1910.147(c)(2)(i): Tagout When a Device Cannot Be Locked
If an energy isolating device cannot be locked out, the employer's energy control program must use a tagout system.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(c)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 6 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $33,923 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.147(c) General (11,187 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.147(c)(2)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). 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
(i) If an energy isolating device is not capable of being locked out, the employer's energy control program under paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall utilize a tagout system. 6 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.147.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.147(c)(2)(i).
At 3:15 p.m. on June 5, 2024, an employee working as a laborer for a casino was installing an electric system for an AC Chiller. The system was energized while the employee was in contact with the live parts. The employee died due to being…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(c)(2)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.147(c)(2)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.147(c) General 11,187 citations
- 1910.147(c)(4) Energy control procedure 4,087 citations
- 1910.147(c)(4)(i) 2,952 citations
- 1910.147(c)(7) Training and communication 2,758 citations
- 1910.147(c)(6) Periodic inspection 2,446 citations
- 1910.147(c)(7)(i) 2,347 citations
- 1910.147(c)(6)(i) 2,024 citations
- 1910.147(c)(1) Energy control program 1,454 citations
- 1910.147(c)(4)(ii) 1,131 citations
- 1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A) 938 citations
- 1910.147(c)(6)(ii) 408 citations
- 1910.147(c)(5) Protective materials and hardware 350 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What if an energy isolating device cannot take a lock?
The energy control program must use a tagout system.
Is tagout optional in that case?
No, the program shall utilize a tagout system.
Which program does this refer to?
The employer's energy control program under paragraph (c)(1).
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 2026-10-20
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.