1910.147(d)(4)(i): Authorized Employees Attach Lockout or Tagout Devices
Authorized employees must attach a lockout or tagout device to each energy isolating device. This is the step that physically keeps machines and equipment from being turned back on while someone works on them.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(d)(4)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 281 times in the last 3 years, in 274 inspections, with $1,186,648 in current penalties.
- 11 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: WI (43), TX (39), FL (22).
- 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)(4)(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) Lockout or tagout devices shall be affixed to each energy isolating device by authorized employees. 281 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.147.
Injuries linked to this rule
11 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.147(d)(4)(i).
At approximately 8:03 a.m. on January 6, 2025, Employee #1 was performing maintenance and servicing on a Newcastle Load Transfer machine, serial number 14134. Prior to the incident, adjustments had been made to the pallet transfer plate to address operational issues. Employee #1, after 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 | 16 |
| 2024 | 100 |
| 2025 | 94 |
| 2026 | 71 |
Top states: WI (43), TX (39), FL (22), NE (18), NJ (17)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CHANEY MATERIALS, LLC | CHRISTIANSBURG, VA | $68,825 |
| CVR COMMON SERVICES, LLC | WYNNEWOOD, OK | $25,000 |
| BROWN PAPER GOODS COMPANY | COPPELL, TX | $16,550 |
| MCWANE INC. | TYLER, TX | $16,550 |
| PL SOLUTIONS GROUP, LLC | SWEDESBORO, NJ | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(d)(4)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification of "authorized" and "affected" employees and proper energy control procedures. (2004-02-10)
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)(3) Machine or equipment isolation 136 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
Who puts the lock or tag on the energy isolating device?
Authorized employees must affix the lockout or tagout devices.
Does every energy isolating device need its own lock or tag?
Yes. The rule says devices must be affixed to each energy isolating device.
What is an energy isolating device?
It is the switch, valve, breaker or similar part that stops energy from reaching the equipment, and it is where the lock or tag goes.
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.