Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)

Understanding This Standard

OSHA standard 1910.147, commonly known as Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), addresses the control of hazardous energy. This standard requires employers to establish a program and utilize procedures for affixing appropriate lockout or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, and to otherwise disable machines or equipment to prevent unexpected energization, start-up or release of stored energy that could cause injury to employees. Hazardous energy sources include electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and other forms of energy.

Common violations of 1910.147 often stem from inadequate or absent energy control procedures, insufficient employee training, and failure to conduct periodic inspections of energy control procedures. Specific violations frequently cited include not developing, documenting, and implementing energy control procedures; not providing proper training to authorized and affected employees; not conducting annual inspections of energy control procedures to ensure their effectiveness; and not using lockout/tagout devices that are durable, standardized, substantial, and identifiable.

Penalties for LOTO violations can be significant, with an average penalty of $1,223, and a maximum single penalty recorded at $165,514. These penalties reflect the severe risk of injury or death associated with uncontrolled hazardous energy. Compliance is crucial not only to avoid penalties but, more importantly, to protect workers from amputations, electrocutions, crushing injuries, and other severe harm.

To comply with 1910.147, employers must develop, document, and implement an energy control program specific to their machinery and operations. This includes identifying all energy sources, documenting specific LOTO procedures for each machine, providing appropriate LOTO devices, and ensuring all authorized and affected employees receive comprehensive training. Regular audits of procedures and retraining of employees are also essential to maintain compliance and ensure the safety of workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of OSHA 1910.147 (Lockout/Tagout)?

The primary purpose of OSHA 1910.147 is to prevent injuries to employees from the unexpected energization, start-up, or release of stored energy from machines and equipment during servicing and maintenance activities.

Who is considered an 'authorized employee' under LOTO?

An 'authorized employee' is a person who locks out or tags out machines or equipment to perform servicing or maintenance on that machine or equipment. They are trained to understand the specific LOTO procedures for the equipment they work on.

How often must LOTO procedures be inspected?

OSHA requires that the energy control procedure be inspected at least annually by an authorized employee other than the one utilizing the energy control procedure being inspected. This inspection is to ensure the procedure remains effective and that employees are following it correctly.