1910.147(d)(3): Machine or Equipment Isolation
Employers must make sure all energy isolating devices needed to control energy to a machine or equipment are physically located and operated so they isolate it from its energy sources.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(d)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 136 times in the last 3 years, in 136 inspections, with $819,928 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (29), WI (26), PA (11).
- Related part: 1910.147(d) Application of control (1,334 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.147(d)(3) ("Machine or equipment isolation") 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
(3) Machine or equipment isolation. All energy isolating devices that are needed to control the energy to the machine or equipment shall be physically located and operated in such a manner as to isolate the machine or equipment from the energy source(s). 136 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(d)(3).
At 10:45 a.m. on November 16, 2024, Employee #1 was replacing the bushings for the link arms of a Caterpillar 259B3 Track Loader. He had removed the bolt on the left side of the machine while the skid steer arms were raised and began removing…
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 | 7 |
| 2024 | 54 |
| 2025 | 44 |
| 2026 | 31 |
Top states: TX (29), WI (26), PA (11), OH (6), IL (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TAYLOR FARMS NEW JERSEY, INC. | SWEDESBORO, NJ | $165,514 |
| ADVANCED FOOD PRODUCTS, LLC | NEW HOLLAND, PA | $31,841 |
| KENT PRECISION FOODS GROUP, INC. | COLUMBUS, MS | $31,691 |
| PACKERS SANITATION SERVICES, INC., LTD | PINE BLUFF, AR | $16,550 |
| PL SOLUTIONS GROUP, LLC | SWEDESBORO, NJ | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(d)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether an LED type device ca be used for the isolation and deenergization verification requirements of 1910.147 and 1910.333. (2012-12-12)
- Use of "generic" LOTO procedures in conjunction with "work authorization permits". (1999-11-03)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.147(d) Application of control 1,334 citations
- 1910.147(d)(4) Lockout or tagout device application 319 citations
- 1910.147(d)(4)(i) 281 citations
- 1910.147(d)(2) Machine or equipment shutdown 119 citations
- 1910.147(d)(6) Verification of isolation 70 citations
- 1910.147(d)(5) Stored energy 65 citations
- 1910.147(d)(5)(i) 56 citations
- 1910.147(d)(4)(ii) 25 citations
- 1910.147(d)(1) Preparation for shutdown 14 citations
- 1910.147(d)(5)(ii) 8 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
What does 1910.147(d)(3) require?
All energy isolating devices needed to control energy must be located and operated to isolate the machine from its energy sources.
Is turning off a control switch enough?
The rule requires operating the energy isolating devices that physically isolate the machine from the energy source.
Does this cover all energy sources?
It covers all energy isolating devices needed to control the energy to the machine or equipment.
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.