1910.147(e)(3): Who Removes Lockout or Tagout Devices
Each lockout or tagout device must be removed by the employee who applied it. If that authorized employee is not available, the employer may remove it only under documented procedures and training that provide equal safety, including verifying the employee is not at the facility, making all reasonable efforts to contact them, and making sure they know before they resume work.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(e)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 27 times in the last 3 years, in 27 inspections, with $22,734 in current penalties.
- Most citations: PA (13), NY (5), NC (2).
- 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)(3) ("Lockout or tagout devices removal") is one requirement inside 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). It includes 3 sub-paragraphs. 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) Lockout or tagout devices removal. Each lockout or tagout device shall be removed from each energy isolating device by the employee who applied the device. Exception to paragraph (e)(3): When the authorized employee who applied the lockout or tagout device is not available to remove it, that device may be removed under the direction of the employer, provided that specific procedures and training for such removal have been developed, documented and incorporated into the employer's energy control program. The employer shall demonstrate that the specific procedure provides equivalent safety to the removal of the device by the authorized employee who applied it. The specific procedure shall include at least the following elements: 27 citations
(i) Verfication by the employer that the authorized employee who applied the device is not at the facility;
(ii) Making all reasonable efforts to contact the authorized employee to inform him/her that his/her lockout or tagout device has been removed; and 1 citations
(iii) Ensuring that the authorized employee has this knowledge before he/she resumes work at that facility. 2 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 | 9 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: PA (13), NY (5), NC (2), KY (1), IL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MURNANE PACKAGING CORPORATION | NORTHLAKE, IL | $8,067 |
| GREDE | MEADVILLE, PA | $5,000 |
| EFCO PRODUCTS, INC. | POUGHKEEPSIE, NY | $4,517 |
| DRAKE ENTERPRISES INC | CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI | $2,000 |
| 66356 - WESTLAKE VINYLS INC | CALVERT CITY, KY | $1,950 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(e)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Feasibility and "Alternative Methods" (2024-10-21)
- Evaluation of proposed modifications to the Bureau of Prisons' Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures. (2000-07-10)
- Removal of lockout devices by persons other than those who applied them. (2000-02-28)
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)(1) The machine or equipment 12 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Who can remove a lockout device?
The employee who applied the device.
What if that employee is not available?
The device may be removed under the direction of the employer, using specific documented procedures and training in the energy control program.
What must the removal procedure include?
Verifying the employee is not at the facility, making all reasonable efforts to contact them, and ensuring they know before they resume work.
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.