1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(B): Standardized Lockout and Tagout Devices
Employers must standardize lockout and tagout devices within the facility by at least one of these: color, shape or size. Tagout devices must also have standardized print and format.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(B) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $3,552 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (2), ID (1), OH (1).
- 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)(ii)(B) ("Standardized") 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
(B) Standardized. 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. 12 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 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: MI (2), ID (1), OH (1), WI (1), PA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 160715 - STROMBERG METAL WORKS, INC. | RALEIGH, NC | $2,000 |
| DIAMOND PAPERBOX, LLC | ROCHESTER, NY | $610 |
| HARBISONWALKER INTERNATIONAL, INC. | FULTON, MO | $542 |
| TN TENNESSEE, LLC | ERWIN, TN | $200 |
| TIPALOY INC | DETROIT, MI | $200 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
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
What does standardized lockout device mean?
Lockout and tagout devices must be standardized within the facility by at least one of color, shape or size.
Is there an extra rule for tags?
Yes. For tagout devices, the print and format must also be standardized.
Why standardize lockout devices?
So everyone in the facility can recognize a lockout or tagout device on sight.
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.