1910.147(d)(2): Orderly Machine Shutdown for Lockout
Machines and equipment must be turned off or shut down using the procedures set for that machine or equipment. The shutdown must be orderly so stopping the equipment does not create added or increased hazards to employees.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(d)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 119 times in the last 3 years, in 119 inspections, with $919,254 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (19), NJ (14), PA (11).
- Related part: 1910.147(d) Application of control (1,334 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.147(d)(2) ("Machine or equipment shutdown") 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
(2) Machine or equipment shutdown. The machine or equipment shall be turned off or shut down using the procedures established for the machine or equipment. An orderly shutdown must be utilized to avoid any additional or increased hazard(s) to employees as a result of the equipment stoppage. 119 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.147.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.147(d)(2).
At 10:15 a.m. on August 9, 2024, Employee #1 was servicing the North stamp wheelon the rail line with assistance from four other employees. While in the processof removing the faceplate to replace pin assemblies, Employee #1 failed to lock out the stamp wheel. As…
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 | 11 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 37 |
| 2026 | 30 |
Top states: TX (19), NJ (14), PA (11), GA (8), WI (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ORION FOOD SYSTEMS, L.L.C. | SIOUX FALLS, SD | $156,259 |
| MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY | CROSWELL, MI | $70,000 |
| ALLEN HARIM FOODS, LLC | HARBESON, DE | $22,344 |
| BRIDOR USA, INC. | BRIDGEPORT, CT | $16,550 |
| JOHNSON AND JORDAN | PORTLAND, ME | $16,550 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(d)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.147(d) Application of control 1,334 citations
- 1910.147(d)(4) Lockout or tagout device application 319 citations
- 1910.147(d)(4)(i) 281 citations
- 1910.147(d)(3) Machine or equipment isolation 136 citations
- 1910.147(d)(6) Verification of isolation 70 citations
- 1910.147(d)(5) Stored energy 65 citations
- 1910.147(d)(5)(i) 56 citations
- 1910.147(d)(4)(ii) 25 citations
- 1910.147(d)(1) Preparation for shutdown 14 citations
- 1910.147(d)(5)(ii) 8 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How must a machine be shut down for lockout?
Using the procedures established for that machine or equipment.
What is an orderly shutdown?
A shutdown that avoids any additional or increased hazards to employees caused by stopping the equipment.
Can I just pull the plug?
The rule requires using the established shutdown procedures for the machine.
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.