1910.147(c)(2)(iii): Lockable Energy Isolating Devices
Employers must make sure that after January 2, 1990, whenever machines are replaced, majorly repaired, renovated or modified, or new machines are installed, their energy isolating devices are designed to accept a lockout device.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(c)(2)(iii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $17,302 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (7), GA (1), WI (1).
- 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)(iii) 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
(iii) After January 2, 1990, whenever replacement or major repair, renovation or modification of a machine or equipment is performed, and whenever new machines or equipment are installed, energy isolating devices for such machine or equipment shall be designed to accept a lockout device. 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.147.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: MI (7), GA (1), WI (1), CT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MODERN MATERIALS CORP. | HAMDEN, CT | $4,965 |
| CHIPPEWA PALLET INC. | CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI | $4,634 |
| GUIDONI USA, INC. | MC RAE HELENA, GA | $3,703 |
| WIRTZ MFG CO INC PLT 1 | PORT HURON, MI | $2,000 |
| BORROUGHS LLC | KALAMAZOO, MI | $1,250 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(c)(2)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Acceptability of modifying a standard on/off switch to provide lockout capability to a machine. (2003-05-13)
- The obligations and responsibilities of machine manufacturers under the lockout/tagout standard. (1991-03-08)
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
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
When must isolating devices accept a lock?
After January 2, 1990, when machines are replaced, majorly repaired, renovated, modified or newly installed.
What device must accept a lock?
The energy isolating devices for the machine or equipment.
Does this include new machines?
Yes. Whenever new machines or equipment are installed.
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.