1910.147(f)(1): Testing or Positioning During Lockout
When lockout or tagout devices must be temporarily removed so a machine can be energized for testing or positioning, employers must follow a set sequence. Clear tools and materials, remove employees from the area, remove the devices, energize and test, then de-energize and reapply energy control before continuing service.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(f)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 140 times in the last 3 years, in 138 inspections, with $919,588 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: OH (23), WI (19), MI (13).
- Related part: 1910.147(f) Additional requirements (493 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.147(f)(1) ("Testing or positioning of machines, equipment or components thereof") is one requirement inside 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). It includes 5 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
(1) Testing or positioning of machines, equipment or components thereof. In situations in which lockout or tagout devices must be temporarily removed from the energy isolating device and the machine or equipment energized to test or position the machine, equipment or component thereof, the following sequence of actions shall be followed: 140 citations
(i) Clear the machine or equipment of tools and materials in accordance with paragraph (e)(1) of this section; 2 citations
(ii) Remove employees from the machine or equipment area in accordance with paragraph (e)(2) of this section; Open (f)(1)(ii) 73 citations
(iii) Remove the lockout or tagout devices as specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section;
(iv) Energize and proceed with testing or positioning;
(v) Deenergize all systems and reapply energy control measures in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section to continue the servicing and/or maintenance. Open (f)(1)(v) 14 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.147.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.147(f)(1).
At 2:30 p.m. on October 8, 2024, Employee #1 and Coworker #1 were troubleshooting a malfunctioning tote dumper #2 at their workplace. While attempting repairs, Employee #1 stepped between the dumper and a steel column. At this point, tote dumper #2 began to operate in…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 62 |
| 2025 | 38 |
| 2026 | 36 |
Top states: OH (23), WI (19), MI (13), IL (11), KS (7)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MICHIGAN TURKEY PRODUCERS | WYOMING, MI | $17,500 |
| CASE FARMS PROCESSING, INC. | WINESBURG, OH | $16,550 |
| SAGE V FOODS, LLC | LITTLE ROCK, AR | $16,550 |
| FUYAO GLASS AMERICA | MORAINE, OH | $16,550 |
| GOODMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY, L.P. | WALLER, TX | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(f)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Feasibility and "Alternative Methods" (2024-10-21)
- Lockout/Tagout and the provisions for testing or positioning of machines while they are energized. (2007-05-04)
- Several questions regarding OSHA's LOTO and Bakery standards 29 CFR 1910.147 and 1910.263. (2006-08-25)
- Lock out/Tag out (LOTO) requirements for die-setting operations in hydraulic power presses. (2005-04-22)
- Printing Industry: Lock Out/Tag Out and the essential elements of the inch-safe-service technique (2004-04-07)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.147(f) Additional requirements 493 citations
- 1910.147(f)(3) Group lockout or tagout 240 citations
- 1910.147(f)(3)(ii) 147 citations
- 1910.147(f)(3)(ii)(D) 125 citations
- 1910.147(f)(2) Outside personnel (contractors, etc.) 96 citations
- 1910.147(f)(2)(i) 92 citations
- 1910.147(f)(3)(i) 91 citations
- 1910.147(f)(1)(ii) 73 citations
- 1910.147(f)(4) Shift or personnel changes 17 citations
- 1910.147(f)(1)(v) 14 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
Can locks be removed to test a machine during service?
Yes, temporarily, but only by following the required sequence in 1910.147(f)(1).
What is the first step before re-energizing to test?
Clear the machine or equipment of tools and materials.
What happens after testing is done?
De-energize all systems and reapply energy control measures before continuing servicing or maintenance.
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.