1910.147(c)(2)(ii): Use Lockout When the Device Can Be Locked
If an energy isolating device can be locked out, the employer's energy control program must use lockout, unless the employer can show that a tagout system will give full employee protection as set out in paragraph (c)(3).
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(c)(2)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 23 times in the last 3 years, in 23 inspections, with $238,051 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (4), OH (2), WI (2).
- Related part: 1910.147(c) General (11,187 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.147(c)(2)(ii) is one requirement inside 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(ii) If an energy isolating device is capable of being locked out, the employer's energy control program under paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall utilize lockout, unless the employer can demonstrate that the utilization of a tagout system will provide full employee protection as set forth in paragraph (c)(3) of this section. 23 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.147.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: TX (4), OH (2), WI (2), GA (2), NY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ALIYAS FOODS USA INC | ALBUQUERQUE, NM | $104,296 |
| J.R. SIMPLOT COMPANY | GRAND FORKS, ND | $16,131 |
| MINEBEA ACCESSSOLUTIONS USA INC. | BREMEN, GA | $16,131 |
| HEARTHSIDE FOOD SOLUTIONS, LLC | MC COMB, OH | $11,292 |
| FLOWERS BAKING CO. OF SAN ANTONIO LLC | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $10,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(c)(2)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.147(c)(2)(ii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.147(c) General 11,187 citations
- 1910.147(c)(4) Energy control procedure 4,087 citations
- 1910.147(c)(4)(i) 2,952 citations
- 1910.147(c)(7) Training and communication 2,758 citations
- 1910.147(c)(6) Periodic inspection 2,446 citations
- 1910.147(c)(7)(i) 2,347 citations
- 1910.147(c)(6)(i) 2,024 citations
- 1910.147(c)(1) Energy control program 1,454 citations
- 1910.147(c)(4)(ii) 1,131 citations
- 1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A) 938 citations
- 1910.147(c)(6)(ii) 408 citations
- 1910.147(c)(5) Protective materials and hardware 350 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
When must lockout be used instead of tagout?
When the energy isolating device is capable of being locked out.
Can tagout ever be used on a lockable device?
Only if the employer can demonstrate that tagout will provide full employee protection under paragraph (c)(3).
What part of the program does this apply to?
The energy control program under paragraph (c)(1) of 1910.147.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.