Lockout Tagout Test Questions and Answers
Lockout/tagout answers for independent study: review 77 questions on OSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy standard, each quoted from 29 CFR 1910.147 or an OSHA publication.
Lockout/tagout questions and answers on OSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy standard: scope and exclusions, authorized and affected employees, energy control procedures, lock and tag device requirements, periodic inspections, training and retraining, application and release of energy controls, testing, contractors, group lockout and shift changes. Original questions grounded in 29 CFR 1910.147 and OSHA publications; not copies of any course's test items.
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01Which work does OSHA's lockout/tagout standard, 29 CFR 1910.147, cover? A) Any operation of a machine B) Servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment where unexpected energization, start up or release of stored energy could injure employees C) Only electrical wiring work D) Only construction sites
B) Servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment where unexpected energization, start up or release of stored energy could cause injury. The standard sets minimum performance requirements for controlling that hazardous energy.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“This standard establishes minimum performance requirements for the control of such hazardous energy”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗02Which of these is NOT excluded from the scope of 29 CFR 1910.147? A) Construction employment B) Agriculture employment C) Oil and gas well drilling and servicing D) Unjamming a packaging machine in a general industry plant
D) Unjamming a packaging machine in a general industry plant. Construction and agriculture employment and oil and gas well drilling and servicing are listed as not covered.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“These activities include lubrication, cleaning or unjamming of machines or equipment”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗03True or false: 1910.147 governs an electric utility's power generation, transmission and distribution installations that are under the utility's exclusive control.
False. Installations under the exclusive control of electric utilities for power generation, transmission and distribution are listed among the things the standard does not cover.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Installations under the exclusive control of electric utilities for the purpose of power generation, transmission and distribution”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗04Exposure to electrical hazards from work on conductors in electric-utilization installations is left out of 1910.147. Which rules cover it instead?
Subpart S of part 1910. The standard excludes that exposure because it is covered by subpart S.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Exposure to electrical hazards from work on, near, or with conductors or equipment in electric-utilization installations, which is covered by subpart S of this part”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗05Are normal production operations covered by the lockout/tagout standard?
No. Normal production operations are not covered by 1910.147; the standard points to subpart O instead. Servicing during production is covered only in specific situations.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Servicing and/or maintenance which takes place during normal production operations is covered by this standard only if”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗06During a production run, an operator must remove a guard to clear a jam. Does 1910.147 apply to that task?
Yes. Servicing during normal production is covered when an employee must remove or bypass a guard or other safety device.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“An employee is required to remove or bypass a guard or other safety device”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗07Besides removing or bypassing a guard, what other situation brings servicing during normal production operations under 1910.147?
When an employee must place any part of their body into the point of operation, or into an associated danger zone during a machine operating cycle.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“or where an associated danger zone exists during a machine operating cycle”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗08When are minor tool changes and adjustments made during normal production exempt from 1910.147?
When they are routine, repetitive and integral to using the equipment for production, and the work is done using alternative measures that provide effective protection.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“provided that the work is performed using alternative measures which provide effective protection”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗09A technician unplugs a bench grinder before changing its wheel and keeps the plug in hand the whole time. Does 1910.147 apply?
No. Work on cord and plug connected equipment is excluded when unplugging controls the hazard and the plug stays under the exclusive control of the employee doing the work.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“by the plug being under the exclusive control of the employee performing the servicing or maintenance”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗10For a hot tap operation on a pressurized pipeline to fall outside 1910.147, what three things must the employer demonstrate?
That continuity of service is essential, that shutdown of the system is impractical, and that documented procedures are followed and special equipment gives proven effective protection.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“documented procedures are followed, and special equipment is used which will provide proven effective protection for employees”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗11How does 1910.147 define a hot tap?
A procedure that involves welding on equipment such as pipelines, vessels or tanks while under pressure, to install connections or appurtenances. It is commonly used to replace or add pipeline sections without interrupting service.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“It is commonly used to replace or add sections of pipeline without the interruption of service”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗12According to its purpose paragraph, what does 1910.147 require employers to establish?
A program and procedures for affixing appropriate lockout or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, and otherwise disabling machines, to prevent unexpected energization, start-up or release of stored energy.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“to prevent unexpected energization, start-up or release of stored energy in order to prevent injury to employees”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗13Another standard in part 1910 already requires lockout for a task. Do the 1910.147 requirements still apply?
Yes. The lockout or tagout must be used and supplemented by the procedural and training requirements of 1910.147.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When other standards in this part require the use of lockout or tagout, they shall be used and supplemented by the procedural and training requirements of this section”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗14A press operator runs a machine that a mechanic is servicing under lockout. Which 1910.147 term describes the operator?
An affected employee: someone whose job requires them to operate or use a machine on which servicing is being performed under lockout or tagout, or to work in the area where it is performed.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“An employee whose job requires him/her to operate or use a machine or equipment on which servicing or maintenance is being performed under lockout or tagout, or whose job requires him/her to work in an area in which such servicing or maintenance is being performed”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗15How does 1910.147 define an authorized employee, and when does an affected employee become one?
A person who locks out or tags out machines or equipment to service or maintain them. An affected employee becomes authorized when their duties include servicing or maintenance covered by the standard.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“An affected employee becomes an authorized employee when that employee's duties include performing servicing or maintenance covered under this section”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗16When is an energy isolating device capable of being locked out?
When it has a hasp or other attachment point a lock can be affixed to or through, or a built-in locking mechanism. Other devices also qualify if lockout is possible without dismantling, rebuilding or replacing the device or permanently altering its energy control capability.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“if lockout can be achieved without the need to dismantle, rebuild, or replace the energy isolating device or permanently alter its energy control capability”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗17True or false: under 1910.147, a machine that is unplugged but still holds residual or stored energy counts as energized.
True. Energized means connected to an energy source or containing residual or stored energy.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Connected to an energy source or containing residual or stored energy”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗18Which of these is NOT an energy isolating device under 1910.147? A) A manually operated electrical circuit breaker B) A disconnect switch C) A line valve D) A push button or selector switch
D) A push button or selector switch. Push buttons, selector switches and other control circuit type devices are not energy isolating devices; an energy isolating device physically prevents the transmission or release of energy.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A manually operated electrical circuit breaker; a disconnect switch”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗19Which forms of energy does the 1910.147 definition of energy source name?
Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other energy.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Any source of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other energy”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗20The 1910.147 definitions of lockout and tagout differ in what they say about the equipment being controlled. What is the difference?
Lockout ensures the equipment cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed; tagout only indicates that it may not be operated until the tagout device is removed.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗21True or false: blank flanges and bolted slip blinds count as lockout devices under 1910.147.
True. A lockout device uses a positive means, such as a key or combination lock, to hold an energy isolating device in a safe position, and blank flanges and bolted slip blinds are included.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Included are blank flanges and bolted slip blinds”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗22Which of these is listed in 1910.147 as servicing and/or maintenance? A) Using a machine for its intended production function B) Lubrication, cleaning or unjamming a machine C) Walking past a running conveyor D) Ordering spare parts
B) Lubrication, cleaning or unjamming a machine. Servicing also covers constructing, installing, setting up, adjusting, inspecting and modifying machines, where the employee may be exposed to unexpected energization or release of hazardous energy.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Workplace activities such as constructing, installing, setting up, adjusting, inspecting, modifying, and maintaining and/or servicing machines or equipment”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗23Under 1910.147, what is a tagout device?
A prominent warning device, such as a tag and a means of attachment, that can be securely fastened to an energy isolating device to show that it and the equipment may not be operated until the tag is removed.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A prominent warning device, such as a tag and a means of attachment, which can be securely fastened to an energy isolating device in accordance with an established procedure, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗24What three parts make up the energy control program an employer must establish under 1910.147(c)(1)?
Energy control procedures, employee training and periodic inspections. The program makes sure equipment is isolated from its energy source and rendered inoperative before servicing.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the machine or equipment shall be isolated from the energy source, and rendered inoperative”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗25An energy isolating device cannot accept a lock. What must the employer's energy control program use for it?
A tagout system.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“If an energy isolating device is not capable of being locked out, the employer's energy control program under paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall utilize a tagout system”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗26A disconnect switch can be locked out, but a supervisor prefers to use tags. When does 1910.147 allow that?
Only if the employer can demonstrate that the tagout system will provide full employee protection, meaning a level of safety equivalent to a lockout program. Otherwise lockout must be used.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the employer shall demonstrate that the tagout program will provide a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by using a lockout program”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗27A plant replaces an old press with a new one in 2026. What does 1910.147 require of the new press's energy isolating devices?
They must be designed to accept a lockout device. Since January 2, 1990, this applies whenever new machines are installed or a machine undergoes replacement or major repair, renovation or modification.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“After January 2, 1990, whenever replacement or major repair, renovation or modification of a machine or equipment is performed, and whenever new machines or equipment are installed, energy isolating devices for such machine or equipment shall be designed to accept a lockout device”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗28When tags are used on a lockable device, what extra safety measures does 1910.147 name as part of showing full employee protection?
Measures such as removing an isolating circuit element, blocking a controlling switch, opening an extra disconnecting device, or removing a valve handle, to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent energization.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Additional means to be considered as part of the demonstration of full employee protection shall include the implementation of additional safety measures such as the removal of an isolating circuit element, blocking of a controlling switch, opening of an extra disconnecting device, or the removal of a valve handle to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent energization”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗29What three things does 1910.147 require employers to do with energy control procedures?
Develop them, document them and use them for the control of potentially hazardous energy whenever employees do work covered by the standard.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“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”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗30An employer wants to skip writing a lockout procedure for one simple machine. Which of these is NOT a condition of that exception? A) The machine has a single energy source that can be readily identified and isolated B) A single lockout device will achieve a locked-out condition C) The employer has had no accidents involving unexpected activation of the machine during servicing D) At least two authorized employees must do the servicing together
D) There is no two-person requirement. All of the listed elements must exist, including a single readily identified energy source, a single lockout device, the lock under the exclusive control of the authorized employee, and no prior accidents from unexpected activation during servicing.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the employer, in utilizing this exception, has had no accidents involving the unexpected activation or reenergization of the machine or equipment during servicing or maintenance”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗31Which four items must a written energy control procedure include at a minimum?
A specific statement of the procedure's intended use; steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing the equipment; steps for placing, removing and transferring lockout or tagout devices and who is responsible for them; and requirements for testing the equipment to verify that the energy controls work.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Specific requirements for testing a machine or equipment to determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout devices, tagout devices, and other energy control measures”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗32Who must provide the locks, tags, chains, wedges and other hardware used to isolate and block equipment?
The employer.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Locks, tags, chains, wedges, key blocks, adapter pins, self-locking fasteners, or other hardware shall be provided by the employer for isolating, securing or blocking of machines or equipment from energy sources”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗33A mechanic wants to use a spare lockout padlock to secure a personal toolbox. Does 1910.147 allow it?
No. Lockout and tagout devices must be singularly identified, must be the only devices used for controlling energy, and must not be used for other purposes.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“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”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗34Tags will hang in a wet washdown area next to an acid storage room. What does the durability requirement say about them?
Wet or damp conditions must not make the tag deteriorate or its message illegible, and tags must not deteriorate in corrosive areas where acids and alkalis are handled and stored.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Tags shall not deteriorate when used in corrosive environments such as areas where acid and alkali chemicals are handled and stored”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗35When a facility standardizes its lockout and tagout devices, which features may it standardize on, and what must tags also share?
In at least one of color, shape or size. Tagout devices must also have standardized print and format.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“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”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗36How substantial must a lockout device be?
Substantial enough that it cannot be removed without excessive force or unusual techniques, such as bolt cutters or other metal cutting tools.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“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”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗37What does 1910.147 require of the means used to attach a tagout device?
It must be non-reusable, attachable by hand, self-locking and non-releasable, with a minimum unlocking strength of no less than 50 pounds, and at least equivalent to a one-piece, all-environment-tolerant nylon cable tie.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“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”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗38What must every lockout and tagout device identify, and what kind of legend must a tag carry?
The identity of the employee who applied it. Tags must also warn against hazardous conditions if the equipment is energized, with a legend such as Do Not Start, Do Not Open, Do Not Close, Do Not Energize, Do Not Operate.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Do Not Start, Do Not Open, Do Not Close, Do Not Energize, Do Not Operate”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗39How often must the employer inspect each energy control procedure, and who may do the inspection?
At least annually. The inspection must be done by an authorized employee other than the ones using the procedure being inspected.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The periodic inspection shall be perfomed by an authorized employee other than the ones(s) utilizing the energy control procedure being inspected”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗40During a periodic inspection, how does the review differ when tagout is used instead of lockout?
With lockout, the inspector reviews responsibilities with each authorized employee. With tagout, the review covers each authorized and affected employee, and also the tag limitations listed in (c)(7)(ii).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Where tagout is used for energy control, the periodic inspection shall include a review, between the inspector and each authorized and affected employee, of that employee's responsibilities under the energy control procedure being inspected, and the elements set forth in”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗41What four facts must the employer's certification of a periodic inspection identify?
The machine or equipment on which the procedure was used, the date of the inspection, the employees included in the inspection, and the person who performed it.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The employer shall certify that the periodic inspections have been performed. The certification shall identify the machine or equipment on which the energy control procedure was being utilized, the date of the inspection, the employees included in the inspection, and the person performing the inspection”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗42What training must each authorized employee receive under 1910.147?
Training in recognizing the applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means needed for energy isolation and control.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Each authorized employee shall receive training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗43A janitor works near machines that are sometimes locked out but never services them. What instruction does 1910.147 require for that worker?
Instruction about the energy control procedure and about the prohibition on attempting to restart or reenergize machines or equipment that are locked out or tagged out.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“All other employees whose work operations are or may be in an area where energy control procedures may be utilized, shall be instructed about the procedure, and about the prohibition relating to attempts to restart or reenergize machines or equipment which are locked out or tagged out”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗44In what basic way does 1910.147 say a tag differs from a lock?
Tags are essentially warning devices. They do not provide the physical restraint on an energy isolating device that a lock provides.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“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”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗45A worker finds a tag on a breaker and believes the job is finished. May the worker take the tag off?
No. A tag 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.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“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”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗46Which of these is one of the tag limitations employees must be trained on under 1910.147? A) Tags provide the same physical restraint as a lock B) Tags may evoke a false sense of security C) Tags only need to be readable by authorized employees D) Tags may be loosely hung so they can be moved
B) Tags may evoke a false sense of security, so their meaning must be understood as part of the overall program. Tags must also be legible to all employees in the area and securely attached so they cannot be accidentally detached.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Tags must be securely attached to energy isolating devices so that they cannot be inadvertently or accidentally detached during use”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗47When must authorized and affected employees be retrained under 1910.147?
Whenever their job assignments change, whenever a change in machines, equipment or processes presents a new hazard, or whenever the energy control procedures change.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Retraining shall be provided for all authorized and affected employees whenever there is a change in their job assignments, a change in machines, equipment or processes that present a new hazard, or when there is a change in the energy control procedures”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗48A periodic inspection shows an authorized employee skipping the verification step. What does 1910.147 require next?
Additional retraining. It is required whenever an inspection reveals, or the employer has reason to believe, that there are deviations from or inadequacies in an employee's knowledge or use of the procedures.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“of this section reveals, or whenever the employer has reason to believe, that there are deviations from or inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of the energy control procedures”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗49What must the employer's certification of lockout/tagout training contain?
Each employee's name and the dates of training. The employer must certify that training has been accomplished and is being kept up to date.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The employer shall certify that employee training has been accomplished and is being kept up to date. The certification shall contain each employee's name and dates of training”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗50Who may actually perform lockout or tagout on a machine?
Only the authorized employees who are performing the servicing or maintenance.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Lockout or tagout shall be performed only by the authorized employees who are performing the servicing or maintenance”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗51When must affected employees be notified about lockout or tagout devices?
Before the controls are applied and after they are removed. The employer or the authorized employee gives the notice.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Affected employees shall be notified by the employer or authorized employee of the application and removal of lockout devices or tagout devices. Notification shall be given before the controls are applied, and after they are removed from the machine or equipment”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗52Before turning off a machine for lockout, what must the authorized employee know?
The type and magnitude of the energy, the hazards of the energy to be controlled, and the method or means to control it.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Before an authorized or affected employee turns off a machine or equipment, the authorized employee shall have knowledge of the type and magnitude of the energy, the hazards of the energy to be controlled, and the method or means to control the energy”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗53Put the 1910.147 steps for applying energy control in order: stored energy, isolation, preparation for shutdown, verification of isolation, shutdown, device application.
Preparation for shutdown, machine shutdown, machine isolation, lockout or tagout device application, stored energy, then verification of isolation. The standard says the steps must be done in this sequence.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Verification of isolation. Prior to starting work on machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗54Why does 1910.147 require an orderly shutdown of the machine?
To avoid any additional or increased hazards to employees caused by the equipment stopping. The machine is shut down using the procedures established for it.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The machine or equipment shall be turned off or shut down using the procedures established for the machine or equipment. An orderly shutdown must be utilized to avoid any additional or increased hazard(s) to employees as a result of the equipment stoppage”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗55Where must a tag go when it is used on a lockable valve, and where must it go if it cannot be attached to the device at all?
On a lockable device, at the same point where the lock would have been attached. If it cannot be attached directly, as close as safely possible to the device, in a position immediately obvious to anyone trying to operate it.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“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”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗56Locks are on, but a hydraulic accumulator could rebuild pressure during the job. What does 1910.147 require?
All stored or residual energy must be relieved, disconnected, restrained or otherwise rendered safe. If it could reaccumulate to a hazardous level, verification of isolation must continue until the work is done or the possibility no longer exists.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“If there is a possibility of reaccumulation of stored energy to a hazardous level, verification of isolation shall be continued until the servicing or maintenance is completed, or until the possibility of such accumulation no longer exists”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗57What must the authorized employee confirm before starting work on locked-out equipment?
That isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment have actually been accomplished.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“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”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗58Servicing is finished. What must be checked before lockout devices come off and energy is restored?
The work area must be inspected so nonessential items are removed and machine components are operationally intact, and checked so all employees are safely positioned or removed. Affected employees are notified after the devices are removed and before the machine starts.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“After lockout or tagout devices have been removed and before a machine or equipment is started, affected employees shall be notified that the lockout or tagout device(s) have been removed”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗59The employee who applied a lock has gone home sick. What must the employer's specific removal procedure include before the lock is removed under its direction?
Verification that the employee is not at the facility, all reasonable efforts to contact the employee to say the lock was removed, and making sure the employee knows before resuming work at the facility. The procedure must give safety equivalent to removal by that employee.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Ensuring that the authorized employee has this knowledge before he/she resumes work at that facility”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗60A mechanic must briefly energize a locked-out machine to test a repair. What sequence does 1910.147 require?
Clear the machine of tools and materials, remove employees from the area, remove the lockout or tagout devices, energize and test or position, then deenergize all systems and reapply energy control measures to continue the work.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Deenergize all systems and reapply energy control measures in accordance with”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗61An outside contractor will service equipment at a plant. What does 1910.147 require of the two employers?
The on-site employer and the outside employer must inform each other of their lockout or tagout procedures, and the on-site employer must make sure its employees understand and comply with the restrictions and prohibitions of the contractor's program.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The on-site employer shall ensure that his/her employees understand and comply with the restrictions and prohibitions of the outside employer's energy control program”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗62A crew of six services a conveyor under one group lockout. What must each authorized employee on the crew do?
Affix a personal lockout or tagout device to the group lockout device, group lockbox or similar mechanism when starting work, and remove it when they stop working on the equipment. The group procedure must give protection equivalent to a personal lock.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Each authorized employee shall affix a personal lockout or tagout device to the group lockout device, group lockbox, or comparable mechanism when he or she begins work, and shall remove those devices when he or she stops working on the machine or equipment being serviced or maintained”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗63In a group lockout, who holds primary responsibility, and what happens when more than one crew or department is involved?
Primary responsibility is vested in an authorized employee for a set number of employees under the group device. When several crews or departments are involved, overall control responsibility is assigned to an authorized employee who coordinates the work forces and ensures continuity of protection.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When more than one crew, craft, department, etc. is involved, assignment of overall job-associated lockout or tagout control responsibility to an authorized employee designated to coordinate affected work forces and ensure continuity of protection”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗64A repair job runs past the end of a shift. What does 1910.147 require?
Specific procedures to keep lockout or tagout protection continuous, including an orderly transfer of device protection between off-going and oncoming employees.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Specific procedures shall be utilized during shift or personnel changes to ensure the continuity of lockout or tagout protection, including provision for the orderly transfer of lockout or tagout device protection between off-going and oncoming employees”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗65True or false: Appendix A to 1910.147, the Typical Minimal Lockout Procedure, adds mandatory requirements to the standard.
False. Appendix A is a non-mandatory guideline. Nothing in it adds to or detracts from the requirements of the standard.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Nothing in the appendix adds to or detracts from any of the requirements of this section”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗66Appendix A to 1910.147 lists examples of stored or residual energy. Which of these is one of them, and how may it be dissipated or restrained? A) A rotating flywheel B) A painted surface C) A fluorescent light that is off D) A locked padlock
A) Rotating flywheels are listed with capacitors, springs, elevated machine members, hydraulic systems and air, gas, steam or water pressure. Methods include grounding, repositioning, blocking and bleeding down.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Stored or residual energy (such as that in capacitors, springs, elevated machine members, rotating flywheels, hydraulic systems, and air, gas, steam, or water pressure, etc.) must be dissipated or restrained by methods such as grounding, repositioning, blocking, bleeding down, etc.”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗67How does the Appendix A sample procedure say to verify isolation, and what caution follows?
First check that no personnel are exposed, then operate the push button or other normal operating controls, or test, to make certain the equipment will not operate. Afterward, return the operating controls to neutral or off.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Return operating control(s) to neutral or “off” position after verifying the isolation of the equipment”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗68When restoring equipment to service, the Appendix A procedure has the controls checked before the locks come off. What check, and what note does it add about blocking?
Verify that the controls are in neutral, then remove the lockout devices and reenergize. The note warns that removing some forms of blocking may require reenergizing the machine before it can be removed safely.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The removal of some forms of blocking may require reenergization of the machine before safe removal”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗69Under the Appendix A sample procedure, what must any employee do on seeing a machine locked out for servicing?
Not attempt to start, energize or use that machine or equipment.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“All employees, upon observing a machine or piece of equipment which is locked out to perform servicing or maintenance shall not attempt to start, energize or use that machine or equipment”
— 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-27) ↗70According to OSHA's Lockout/Tagout fact sheet, how many deaths and injuries does compliance with the standard prevent each year?
An estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Compliance with the lockout/tagout standard prevents an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year”
— OSHA Fact Sheet DEP FS-3529, Lockout/Tagout (12/2022) ↗71According to OSHA's fact sheet, how long do workers injured by hazardous energy take to recover on average, and how many workers face the greatest risk?
An average of 24 workdays for recuperation. Craft workers, machine operators and laborers are among the three million workers who service equipment and face the greatest risk.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Craft workers, machine operators and laborers are among the three million workers who service equipment and face the greatest risk”
— OSHA Fact Sheet DEP FS-3529, Lockout/Tagout (12/2022) ↗72Besides 1910.147, which OSHA rule does the fact sheet name for employees working on electric circuits and equipment?
29 CFR 1910.333, which requires safe work practices, including lockout and tagging procedures, when employees are exposed to electrical hazards.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“This section requires workers to use safe work practices, including lockout and tagging procedures”
— OSHA Fact Sheet DEP FS-3529, Lockout/Tagout (12/2022) ↗73OSHA's fact sheet says lockout/tagout training must cover at least three areas. What are they?
Aspects of the employer's energy control program; elements of the energy control procedure relevant to the employee's duties or assignment; and the various requirements of the OSHA standards related to lockout/tagout.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The training must cover at least three areas: aspects of the employer’s energy control program; elements of the energy control procedure relevant to the employee’s duties or assignment; and the various requirements of the OSHA standards related to lockout/tagout”
— OSHA Fact Sheet DEP FS-3529, Lockout/Tagout (12/2022) ↗74OSHA's fact sheet lists critical employer requirements for lockout/tagout. Which is NOT among them? A) Ensure new or overhauled equipment is capable of being locked out B) Ensure lockout/tagout devices identify the individual users C) Inspect energy control procedures at least annually D) Let any coworker remove a lock once the job looks finished
D) The fact sheet calls for a policy that permits only the worker who applied a lockout/tagout device to remove it, subject to the exception in 1910.147(e)(3).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Establish a policy that permits only the worker who applied a lockout/tagout device to remove it. [See 29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3) for an exception.]”
— OSHA Fact Sheet DEP FS-3529, Lockout/Tagout (12/2022) ↗75Which injuries does OSHA list as possible when hazardous energy is not controlled during maintenance?
Electrocution, burns, crushing, cutting, lacerating, amputating, or fracturing body parts, and others. OSHA notes these injuries can be serious or fatal.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Injuries may include electrocution, burns, crushing, cutting, lacerating, amputating, or fracturing body parts, and others”
— OSHA, Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), osha.gov ↗76OSHA's hazardous energy page describes a steam valve turning on while workers repair a downstream pipe connection. What happens to the workers in that example?
They are burned. OSHA uses it with a jammed conveyor that suddenly releases and crushes a worker, and a factory machine whose internal wiring shorts and shocks the worker repairing it.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Internal wiring on a piece of factory equipment electrically shorts, shocking worker who is repairing the equipment”
— OSHA, Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), osha.gov ↗77For construction work, which OSHA subparts does OSHA's hazardous energy page name as also addressing the control of hazardous energy?
1926 Subpart K (Electrical), 1926 Subpart Q (Concrete and Masonry Construction) and 1926 Subpart V (Electric Power Transmission and Distribution).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Safety and Health Regulations for Construction; Electrical ( 1926 Subpart K ), Concrete and Masonry Construction ( 1926 Subpart Q ), Electric Power Transmission and Distribution ( 1926 Subpart V )”
— OSHA, Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), osha.gov ↗Know questions we're missing?
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