The three required parts
| Part | Paragraph | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| Energy control procedures | (c)(4) | Written, machine-specific procedures for every machine, unless all eight conditions in the note to (c)(4)(i) are met |
| Employee training | (c)(7) | Authorized, affected and other employees trained to different depths; retraining on change; certification of names and dates |
| Periodic inspections | (c)(6) | Each procedure inspected at least annually by an authorized employee who does not use it, and certified |
Outline of a written program
- Purpose ((c)(1)). Before servicing or maintenance where unexpected energization, start-up or release of stored energy could cause injury, the machine is isolated from its energy sources and rendered inoperative.
- Scope. Sites, departments and the kinds of servicing and maintenance covered. Check the scope and exclusions in 1910.147(a) (for example, cord-and-plug equipment under the exclusive control of the employee doing the work).
- Responsibilities. Program owner; authorized employees, who alone apply and remove locks ((c)(8)); affected employees, who are notified before devices are applied and after they are removed ((c)(9)); supervisors.
- Lockout or tagout ((c)(2), (c)(3)). If an isolating device can be locked out, use lockout unless you can demonstrate tagout gives full employee protection.
- Devices and hardware ((c)(5)). Employer-provided; singularly identified; used only for energy control; durable, standardized, substantial and identifying the employee who applied them.
- Machine-specific procedures ((c)(4)(ii)). Intended use; steps for shutdown, isolation, blocking and securing; placement, removal and transfer of devices; testing to verify. Sequence per (d), release per (e).
- Removal when the employee is absent (exception to (e)(3)). A documented procedure: verify the employee is not at the facility, make all reasonable efforts to contact them, and make sure they know before they resume work.
- Testing or positioning ((f)(1)), contractors ((f)(2)), group lockout ((f)(3)) and shift or personnel changes ((f)(4)).
- Training and retraining ((c)(7)), including tag limitations where tagout is used ((c)(7)(ii)) and the certification record ((c)(7)(iv)).
- Periodic inspections ((c)(6)) and their certification: machine, date, employees included, inspector.
- Program review. Who reviews it and when.
Get the outline as an editable template
The LOTO Program Kit includes this program as a Word template, a machine-specific procedure template, the annual inspection form and a workbook that flags overdue inspections ($49).
Training: who needs what
- Authorized employees: recognising hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of energy in the workplace, and the methods for isolation and control ((c)(7)(i)(A)).
- Affected employees: the purpose and use of the energy control procedure ((c)(7)(i)(B)).
- All other employees who work where procedures may be used: about the procedure and the prohibition on restarting locked or tagged out machines ((c)(7)(i)(C)).
- Retraining when job assignments, machines, processes or procedures change, or when an inspection shows deviations ((c)(7)(iii)).
Related
General information based on 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR.gov), not legal advice. Check whether an OSHA-approved state plan applies.