Fact Sheet: OSHA Training for
General Industry
Lockout/Tagout Review
Note the following key points in this
What is the Lockout/Tagout Standard? lesson:
OSHA defines the lockout/tagout standard as Locks and tags can only be placed on or
the servicing and maintenance of machines removed from an energy isolating device by
and equipment where the unexpected startup, an authorized employee. Each authorized
or release, of stored energy could harm employee is trained in recognizing
employees. This standard establishes hazardous energy sources, and the methods
minimum performance requirements for the necessary to control energy isolation
control of such hazardous energy. devices.
When is Lockout/Tagout Required? The authorized employee must follow these
Whenever new equipment, replacement of preparations when shutting down machines
equipment, repairs, renovation, or modification or equipment.
of a machine or equipment takes place, a Preparation for shutdown
lockout/tagout device must be placed on the
Machine or equipment shutdown
energy isolating device associated with that
equipment. Machine or equipment isolation
Following the lockout or tagout of an energy
Hazard Examples isolating device, all potentially hazardous
Some examples of workplace hazards that can stored energy must be rendered safe. If
be prevented by using the lockout/tagout there is a possibility of the stored energy
standard include: rising to hazardous levels, the energy
Live or stored electrical energy. isolating device must be watched until
Moving machine parts on mechanical maintenance is completed.
equipment
All affected employees, whose work
Stored energy, such as steam or hot liquids,
operations are in an area where energy
that can be released.
control procedures take place, must be
informed about the lockout/tagout standard,
and the dangers of restarting machines or
equipment that are currently locked out or
tagged out.
Remember:
Lockout devices, where used, must be
attached in a manner that will hold the energy
isolating devices in a “safe” or “off” position.
Tagout devices, where used, must be attached
in a manner that will clearly indicate that the
operation or movement of energy isolating
devices from the “safe” or “off” position is
prohibited.
