1910.269(d)(2)(iv): Content of Energy Control Procedures
Employers must write hazardous energy control procedures that clearly spell out the scope, purpose, responsibility, authorization, rules and techniques, and how compliance is enforced. Each procedure must include its intended use, steps for shutting down and securing equipment, steps for placing, removing and transferring lock or tag devices, and how to test that the controls work.
Key takeaways
- 1910.269(d)(2)(iv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $51,554 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.269(d) Hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout) procedures (47 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.269(d)(2)(iv) is one requirement inside 1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 4 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
(iv) The procedure shall clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, responsibility, authorization, rules, and techniques to be applied to the control of hazardous energy, and the measures to enforce compliance including, but not limited to, the following: 5 citations
(A) A specific statement of the intended use of this procedure;
(B) Specific procedural steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing machines or equipment to control hazardous energy; Open (d)(2)(iv)(b) 2 citations
(C) Specific procedural steps for the placement, removal, and transfer of lockout devices or tagout devices and the responsibility for them; and
(D) Specific requirements for testing a machine or equipment to determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout devices, tagout devices, and other energy control measures. 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.269.
Export the list: 5 inspections cited 1910.269(d)(2)(iv) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.269(d)(2)(iv).
On May 13, 2024, at approximately 9:30 a.m., an employee at Oak Grove Power Plant was cleaning out a bypass chute. The employee was using a water hose to wash out built-up fuel and coal when the hydraulic comb depressurized and fell, striking the employee…
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.269(d)(2)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.269(d)(2)(iv).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.269(d) Hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout) procedures 47 citations
- 1910.269(d)(2) General 31 citations
- 1910.269(d)(6) Lockout/tagout application 13 citations
- 1910.269(d)(2)(i) 10 citations
- 1910.269(d)(2)(iii) 8 citations
- 1910.269(d)(3) Protective materials and hardware 2 citations
- 1910.269(d)(2)(iv)(B) 2 citations
- 1910.269(d)(6)(iv) 2 citations
- 1910.269(d)(3)(ii) 1 citations
- 1910.269(d)(5) Notification 1 citations
- 1910.269(d)(3)(ii)(D)
- 1910.269(d)(4) Energy isolation
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Frequently asked questions
What must a written energy control procedure include?
A statement of intended use, steps to shut down, isolate, block and secure equipment, steps for placing, removing and transferring locks or tags, and requirements for testing that the controls work.
Does the procedure have to say who is responsible?
Yes. It must outline responsibility and authorization, and also assign responsibility for the lockout or tagout devices.
Does the procedure have to cover enforcement?
Yes. It must outline the measures used to enforce compliance with the procedure.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.269 (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 2026-11-06
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.