1910.269(d)(5): Notify Workers About Lockout and Tagout
Employers or authorized employees must notify affected employees when lockout or tagout devices are applied and removed. Notice must be given before the controls are applied and after they are removed, and a second notice must come before the machine or equipment is reenergized.
Key takeaways
- 1910.269(d)(5) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $6,300 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.269(d) Hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout) procedures (47 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
Get the free 5-minute toolbox talk on 1910.269(d)(5) ↓
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.269(d)(5) ("Notification") is one requirement inside 1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). 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) Notification. Affected employees shall be notified by the employer or authorized employee of the application and removal of lockout or tagout devices. Notification shall be given before the controls are applied and after they are removed from the machine or equipment. 1 citations
See also paragraph (d)(7) of this section, which requires that the second notification take place before the machine or equipment is reenergized.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.269.
Export the list: 1 inspections cited 1910.269(d)(5) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.269(d)(5).
On July 31, 2024, an employee working for an electrical contractor was shocked while replacing flood-damaged electrical cable. The employee died due to electrocution.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.269(d)(5), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.269(d)(5).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.269(d) Hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout) procedures 47 citations
- 1910.269(d)(2) General 31 citations
- 1910.269(d)(6) Lockout/tagout application 13 citations
- 1910.269(d)(2)(i) 10 citations
- 1910.269(d)(2)(iii) 8 citations
- 1910.269(d)(2)(iv) 5 citations
- 1910.269(d)(3) Protective materials and hardware 2 citations
- 1910.269(d)(2)(iv)(B) 2 citations
- 1910.269(d)(6)(iv) 2 citations
- 1910.269(d)(3)(ii) 1 citations
- 1910.269(d)(3)(ii)(D)
- 1910.269(d)(4) Energy isolation
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Who must be notified about lockout or tagout?
Affected employees.
When must notification be given?
Before the controls are applied and after they are removed from the machine or equipment.
Is there a notice before reenergizing?
Yes, paragraph (d)(7) requires the second notification before the machine or equipment is reenergized.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.269 (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 2026-11-06
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.