1910.147(f)(3)(i): Group Lockout Protection
When servicing or maintenance is done by a crew, craft, department or other group, they must use a procedure that gives each worker protection equal to what a personal lockout or tagout device would provide.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(f)(3)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 91 times in the last 3 years, in 91 inspections, with $295,691 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (13), WI (11), MI (11).
- 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)(3)(i) 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
(i) When servicing and/or maintenance is performed by a crew, craft, department or other group, they shall utilize a procedure which affords the employees a level of protection equivalent to that provided by the implementation of a personal lockout or tagout device. 91 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)(3)(i).
At 11:00 a.m. on June 7, 2024, an employee working as a machinery maintenance technician for a frozen food manufacturer was troubleshooting a ring remover since food trays were getting stuck. The employee bypassed the magnetic safety interlock gates and crawled underneath the conveyor. A…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 40 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 21 |
Top states: IL (13), WI (11), MI (11), OH (8), TX (8)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HILCORP ENERGY COMPANY | ANDREWS, TX | $16,550 |
| SCHELL & KAMPETER, INC. | DUMAS, AR | $16,131 |
| DFA DAIRY BRANDS FLUID, LLC | ROCKFORD, IL | $16,131 |
| GREAT KITCHENS FOODS COMPANY, INC. | CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL | $16,000 |
| MCLANE MIDWEST | REPUBLIC, MO | $15,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(f)(3)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.147(f)(3)(i).
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)(1) Testing or positioning of machines, equipment or components thereof 140 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)(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
What does group lockout require?
A procedure that affords employees a level of protection equivalent to a personal lockout or tagout device.
Who does this apply to?
Crews, crafts, departments or other groups performing servicing or maintenance.
Is a single group lock enough by itself?
Only if the procedure gives each worker protection equivalent to their own personal device.
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.