1910.147(c)(7): Lockout/tagout training and retraining
Employers must train workers so they understand the purpose and function of the energy control program and can safely apply, use and remove energy controls. Authorized employees learn to recognize hazardous energy sources, the type and amount of energy, and how to isolate and control it. Affected employees learn the purpose and use of the procedure, and everyone else working nearby learns not to restart locked- or tagged-out equipment. Where tags are used, training must cover the limits of tags. Workers must be retrained when their job, the machines, the procedures or an inspection shows it is needed, and the employer must certify the training with each employee's name and the training dates.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(c)(7) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 2,758 times in the last 3 years, in 2,540 inspections, with $9,699,432 in current penalties.
- 38 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MI (468), OH (223), WI (185).
- 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)(7) ("Training and communication") is one requirement inside 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). It includes 16 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
(7) Training and communication. 2,758 citations
(i) The employer shall provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program are understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls are acquired by employees. The training shall include the following: Open (c)(7)(i) 2,347 citations
(A) Each authorized employee shall receive training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control. Open (c)(7)(i)(a) 938 citations
(B) Each affected employee shall be instructed in the purpose and use of the energy control procedure. Open (c)(7)(i)(b) 166 citations
(C) All other employees whose work operations are or may be in an area where energy control procedures may be utilized, shall be instructed about the procedure, and about the prohibition relating to attempts to restart or reenergize machines or equipment which are locked out or tagged out. Open (c)(7)(i)(c) 23 citations
(ii) When tagout systems are used, employees shall also be trained in the following limitations of tags: 5 citations
(A) Tags are essentially warning devices affixed to energy isolating devices, and do not provide the physical restraint on those devices that is provided by a lock.
(B) When a tag is attached to an energy isolating means, it is not to be removed without authorization of the authorized person responsible for it, and it is never to be bypassed, ignored, or otherwise defeated. 1 citations
(C) Tags must be legible and understandable by all authorized employees, affected employees, and all other employees whose work operations are or may be in the area, in order to be effective. 3 citations
(D) Tags and their means of attachment must be made of materials which will withstand the environmental conditions encountered in the workplace.
(E) Tags may evoke a false sense of security, and their meaning needs to be understood as part of the overall energy control program.
(F) Tags must be securely attached to energy isolating devices so that they cannot be inadvertently or accidentally detached during use.
(iii) Employee retraining. Open (c)(7)(iii) 84 citations
(A) Retraining shall be provided for all authorized and affected employees whenever there is a change in their job assignments, a change in machines, equipment or processes that present a new hazard, or when there is a change in the energy control procedures. Open (c)(7)(iii)(a) 51 citations
(B) Additional retraining shall also be conducted whenever a periodic inspection under paragraph (c)(6) of this section reveals, or whenever the employer has reason to believe, that there are deviations from or inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of the energy control procedures. Open (c)(7)(iii)(b) 30 citations
(C) The retraining shall reestablish employee proficiency and introduce new or revised control methods and procedures, as necessary. 3 citations
(iv) The employer shall certify that employee training has been accomplished and is being kept up to date. The certification shall contain each employee's name and dates of training. Open (c)(7)(iv) 311 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.147.
Injuries linked to this rule
38 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.147(c)(7).
At approximately 1:00 p.m. on December 10, 2024, an employee was operating a powered industrial truck in the yard. The forklift overturned and landed on top of the operator, causing fatal mechanical asphyxiation and blunt force trauma.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 182 |
| 2024 | 994 |
| 2025 | 921 |
| 2026 | 661 |
Top states: MI (468), OH (223), WI (185), IL (179), NY (163)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MDLG, INC. | PHENIX CITY, AL | $483,969 |
| FLORENCE HARDWOODS, LLC | FLORENCE, WI | $275,016 |
| FUYAO GLASS AMERICA INC. | MORAINE, OH | $165,514 |
| CLEVELAND STEEL CONTAINER CORPORATION | PEOTONE, IL | $141,876 |
| KUMHO TIRE GEORGIA, INC. | MACON, GA | $110,351 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(c)(7), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Lockout/tagout requirements during maintenance of front-end loaders (Jeff Wilke/DEP/GIE/Harvey/26485) (2015-07-01)
- Application of Control of Hazardous Energy (LOTO) requirements to compressed gas cylinders. (2007-04-23)
- OSHA training Standards Policy Statement. (2007-04-17)
- Training programs for the Control of Hazardous Energy (LOTO) and for the Hazard Communication standard are not satisfied solely by merely providing employees written documentation. (2005-10-24)
- Hazardous energy control lockout/tagout (LOTO) program documentation and certification requirements. (2005-05-10)
- Lock out/Tag out periodic inspection requirements. (2004-03-09)
- Clarification of "authorized" and "affected" employees and proper energy control procedures. (2004-02-10)
- Required components of a LOTO inspection. (2001-04-06)
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)(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
- 1910.147(c)(7)(iv) 311 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between authorized and affected employee training?
Authorized employees, who apply locks or tags, are trained to recognize hazardous energy sources, their type and magnitude, and how to isolate and control them. Affected employees are instructed in the purpose and use of the energy control procedure.
When is lockout retraining required?
When there is a change in job assignments, machines, equipment or processes that brings a new hazard, a change in the energy control procedures, or when an inspection or the employer finds deviations or gaps in knowledge.
Does lockout training have to be documented?
Yes. The employer must certify that training has been done and kept up to date, with each employee's name and the dates of training.
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.
