Step 1: Written Program

Step 2: Training Employees

OSHA's Lockout/Tagout Standard (29 CFR 1910.147) requires that all energy sources be turned off and "locked out" while machines are being serviced or maintained. This standard is designed to protect 39 million workers at 1.7 million companies in the United States.

General Lockout Requirements
The general requirements of OSHA's Lockout/Tagout Standard are:

• Develop an energy control program.
• Use locks when equipment can be locked out.
• Ensures that new equipment or overhauled equipment can accommodate locks.
• Employ additional means to ensure safety when tags rather than locks are used by using an effective tagout program.
• Identify and implement specific procedures (generally in writing) for the control of hazardous energy including preparation for shutdown, equipment isolation, Lockout/Tagout application, release of stored energy and verification of isolation.
• Institute procedures for release of Lockout/Tagout including machine inspection, notification and safe positioning of employees, and removal of the Lockout/Tagout device.
• Obtain standardized locks and tags which indicate the identity of the employee using them and which are of sufficient quality and durability to ensure their effectiveness.
• Require that each Lockout/Tagout device be removed by the employee who applied the device.
• Conduct inspections of energy control procedures at least annually.
• Train employees in the specific energy control procedures with training reminders as part of the annual inspections of the control procedures.
• Adopt procedures to ensure safety when equipment must be tested during servicing, when outside contractors are working at the site, when a multiple lockout is needed for a crew servicing the equipment and when shifts or personnel change.