1910.147(e): Release From Lockout or Tagout
Before removing lockout or tagout devices and restoring energy, authorized employees must inspect the area to remove nonessential items and confirm components are intact, check that all employees are safely positioned or removed, and notify affected employees after the devices are removed and before startup. Each device must be removed by the employee who applied it, except under a specific documented employer procedure.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(e) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 75 times in the last 3 years, in 70 inspections, with $316,029 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: PA (15), NY (8), WI (7).
- Related part: 1910.147(e)(2) Employees (35 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.147(e) ("Release from lockout or tagout") is one requirement inside 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). It includes 8 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
(e) Release from lockout or tagout. Before lockout or tagout devices are removed and energy is restored to the machine or equipment, procedures shall be followed and actions taken by the authorized employee(s) to ensure the following: 75 citations
(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. Open (e)(1) 12 citations
(2) Employees. Open (e)(2) 35 citations
(i) The work area shall be checked to ensure that all employees have been safely positioned or removed. Open (e)(2)(i) 29 citations
(ii) After lockout or tagout devices have been removed and before a machine or equipment is started, affected employees shall be notified that the lockout or tagout device(s) have been removed. 6 citations
(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: Open (e)(3) 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.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.147(e).
At 1:45 p.m. on August 6, 2024, an employee was involved in lowering an aircraftfrom jacks when the aircraft became unstable. The right wing impacted the employee's torso, trapping him beneath the structure. Responders elevated the airframe to relieve the pressure, but despite resuscitative efforts,…
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 | 7 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2026 | 12 |
Top states: PA (15), NY (8), WI (7), OH (7), MI (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $26,830 |
| AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. | FORT BELVOIR, VA | $16,550 |
| PRECISION BUILD SOLUTIONS, LLC | TAMPA, FL | $16,550 |
| MOLSON COORS BEVERAGE COMPANY USA LLC | TRENTON, OH | $16,550 |
| IBP SOLUTIONS US, LLC | THORP, WI | $16,550 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(e), 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)(2) Employees 35 citations
- 1910.147(e)(2)(i) 29 citations
- 1910.147(e)(3) Lockout or tagout devices removal 27 citations
- 1910.147(e)(1) The machine or equipment 12 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Who removes a lockout device?
The employee who applied it, unless a specific documented and trained employer procedure is used when that employee is not available.
What must be checked before restoring energy?
Nonessential items removed, components operationally intact, and all employees safely positioned or removed.
When are affected employees told?
After the devices are removed and before the machine or equipment is started.
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.