1910.147(d)(6): Verify Lockout Before Work
Before starting work on machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out, the authorized employee must verify that the machine or equipment has actually been isolated and deenergized.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(d)(6) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 70 times in the last 3 years, in 70 inspections, with $323,637 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MI (16), TX (8), VA (6).
- 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)(6) ("Verification of 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
(6) Verification of isolation. Prior to starting work on machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out, the authorized employee shall verify that isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment have been accomplished. 70 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)(6).
At 10:00 p.m. on October 10, 2024, an employee and coworker working as boilermakers for a facilities support service were working on a 12-inch pipe to flip the blind. The pipe released hydrogen sulfide gas exposing the crew. The employee died from poisoning from 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 | 6 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2026 | 17 |
Top states: MI (16), TX (8), VA (6), PA (5), OK (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY | CROSWELL, MI | $70,000 |
| LINAMAR STRUCTURES | FRUITPORT, MI | $17,500 |
| TURNER INDUSTRIES | FREEPORT, TX | $16,550 |
| GILSTER-MARY LEE CORPORATION | PERRYVILLE, MO | $16,550 |
| UPS INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, LLC | ARDMORE, OK | $16,550 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(d)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
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)(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
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Frequently asked questions
Who must verify isolation?
The authorized employee doing the work.
When must verification happen?
Prior to starting work on machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out.
What must be verified?
That isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment have been accomplished.
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.