1910.147(d)(5): Release Stored Energy After Lockout
After lockout or tagout devices are applied, employers must make sure all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy is relieved, disconnected, restrained and otherwise made safe. If stored energy could build back up to a hazardous level, verification of isolation must continue until the work is done or the possibility no longer exists.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(d)(5) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 65 times in the last 3 years, in 65 inspections, with $372,511 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (9), WI (8), VA (7).
- 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)(5) ("Stored energy") is one requirement inside 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). It includes 2 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
(5) Stored energy. 65 citations
(i) Following the application of lockout or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy shall be relieved, disconnected, restrained, and otherwise rendered safe. Open (d)(5)(i) 56 citations
(ii) If there is a possibility of reaccumulation of stored energy to a hazardous level, verification of isolation shall be continued until the servicing or maintenance is completed, or until the possibility of such accumulation no longer exists. Open (d)(5)(ii) 8 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)(5).
At 10:45 a.m. on November 16, 2024, Employee #1 was replacing the bushings for the link arms of a Caterpillar 259B3 Track Loader. He had removed the bolt on the left side of the machine while the skid steer arms were raised and began removing…
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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 23 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 18 |
Top states: TX (9), WI (8), VA (7), OK (4), IL (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. | GEISMAR, LA | $23,048 |
| CLEMENS FOOD GROUP | COLDWATER, MI | $17,500 |
| UPS INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, LLC | ARDMORE, OK | $16,550 |
| VALERO REFINING COMPANY- OKLAHOMA | ARDMORE, OK | $16,550 |
| KINDER MORGAN | ALEXANDER, ND | $16,131 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(d)(5), 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)
- PRCS and LOTO requirements for accumulation of stored energy in steam pits (2007-04-18)
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)(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
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
What must be done with stored energy after lockout?
All potentially hazardous stored or residual energy shall be relieved, disconnected, restrained and otherwise rendered safe.
What if stored energy can build back up?
Verification of isolation must continue until servicing or maintenance is completed or the possibility of accumulation no longer exists.
When does this step happen?
Following the application of lockout or tagout devices to energy isolating devices.
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.