OSHA 3120
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.
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
State | Telephone |
| |
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
State | Telephone |
| |
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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