1910.147(c)(2): Lockout Versus Tagout
If an energy isolating device cannot be locked out, the energy control program must use tagout. If it can be locked out, the program must use lockout unless the employer can show tagout gives full employee protection. After January 2, 1990, replaced, majorly repaired, renovated, modified or new machines must have energy isolating devices designed to accept a lockout device.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(c)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 39 times in the last 3 years, in 39 inspections, with $289,276 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MI (7), TX (4), WI (3).
- 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) ("Lockout/tagout") is one requirement inside 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). It includes 3 sub-paragraphs. 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
(2) Lockout/tagout. 39 citations
(i) 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. Open (c)(2)(i) 6 citations
(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. Open (c)(2)(ii) 23 citations
(iii) 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. Open (c)(2)(iii) 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.147.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.147(c)(2).
At 3:15 p.m. on June 5, 2024, an employee working as a laborer for a casino was installing an electric system for an AC Chiller. The system was energized while the employee was in contact with the live parts. The employee died due to being…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: MI (7), TX (4), WI (3), GA (3), NY (2)
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 |
| 158973 - LEE INDUSTRIES, LLC | NEWTON, NC | $14,895 |
| SON RISE MECHANICAL, INC. | MOUNDVILLE, AL | $12,408 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(c)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Acceptability of modifying a standard on/off switch to provide lockout capability to a machine. (2003-05-13)
- Authorized employees must have the opportunity to verify energy isolation in group lockout/tagout (2002-01-29)
- The obligations and responsibilities of machine manufacturers under the lockout/tagout standard. (1991-03-08)
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
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Frequently asked questions
When can tagout be used instead of lockout?
When the device cannot be locked out, or when the employer can demonstrate tagout will provide full employee protection under 1910.147(c)(3).
Must new machines accept a lock?
Yes. After January 2, 1990, new machines and those replaced or majorly repaired, renovated or modified must have isolating devices designed to accept a lockout device.
What is the default when a device can be locked?
Lockout must be used.
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.