Lockout Tagout Questions: OSHA Compliance Answers
Lockout tagout questions are common among safety professionals, maintenance workers, and plant managers who need to comply with OSHA regulations and protect employees from hazardous energy. This page answers the most frequently asked questions about lockout tagout procedures, including when tagout can be used instead of lockout, who needs training, and what responsibilities affected employees have during servicing and maintenance. Use this resource to enhance your safety programs and ensure compliance with industry standards.
Which government entity establishes the requirements for Lockout Tagout?
In the United States, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) sets the requirements for lockout tagout through its standard 29 CFR 1910.147. This regulation is designed to prevent injuries caused by the release of hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance. In Canada, the CSA Z460 standard outlines similar requirements. Learn more about Lockout Tagout regulatory requirements.
What is a proper practice for a Lockout/Tagout situation?
A proper practice includes notifying affected employees, shutting down the equipment, isolating the energy sources, applying lockout and tagout devices, releasing stored energy, and verifying isolation before performing servicing or maintenance. These steps are defined in an employer’s energy control program." Read more about proper Lockout Tagout practice.
What is an affected employee’s responsibility during Lockout/Tagout?
Affected employees must recognize when equipment is under lockout/tagout and avoid tampering with lockout devices. While they don’t apply or remove locks, they must follow all safety rules during servicing or maintenance. See the full explanation of affected employee responsibilities.
Which employees must receive Lockout/Tagout-related training?
LOTO-related training is required for all workers who interact with energized equipment. Authorized employees are trained to perform lockout procedures, while affected employees are trained to understand and respect them. Learn who needs Lockout Tagout training and why.
When can tagout be used in place of lockout?
Tagout can only replace lockout when an energy isolating device is not capable of being locked out. In these cases, the tagout system must provide equivalent protection under OSHA standards. Understand when tagout can be used instead of lockout.
When is Lockout Tagout required?
Lockout Tagout is required whenever employees perform servicing or maintenance on machines or equipment where unexpected energization or the release of stored energy could cause injury.
Which of these is not a safety procedure for Lockout/Tagout?
Bypassing an energy isolating device or removing a lock without authorization is not a safety procedure and violates Lockout Tagout protocol. All steps must follow established procedures to ensure worker safety.
