1910.269(d)(6)(iv): Applying Lockout and Tagout Devices
Authorized employees must attach lockout or tagout devices to each energy isolating device. Locks must hold the device in a safe or off position, tags must clearly show operating the device is prohibited, and tags go where the lock would attach or, if that is not possible, as close as safely possible in an obvious position.
Key takeaways
- 1910.269(d)(6)(iv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $15,116 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).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.269(d)(6)(iv) is one requirement inside 1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 2 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) Lockout or tagout devices shall be affixed to each energy isolating device by authorized employees. 2 citations
(A) Lockout devices shall be attached in a manner that will hold the energy isolating devices in a “safe” or “off” position.
(B) Tagout devices shall be affixed in such a manner as will clearly indicate that the operation or movement of energy isolating devices from the “safe” or “off” position is prohibited. Open (d)(6)(iv)(b)
(1) Where tagout devices are used with energy isolating devices designed with the capability of being locked out, the tag attachment shall be fastened at the same point at which the lock would have been attached.
(2) Where a tag cannot be affixed directly to the energy isolating device, the tag shall be located as close as safely possible to the device, in a position that will be immediately obvious to anyone attempting to operate the device.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.269.
Export the list: 2 inspections cited 1910.269(d)(6)(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)(6)(iv).
On July 31, 2024, an employee working for an electrical contractor was shocked while replacing flood-damaged electrical cable. The employee died due to electrocution.
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.269(d)(6)(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)(6)(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)(2)(iv) 5 citations
- 1910.269(d)(3) Protective materials and hardware 2 citations
- 1910.269(d)(2)(iv)(B) 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
Who applies lockout or tagout devices?
Authorized employees.
What must a lockout device do?
Hold the energy isolating device in a safe or off position.
Where does a tag go if it cannot attach directly?
As close as safely possible to the device, in a position immediately obvious to anyone trying to operate it.
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.