1910.147(c)(5)(i): Employer Must Provide Lockout Hardware
Employers must provide the locks, tags, chains, wedges, key blocks, adapter pins, self-locking fasteners and other hardware needed to isolate, secure or block machines and equipment from energy sources.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(c)(5)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 137 times in the last 3 years, in 137 inspections, with $445,071 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MI (26), MD (18), NJ (12).
- 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)(5)(i) 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
(i) 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. 137 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.147.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.147(c)(5)(i).
At 9:00 a.m. on January 3, 2025, Employee #1 was spray painting a GEHL skid loader while kneeling on the floor beneath the equipment. During the task, the skid loader arm catastrophically failed, resulting in a rapid loss of hydraulic fluid. The failure caused the…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 56 |
| 2025 | 39 |
| 2026 | 32 |
Top states: MI (26), MD (18), NJ (12), TX (9), WI (8)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BURKE HANDLING SYSTEMS, INC. | FOREST, MS | $16,550 |
| UNITED RENTALS | MICKLETON, NJ | $16,550 |
| WALMART DISTRIBUTION CENTER #7036 | SEALY, TX | $16,550 |
| PATRICK INDUSTRIES, INC. | DECATUR, AL | $16,550 |
| MODWASH LLC | SICKLERVILLE, NJ | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(c)(5)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- LOTO: Use of heavy-duty nylon cable ties as lockout devices in lieu of chains and locks. (2004-12-07)
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
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Frequently asked questions
Who provides lockout locks and tags?
The employer must provide them.
What hardware does the rule list?
Locks, tags, chains, wedges, key blocks, adapter pins, self-locking fasteners and other hardware.
What is the hardware used for?
Isolating, securing or blocking machines or equipment from energy sources.
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.