1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(C): Strength of Lockout and Tagout Devices
Lockout devices must be strong enough that they cannot be removed without excessive force or tools like bolt cutters. Tagout devices and their attachments must resist accidental removal, using a non-reusable, hand-attachable, self-locking attachment with an unlocking strength of no less than 50 pounds, at least equal to a one-piece nylon cable tie.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(C) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 14 inspections, with $46,438 in current penalties.
- Most citations: WI (3), HI (2), TN (2).
- 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)(5)(ii)(C) ("Substantial") 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
(C) Substantial — 14 citations
(1) Lockout devices. Lockout devices shall be substantial enough to prevent removal without the use of excessive force or unusual techniques, such as with the use of bolt cutters or other metal cutting tools.
(2) Tagout devices. Tagout devices, including and their means of attachment, shall be substantial enough to prevent inadvertent or accidental removal. Tagout device attachment means shall be of a non-reusable type, attachable by hand, self-locking, and non-releasable with a minimum unlocking strength of no less than 50 pounds and having the general design and basic characteristics of being at least equivalent to a one-piece, all-environment-tolerant nylon cable tie.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.147.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: WI (3), HI (2), TN (2), VA (2), TX (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL U.S., INC. | SHEBOYGAN, WI | $8,513 |
| AGRI-NUTRIENTS COMPANY, INC | DISPUTANTA, VA | $8,145 |
| POMPANOOSUC MILLS CORPORATION | EAST THETFORD, VT | $6,384 |
| THE HILLSHIRE BRANDS COMPANY | NEW LONDON, WI | $6,000 |
| ALLIED PLASTICS, INC. | TWIN LAKES, WI | $4,113 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(C), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(C).
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
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Frequently asked questions
How strong must a lockout device be?
Strong enough that it cannot be removed without excessive force or unusual techniques, such as bolt cutters.
What strength must a tagout attachment have?
A minimum unlocking strength of no less than 50 pounds.
What type of tag attachment is required?
Non-reusable, attachable by hand, self-locking and non-releasable, at least equal to a one-piece all-environment-tolerant nylon cable tie.
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.