These requirements control the release of hazardous energy while workers service, maintain, or repair machines or equipment when activation, start-up, or release of energy from an energy source is possible; proper control of hazardous energy prevents death or serious injury among these workers.
Energy Control Procedure (paragraph (c)(4)(i))
With limited exceptions, employers must document the procedures used to isolate any machine or equipment from its energy source and render it inoperative prior to servicing, maintenance, or repair by workers. These procedures are necessary when activation, start-up, or release of stored energy from the energy source is possible, and such release could cause injury to the workers.
Paragraph (c)(4)(ii) states that the required documentation must clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques workers are to use to control hazardous energy and the means to enforce compliance.
The document must include at least the following elements: a specific statement regarding the use of the procedure; detailed procedural steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking, and securing machines or equipment to control hazardous energy; detailed procedural steps for placing, removing, and transferring lockout or tagout devices, including the responsibility for doing so; and requirements for testing a machine or equipment to determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout or tagout devices, as well as other energy control measures.
Protective Materials and Hardware (paragraphs (c)(5)(ii)(D) and (c)(5)(iii))
Paragraph (c)(5)(ii)(D) requires that lockout and tagout devices indicate the identity of the employee applying it.
Paragraph (c)(5)(iii) requires that tags warn against hazardous conditions if the machine or equipment is energized.
In addition, the tag must include a legend such as one of the following: Do Not Start; Do Not Open; Do Not Close; Do Not Energize; Do Not Operate.
Periodic Inspection Certification Records (paragraph (c)(6)(ii))
Under paragraph (c)(6)(i), employers are to conduct inspections of energy control procedures at least annually.
An authorized worker (other than an authorized worker using the energy control procedure that is the subject of the inspection) is to conduct the inspection and correct any deviations or inadequacies identified.
For procedures involving either lockout or tagout, the inspection must include a review between the inspector and each authorized worker of that worker’s responsibilities under the procedure.
For procedures using tagout systems, the review also involves affected workers and includes an assessment of the workers’ knowledge of the training elements required for these systems.
Paragraph (c)(6)(ii) requires employers to certify the inspection by documenting the date of the inspection and identifying the machine or equipment inspected, the workers included in the inspection, and the worker who performed the inspection.
Training Certification Records (paragraph (c)(7)(iv))
Under paragraph (c)(7)(iv), employers are to certify that workers completed the required training and that this training is up-to-date. The certification must contain each worker’s name and the training date.
Written certification of the training assures the employer that workers receive the training specified by the standard.
Notification of Employees (paragraph (c)(9)).
This provision requires the employer or authorized worker to notify affected workers prior to applying and after removing a lockout or tagout device from a machine or equipment.
Off-site Personnel (Contractors, etc.) (paragraph (f)(2)(i)).
When the on-site employer uses an off-site employer (e.g., a contractor) to perform the activities covered by the scope and application of the standard, the two employers must inform each other regarding their respective lockout or tagout procedures.
Source: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/federalregister/2024-04-30-1