1910.147(e)(1): Inspecting the Machine Before Restoring Energy
Before lockout or tagout devices are removed and energy is restored, the work area must be inspected to make sure nonessential items are removed and machine components are operationally intact.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(e)(1) 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 $73,275 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (4), TX (1), GA (1).
- Related part: 1910.147(e) Release from lockout or tagout (75 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.147(e)(1) ("The machine or equipment") 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
(1) The machine or equipment. The work area shall be inspected to ensure that nonessential items have been removed and to ensure that machine or equipment components are operationally intact. 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 | 3 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: MI (4), TX (1), GA (1), VA (1), FL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PRECISION BUILD SOLUTIONS, LLC | TAMPA, FL | $16,550 |
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $13,415 |
| BIMBO BAKERIES USA | HOUSTON, TX | $10,000 |
| HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS TEXAS L.P. | ELWOOD, IL | $10,000 |
| SMITHFIELD FOODS | CINCINNATI, OH | $9,930 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(e)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.147(e)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.147(e) Release from lockout or tagout 75 citations
- 1910.147(e)(2) Employees 35 citations
- 1910.147(e)(2)(i) 29 citations
- 1910.147(e)(3) Lockout or tagout devices removal 27 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 checked before removing lockout devices?
The work area, to ensure nonessential items are removed and components are operationally intact.
Why remove nonessential items?
So tools and other items are not left in the machine when energy is restored.
Which rule is this?
29 CFR 1910.147(e)(1).
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 2026-10-21
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.