street 4th Floor
S. San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 972-8835

Commissioner
Connecticut Department of Labor
200 Folly Brook Boulevard
Wethersfield, CT 06109
(860) 566-5123

Director
Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
830 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-8844

Commissioner
Indiana Department of Labor State Office Building
402 West Washington Street Room W195
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-2378

Commissioner
Iowa Division of Labor Services
1000 E. Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-3447

Secretary
Kentucky Labor Cabinet
1047 U.S. Highway 127 South, Suite 2
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-3070

Commissioner
Maryland Division of Labor and Industry Department of Licensing and Regulation
1100 N. Eutaw Street, Room 613
Baltimore, MD 21202-2206
(410) 767-2215

Director
Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services
Victor Office Center 4th Floor Law Building
P.O. Box 30004
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 373-7230

Commissioner
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
443 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155
(612) 296-2342

Administrator
Nevada Division of Industrial Relations
400 King Street
Carson City, NV 89710
(702) 687-3032

Secretary
New Mexico Environment Department
1190 St. Francis Drive
P.O. Box 26110
Santa Fe, NM 87502
(505) 827-2850

Commissioner
New York Department of Labor
W. Averill Harriman State Office Building - 12 Room 500
Albany, NY 12240
(518) 457-2741

Commissioner
North Carolina Department of Labor
319 Chapanoke Road
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 662-4585

Administrator
Department of Consumer and Business Services
Occupational Safety and Health Division (OR-OSHA)
Labor and Industries Building Rm. 430
Salem, OR 97310
(503) 378-3272

Secretary
Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources
Prudencio Rivera Martinez Building 505 Munoz Rivera Avenue
Hato Rey, PR 00918
(809) 754-2119

Director
South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation
110 Centerview Drive
P.O. Box 11329
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-4300

Commissioner
Tennessee Department of Labor
Attention: Robert Taylor
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243-0659
(615) 741-2582

Commissioner
Industrial Commission of Utah
160 East 300 South, 3rd Floor P.O. Box 146600
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6600
(801) 530-6898

Commissioner
Vermont Department of Labor and Industry
National Life Bldg. Drawer 20
120 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05620
(802) 828-2288

Commissioner
Virgin Islands Department of Labor
2131 Hospital Street, Box 890
Christiansted
St. Croix, VI 00820-4666
(809) 773-1994

Commissioner
Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
Powers-Taylor Building
13 South l3th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 786-2377

Director
Washington Department of Labor and Industries
P.O. Box 44001
Olympia, WA 98504-4001
(360) 902-4200

Safety Administrator
Workers' Safety, and Compensation Div. (WSC)
Wyoming Dept. of Employment, Herschler Building, 2nd Floor East
122 West 25th Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777-7786




OSHA Consultation Project Directory



StateTelephone     
       
Alabama(205) 348-7136     
Alaska(907) 269-4957     
Arizona(602) 542-5795     
Arkansas(501) 682-4522     
California(415) 972-8515     
Colorado(303) 491-6151     
Connecticut(203) 566-4550     
Delaware(302) 761-8219     
District of Columbia(202) 576-6339     
Florida(904) 488-3044     
Georgia(404) 894-2643     
Guam(671) 475-0136     
Hawaii(808) 586-9100     
Idaho(208) 385-3283     
Illinois(312) 814-2337     
Indiana(317) 232-2688     
Iowa(515) 965-7162     
Kansas(913) 296-7476     
Kentucky(502) 564-6895     
Louisiana(504) 342-9601     
Maine(207) 624-6460     
Maryland(410) 880-4970     
Massachusetts(617) 727-3982     
Michigan(517) 335-1817(H)
    (517) 322-1809(S)
Minnesota(612) 297-2393     
Mississippi(601) 987-3981     
Missouri(314) 751-3403     
Montana(406) 444-6418     
Nebraska(402) 471-4717     
Nevada(702) 486-5016     
New Hampshire(603) 271-2024     
New Jersey(609) 292-3924     
New Mexico(505) 827-4230     
New York(518) 457-2481     
North Carolina(919) 662-4651     
North Dakota(701) 328-5188     
Ohio(614) 644-2631     
Oklahoma(405) 528-1500     
Oregon(503) 378-3272     
Pennsylvania(412) 357-2561     
Puerto Rico(787) 754-2188     
Rhode Island(401) 277-2438     
South Carolina(803) 734-9614     
South Dakota(605) 688-4101     
Tennessee(615) 741-7036     
Texas(512) 440-3809     
Utah(801) 530-7606     
Vermont(802) 828-2765     
Virginia(804) 786-6359     
Virgin Islands(809) 772-1315     
Washington(360) 902-5638     
West Virginia(304) 558-7890     
Wisconsin(608) 266-8579(H)
   (414) 521-5188(S)
Wyoming(307) 777-7786     

(H) - Health
(S) - Safety




OSHA Area Offices



StateTelephone     
       
Albany, NY(518) 279-6742     
Albuquerque, NM(505) 284-5302     
Allentown, PA(215) 776-0592     
Anchorage, AK(907) 271-5152     
Appleton, WI(414) 734-4521     
Austin, TX(512) 482-5783     
Avenel, NJ(908) 750-3270     
Baltimore, MD(410) 962-2840     
Baton Rouge, LA(504) 389-0474     
Bayside, NY(718) 279-9060     
Bellevue, WA(206) 553-7520     
Billings, MT(406) 247-7494     
Birmingham, AL(205) 731-1534     
Bismarck, ND(701) 250-4521     
Boise, ID(208) 334-1867     
Bowmansville, NY(716) 684-3891     
Braintree, MA(617) 565-6924     
Bridgeport, CT(203) 579-5581     
Calumet City, IL(708) 891-3800     
Carson City, NV(702)885-6963     
Charleston, WV(304) 347-5937     
Cincinnati, OH(513) 841-4132     
Cleveland, OH(216) 522-3818     
Columbia, SC(803) 765-5904     
Columbus, OH(614) 469-5582     
Concord, NH(603) 225-1629     
Corpus Christi, TX(512) 888-3420     
Dallas, TX(214) 320-2400     
Denver, CO(303) 844-5285     
Des Plaines, IL(708) 803-4800     
Des Moines, IA(515) 284-4794     
Englewood, CO(303) 843-4500     
Erie, PA(814) 833-5758     
Fort Lauderdale, FL(954) 424-0242     
Fort Worth, TX(817) 428-2470     
Frankfort, KY(502) 227-7024     
Harrisburg, PA(717) 782-3902     
Hartford, CT(860) 240-3152     
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ(201) 288-1700     
Hato Rey, PR(809) 766-1560     
Houston, TX(281) 286-0583     
Houston, TX(281) 591-2438     
Indianapolis, IN(317) 226-7290     
Jackson, MS(601) 965-4606     
Jacksonville, FL(904) 232-2895     
Kansas City, MO(816) 438-9531     
Lansing, MI(517) 377-1892     
Little Rock, AR(501) 324-6291     
Lubbock, TX(472) 743-7681     
Madison, WI(608) 264-5388     
Marlton, NJ(609) 757-5181     
Methuen, MA(617) 565-8110     
Milwaukee, WI(414) 297-3315     
Minneapolis, MN(612) 348-1994     
Mobile, AL(205) 441-6131     
Nashville, TN(615) 781-5423     
New York, NY(212) 466-2482     
Norfolk, VA(804) 441-3820     
North Aurora, IL(708) 896-8700     
Oklahoma City, OK(405) 231-5351     
Omaha, NE(402) 221-3182     
Parsippany, NJ(201) 263-1003     
Peoria, IL(309) 671-7033     
Philadelphia, PA(215) 597-4955     
Phoenix, AZ(602) 640-2007     
Pittsburgh, PA(412) 644-2903     
Portland, OR(503) 326-2251     
Providence, RI(401) 528-4669     
Raleigh, NC(919) 856-4770     
Sacramento, CA(916) 566-7470     
San Diego, CA(619) 557-2909     
Salt Lake City, UT(801) 487-0075     
San Francisco, CA(415) 744-7120     
Savannah, GA(912) 652-4393     
Smyrna, GA(770) 984-8700     
Springfield, MA(413) 785-0123     
St. Louis, MO(314) 425-4249     
North Syracuse, NY(315) 451-0808     
Tampa, FL(813) 626-1177     
Tarrytown, NY(914) 524-7510     
Toledo, OH(419) 259-7542     
Tucker, GA(404) 493-6644     
Westbury, NY(516) 334-3344     
Wichita, KS(316) 269-6644     




OSHA Regional Offices



Region I
(CT,* MA, ME, NH, RI, VT*)

JFK Federal Building Room E-340
Boston, MA 02203
Telephone: (617) 565-9860

Region II
(NJ, NY,* PR,* VI*)

201 Varick Street Room 670
New York, NY 10014
Telephone: (212) 337-2378

Region III
(DC, DE, MD,* PA, VA,* WV)

Gateway Building, Suite 2100
3535 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Telephone: (215) 596-1201

Region IV,
(AL, FL, GA, KY,* MS, NC, SC,* TN*)

Atlanta Federal Center
61 Forsyth Street,
Atlanta, GA 30303
Telephone: (404) 562-3200

Region V
(IL, IN,* MI,* MN,* OH, WI)

230 South Dearborn Street Room 3244
Chicago, IL 60604
Telephone: (312) 353-2220

Region VI
(AR, LA, NM,* OK, TX)

525 Griffin Street Room 602
Dallas, TX 75202
Telephone: (214) 767-4731

Region VII
(IA,* KS, MO, NE)

City Center Square
1100 Main Street, Suite 800
Kansas City, MO 64105
Telephone: (816) 426-5861

Region VIII
(CO, MT, ND, SD, UT,* WY*)

1999 Broadway, Suite 1690
Denver, CO 80202-5716
Telephone: (303) 844-1600

Region IX
(American Samoa, AZ,* CA,* Guam, HI,* NV,* Trust Territories of the Pacific)

71 Stevenson Street Room 420
San Francisco, CA 94105
Telephone: (415) 744-6670

Region X
(AK,* ID, OR,* WA*)

1111 Third Avenue Suite 715
Seattle, WA 98101-3212
Telephone: (206) 553-5930


Footnote(1) The following OSHA standards currently contain lockout/tagout-related requirements: 29 CFR Parts 1910.146 - Confined Space; 1910.178 - Powered Industrial Trucks; 1910.179 - Overhead and Gantry Cranes; 1910.181 - Derricks; 1910.213 - Woodworking Machinery; 1910.217 - Mechanical Power Presses; 1910.218 - Forging Machines; 1910.252 - Welding, Cutting and Brazing; 1910.261 - Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Mills; 1910.262 - Textiles; 1910.263 - Bakery Equipment; 1910.265 - Sawmills; 1910.272 - Grain Handling; 1910.305 - Wiring Methods, Components, and Equipment; 1910.333 - Selection and Use of Work Practices. Note: 1910.147(a)(1)(ii)(c) states that electric utilization installations are not covered.(Back to Text)


Footnote(2) See glossary and section on "Employee Training" in this booklet.(Back to Text)


Footnote(3) See 29 CFR Part 1910.147(d) for the detailed requirements and language of the OSHA standard.(Back to Text)


Footenote(*)These states and territories operate their own OSHA-approved job safety and health programs (Connecticut and New York plans cover public employees only). States with approved programs must have a standard that is identical to, or at least as effective as, the federal standard.(Back to Text)
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