1910.147(f)(2): Lockout With Outside Contractors
When outside servicing personnel do work covered by the lockout standard, the on-site employer and the outside employer must inform each other of their lockout or tagout procedures. The on-site employer must make sure its own workers understand and follow the restrictions and prohibitions of the outside employer's energy control program.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(f)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 96 times in the last 3 years, in 94 inspections, with $583,128 in current penalties.
- Most citations: WI (12), MD (8), IL (7).
- Related part: 1910.147(f) Additional requirements (493 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.147(f)(2) ("Outside personnel (contractors, etc.)") 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
(2) Outside personnel (contractors, etc.). 96 citations
(i) Whenever outside servicing personnel are to be engaged in activities covered by the scope and application of this standard, the on-site employer and the outside employer shall inform each other of their respective lockout or tagout procedures. Open (f)(2)(i) 92 citations
(ii) The on-site employer shall ensure that his/her employees understand and comply with the restrictions and prohibitions of the outside employer's energy control program. 3 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 | 7 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 25 |
Top states: WI (12), MD (8), IL (7), PA (7), TX (7)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 110411 - CUSHMAN - WAKEFIELD US INC | SAINT PAUL, MN | $49,000 |
| 110310 - THOMSON REUTERS HOLDINGS INC DBA CORE PUBLISHING S | SAINT PAUL, MN | $35,000 |
| 110412 - YALE MECHANICAL LLC | SAINT PAUL, MN | $35,000 |
| LOCKHEED MARTIN | LITTLETON, CO | $16,550 |
| QSI, LLC | HEAVENER, OK | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(f)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Application of Control of Hazardous Energy (LOTO) requirements to compressed gas cylinders. (2007-04-23)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.147(f) Additional requirements 493 citations
- 1910.147(f)(3) Group lockout or tagout 240 citations
- 1910.147(f)(3)(ii) 147 citations
- 1910.147(f)(1) Testing or positioning of machines, equipment or components thereof 140 citations
- 1910.147(f)(3)(ii)(D) 125 citations
- 1910.147(f)(2)(i) 92 citations
- 1910.147(f)(3)(i) 91 citations
- 1910.147(f)(1)(ii) 73 citations
- 1910.147(f)(4) Shift or personnel changes 17 citations
- 1910.147(f)(1)(v) 14 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
What must the host and contractor share?
Their respective lockout or tagout procedures.
What must the on-site employer's workers do?
Understand and comply with the restrictions and prohibitions of the outside employer's energy control program.
When does this apply?
Whenever outside servicing personnel do activities covered by the standard.
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.