OSHA REGULATIONS FOR Lockout/Tagout
1910.147(c)(5)(ii)
Lockout devices and tagout devices shall be singularly identified; shall be the only devices(s) used for controlling energy; shall not be used for other purposes; and shall meet the following requirements:
1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(A)
Durable.
1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(A)(1)
Lockout and tagout devices shall be capable of withstanding the environment to which they are exposed for the maximum period of time that exposure is expected.
1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(A)(2)
Tagout devices shall be constructed and printed so that exposure to weather conditions or wet and damp locations will not cause the tag to deteriorate or the message on the tag to become illegible.
1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(A)(3)
Tags shall not deteriorate when used in corrosive environments such as areas where acid and alkali chemicals are handled and stored.
1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(B)
Standardized. Lockout and tagout devices shall be standardized within the facility in at least one of the following criteria: Color; shape; or size; and additionally, in the case of tagout devices, print and format shall be standardized.
1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(C)
Substantial.
1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(C)(1)
Lockout devices. Lockout devices shall be substantial enough to prevent removal without the use of excessive force or unusual techniques, such as with the use of bolt cutters or other metal cutting tools.
1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(C)(2)
Tagout devices. Tagout devices, including their means of attachment, shall be substantial enough to prevent inadvertent or accidental removal. Tagout device attachment means shall be of a non-reusable type, attachable by hand, self-locking, and non-releasable with a minimum unlocking strength of no less than 50 pounds and having the general design and basic characteristics of being at least equivalent to a one-piece, all environment-tolerant nylon cable tie.
1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(D)
Identifiable. Lockout devices and tagout devices shall indicate the identity of the employee applying the device(s).
1910.147(c)(5)(iii)
Tagout devices shall warn against hazardous conditions if the machine or equipment is energized and shall include a legend such as the following: Do Not Start. Do Not Open. Do Not Close. Do Not Energize. Do Not Operate.
1910.147(c)(7)(ii)
When tagout systems are used, employees shall also be trained in the following limitations of tags:
1910.147(c)(7)(ii)(A)
Tags are essentially warning devices affixed to energy isolating devices, and do not provide the physical restraint on those devices that is provided by a lock.
1910.147(c)(7)(ii)(B)When a tag is attached to an energy isolating means, it is not to be removed without authorization of the authorized person responsible for it, and it is never to be bypassed, ignored, or otherwise defeated.
1910.147(c)(7)(ii)(C)
Tags must be legible and understandable by all authorized employees, affected employees, and all other employees whose work operations are or may be in the area, in order to be effective.
1910.147(c)(7)(ii)(D)
Tags and their means of attachment must be made of materials which will withstand the environmental conditions encountered in the workplace.
1910.147(c)(7)(ii)(E)
Tags may evoke a false sense of security, and their meaning needs to be understood as part of the overall energy control program.
1910.147(c)(7)(ii)(F)
Tags must be securely attached to energy isolating devices so that they cannot be inadvertently or accidentally detached during use.
Lockout or tagout device application.
1910.147(d)(4)(i)1910.147(d)(4)(i)
Lockout or tagout devices shall be affixed to each energy isolating device by authorized employees.
1910.147(d)(4)(ii)
Lockout devices, where used, shall be affixed in a manner to that will hold the energy isolating devices in a "safe" or "off" position.
1910.147(d)(4)(iii)Tagout devices, where used, shall be affixed in such a manner as will clearly indicate that the operation or movement of energy isolating devices from the "safe" or "off" position is prohibited.
1910.147(d)(4)(iii)(A)
Where tagout devices are used with energy isolating devices designed with the capability of being locked, the tag attachment shall be fastened at the same point at which the lock would have been attached.
1910.147(d)(4)(iii)(B)Where a tag cannot be affixed directly to the energy isolating device, the tag shall be located as close as safely possible to the device, in a position that will be immediately obvious to anyone attempting to operate the device.
Verification of isolation.Prior to starting work on machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out, the authorized employee shall verify that isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment have been accomplished.