1910.147(d)(5)(i): Release Stored Energy After Lockout
After lockout or tagout devices are put on energy isolating devices, all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy must be relieved, disconnected, restrained and otherwise made safe.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(d)(5)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 56 times in the last 3 years, in 56 inspections, with $303,834 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (8), WI (8), IL (4).
- 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)(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) Following the application of lockout or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy shall be relieved, disconnected, restrained, and otherwise rendered safe. 56 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.147.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.147(d)(5)(i).
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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Top states: TX (8), WI (8), IL (4), VA (4), NY (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. | GEISMAR, LA | $23,048 |
| CLEMENS FOOD GROUP | COLDWATER, MI | $17,500 |
| UPS INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, LLC | ARDMORE, OK | $16,550 |
| VALERO REFINING COMPANY- OKLAHOMA | ARDMORE, OK | $16,550 |
| KINDER MORGAN | ALEXANDER, ND | $16,131 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(d)(5)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.147(d)(5)(i).
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)(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)(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 must be done after locks are applied?
All potentially hazardous stored or residual energy must be relieved, disconnected, restrained and otherwise rendered safe.
Is putting on the lock the last step?
No. After the devices are applied, stored or residual energy must still be relieved, disconnected, restrained and made safe.
When does this step happen?
Following the application of lockout or tagout devices to energy isolating devices.
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.