1910.147(d)(4)(ii): Lockout Devices Hold Safe Position
Employers must make sure lockout devices, where used, are affixed in a manner that will hold energy isolating devices in a "safe" or "off" position.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(d)(4)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 25 times in the last 3 years, in 25 inspections, with $238,192 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (5), OR (3), WI (3).
- 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)(4)(ii) 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
(ii) Lockout devices, where used, shall be affixed in a manner to that will hold the energy isolating devices in a “safe” or “off” position. 25 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.147.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: TN (5), OR (3), WI (3), NE (2), PA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ZIPS CAR WASH, LLC | MILLEDGEVILLE, GA | $165,514 |
| ANIMAL COMFORT GROUP, LLC | CROCKETT, TX | $12,098 |
| BURKE HANDLING SYSTEMS, INC. | FOREST, MS | $9,103 |
| 317737629 - LETICA CORPORATION | WARREN, OR | $6,917 |
| KOHLER CO. | KOHLER, WI | $6,857 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(d)(4)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.147(d)(4)(ii).
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)(2) Machine or equipment shutdown 119 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)(1) Preparation for shutdown 14 citations
- 1910.147(d)(5)(ii) 8 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
How must lockout devices be applied?
So they hold energy isolating devices in a "safe" or "off" position.
Does this apply to all lockout devices?
It applies to lockout devices wherever they are used.
Why does placement matter?
A lock that does not hold the isolating device off may not prevent startup.
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.