1910.261(b)(1): Locking Out Paper Mill Equipment
Paper mill employers must provide padlocks or similar devices for locking out power at the main disconnect switch. Before maintenance, inspection, cleaning, adjusting or servicing that requires entering or close contact with equipment, the main disconnect switch or valve controlling power or material flow must be locked out or blocked off.
Key takeaways
- 1910.261(b)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 7 times in the last 3 years, in 7 inspections, with $58,376 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.261(b) Safe practices (7 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.261(b)(1) ("Lockouts") is one requirement inside 1910.261 Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). 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) Lockouts. Devices such as padlocks shall be provided for locking out the source of power at the main disconnect switch. Before any maintenance, inspection, cleaning, adjusting, or servicing of equipment (electrical, mechanical, or other) that requires entrance into or close contact with the machinery or equipment, the main power disconnect switch or valve, or both, controlling its source of power or flow of material, shall be locked out or blocked off with padlock, blank flange, or similar device. 7 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.261.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.261(b)(1).
At 9:00 p.m. on April 27, 2024, an employee was working on a paper machine. The employee was found entrapped in a roll winder. The employee was killed due to blunt force trauma.
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.261(b)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Interpretation of Lockouts. (1977-01-14)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.261(b) Safe practices 7 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What must be provided for lockout?
Devices such as padlocks for locking out the source of power at the main disconnect switch.
What must be locked out?
The main power disconnect switch or valve, or both, controlling the source of power or flow of material.
What types of equipment are covered?
Electrical, mechanical or other equipment.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.261 (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.