1910.269(d)(6): Lockout/Tagout Steps for Power Generation
Lockout or tagout procedures at power generation, transmission and distribution work must follow set steps in order: know the energy and its hazards, shut down the equipment in an orderly way, operate all energy isolating devices, and have authorized employees attach lock or tag devices that hold the device in the safe or off position or clearly warn against moving it.
Key takeaways
- 1910.269(d)(6) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $86,905 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (2), TX (2), DE (2).
- 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)(6) ("Lockout/tagout application") is one requirement inside 1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 9 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
(6) Lockout/tagout application. The established procedures for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) shall include the following elements and actions, and these procedures shall be performed in the following sequence: 13 citations
(i) Before an authorized or affected employee turns off a machine or equipment, the authorized employee shall have knowledge of the type and magnitude of the energy, the hazards of the energy to be controlled, and the method or means to control the energy. 1 citations
(ii) The machine or equipment shall be turned off or shut down using the procedures established for the machine or equipment. An orderly shutdown shall be used to avoid any additional or increased hazards to employees as a result of the equipment stoppage. 3 citations
(iii) All energy isolating devices that are needed to control the energy to the machine or equipment shall be physically located and operated in such a manner as to isolate the machine or equipment from energy sources. 2 citations
(iv) Lockout or tagout devices shall be affixed to each energy isolating device by authorized employees. Open (d)(6)(iv) 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.
(v) Following the application of lockout or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy shall be relieved, disconnected, restrained, or otherwise rendered safe. 1 citations
(vi) If there is a possibility of reaccumulation of stored energy to a hazardous level, verification of isolation shall be continued until the servicing or maintenance is completed or until the possibility of such accumulation no longer exists. 1 citations
(vii) Before starting work on machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out, the authorized employee shall verify that isolation and deenergizing of the machine or equipment have been accomplished. If normally energized parts will be exposed to contact by an employee while the machine or equipment is deenergized, a test shall be performed to ensure that these parts are deenergized. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.269.
Export the list: 12 inspections cited 1910.269(d)(6) 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).
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
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: TN (2), TX (2), DE (2), WY (1), FL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CALPINE CORPORATION | WILMINGTON, DE | $16,550 |
| JMS WIND ENERGY, LLC | SEVERANCE, CO | $14,895 |
| SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY | EARTH, TX | $13,240 |
| POWER ELECTRONICS USA, INC. | LIVE OAK, FL | $12,098 |
| ASSOCIATED ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC. | MARSTON, MO | $10,372 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.269(d)(6), 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).
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)(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)(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 the authorized employee know before shutting down equipment?
The type and magnitude of the energy, its hazards, and how to control it.
Who attaches lockout or tagout devices?
Authorized employees affix them to each energy isolating device.
Where does a tag go on a device that can be locked?
It must be fastened at the same point where the lock would have been attached.
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.