1910.147(a)(3): Purpose of the Lockout/Tagout Rule
Employers must set up a program and use procedures to put lockout or tagout devices on energy isolating devices and otherwise disable machines, to prevent unexpected startup or release of stored energy. When other standards require lockout or tagout, they must be supplemented by this section's procedure and training rules.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(a)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 20 times in the last 3 years, in 20 inspections, with $96,778 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NJ (5), VA (2), ID (2).
- Related part: 1910.147(a) Scope, application, and purpose (56 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.147(a)(3) ("Purpose") is one requirement inside 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). 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
(3) Purpose. 20 citations
(i) This section requires employers to establish a program and utilize procedures for affixing appropriate lockout devices or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, and to otherwise disable machines or equipment to prevent unexpected energization, start-up or release of stored energy in order to prevent injury to employees. Open (a)(3)(i) 20 citations
(ii) When other standards in this part require the use of lockout or tagout, they shall be used and supplemented by the procedural and training requirements of this section. Open (a)(3)(ii)
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.147.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: NJ (5), VA (2), ID (2), AZ (2), GA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| IAM ACQUISITIONS, LLC | CRANBURY, NJ | $10,758 |
| OEG BUILDING MATERIALS, INC. | SAYREVILLE, NJ | $10,000 |
| PSE&G FLEET MAINTENANCE | EDISON, NJ | $9,931 |
| SIMMONS PET FOOD, INC. | EMPORIA, KS | $9,218 |
| ENCOMPASS SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS, INC. | CLIFTON PARK, NY | $8,040 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(a)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Printing Industry: Lock Out/Tag Out and the essential elements of the inch-safe-service technique (2004-04-07)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.147(a) Scope, application, and purpose 56 citations
- 1910.147(a)(2) Application 34 citations
- 1910.147(a)(2)(ii) 25 citations
- 1910.147(a)(3)(i) 20 citations
- 1910.147(a)(2)(ii)(B) 19 citations
- 1910.147(a)(2)(iii) 9 citations
- 1910.147(a)(2)(iii)(A) 9 citations
- 1910.147(a)(2)(ii)(A) 3 citations
- 1910.147(a)(1) Scope 2 citations
- 1910.147(a)(1)(i) 2 citations
- 1910.147(a)(1)(ii)
- 1910.147(a)(1)(ii)(D)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the lockout/tagout rule?
To require a program and procedures that prevent unexpected energization, start-up or release of stored energy that could injure employees.
What devices are used?
Lockout devices or tagout devices affixed to energy isolating devices.
What if another standard also requires lockout?
Lockout or tagout must be used and supplemented by this section's procedural and training requirements.
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 2026-10-24
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.