1910.147(d)(4): Applying Lockout and Tagout Devices
Only authorized employees may attach lockout or tagout devices to each energy isolating device. Locks must hold the device in the "safe" or "off" position, and tags must clearly show that moving it from that position is prohibited. Tags go where the lock would attach on lockable devices, or as close as safely possible and immediately obvious when they cannot attach directly.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(d)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 319 times in the last 3 years, in 312 inspections, with $1,499,795 in current penalties.
- 11 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: WI (47), TX (40), FL (22).
- Related part: 1910.147(d) Application of control (1,334 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.147(d)(4) ("Lockout or tagout device application") is one requirement inside 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). It includes 5 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
(4) Lockout or tagout device application. 319 citations
(i) Lockout or tagout devices shall be affixed to each energy isolating device by authorized employees. Open (d)(4)(i) 281 citations
(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. Open (d)(4)(ii) 25 citations
(iii) Tagout devices, where used, shall be affixed in such a manner as will clearly indicate that the operation or movement of energy isolating devices from the “safe” or “off” position is prohibited. 4 citations
(A) Where tagout devices are used with energy isolating devices designed with the capability of being locked, the tag attachment shall be fastened at the same point at which the lock would have been attached. 1 citations
(B) Where a tag cannot be affixed directly to the energy isolating device, the tag shall be located as close as safely possible to the device, in a position that will be immediately obvious to anyone attempting to operate the device.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.147.
Injuries linked to this rule
11 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.147(d)(4).
At approximately 8:03 a.m. on January 6, 2025, Employee #1 was performing maintenance and servicing on a Newcastle Load Transfer machine, serial number 14134. Prior to the incident, adjustments had been made to the pallet transfer plate to address operational issues. Employee #1, after the…
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 | 20 |
| 2024 | 117 |
| 2025 | 104 |
| 2026 | 78 |
Top states: WI (47), TX (40), FL (22), NE (21), NJ (20)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ZIPS CAR WASH, LLC | MILLEDGEVILLE, GA | $165,514 |
| CHANEY MATERIALS, LLC | CHRISTIANSBURG, VA | $68,825 |
| CVR COMMON SERVICES, LLC | WYNNEWOOD, OK | $25,000 |
| BROWN PAPER GOODS COMPANY | COPPELL, TX | $16,550 |
| MCWANE INC. | TYLER, TX | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(d)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether an LED type device ca be used for the isolation and deenergization verification requirements of 1910.147 and 1910.333. (2012-12-12)
- Clarification of "authorized" and "affected" employees and proper energy control procedures. (2004-02-10)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.147(d) Application of control 1,334 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)(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
Who may apply lockout devices?
Authorized employees.
Where must a tag go on a device that can be locked?
The tag attachment must be fastened at the same point where the lock would have been attached.
What if a tag cannot be attached to the device?
Place it as close as safely possible to the device, in a position immediately obvious to anyone trying to operate it.
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.