Lockout/Tagout: (#4 on OSHA’s Top 10 list of most-cited violations)

In 2019, the “Control of Hazardous Energy” Standard 29 CFR 1910.147, Lockout/Tagout, placed fourth in OSHA’s Top 10 list of most-cited violations. Lockout/Tagout can be a difficult concept to grasp and requires facilities to develop procedures necessary to disable machinery and prevent the release of hazardous energy while maintenance or servicing activities are performed.

• 1910.147(c)(4) Energy Control Procedure: Procedures shall be developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees are engaged in the activities covered by this section.
• 1910.147(c)(7) Training & Communication: The employer shall provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program are understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage and removal of the energy controls are acquired by employees.
• 1910.147(c)(6) Periodic Inspection: The employer shall conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the requirements of this standard are being followed.

There are numerous reasons to seek compliance, but one of the most common reasons is to avoid OSHA fines. Thirty years since the OSHA lockout regulation went into effect, the law remains one of the most challenging for employers to successfully facilitate in their workplaces.

Joshi EHS can help! we can complete the required annual assessment and training of the Lockout/Tagout program and recommend changes if needed as required by the regulations. Contact Sam Joshi, P.E. at (215) 389-2811 with questions or request for proposals (RfP).