1910.333(b)(2)(iii)(A): Lock and Tag on Each Electrical Disconnect
A lock and a tag must be placed on each disconnecting means used to deenergize circuits and equipment to be worked on, except as the rule allows in two listed paragraphs. The lock must be attached so no one can operate the disconnect without undue force or tools.
Key takeaways
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iii)(A) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 18 times in the last 3 years, in 18 inspections, with $46,219 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: FL (3), NH (2), IA (1).
- Related part: 1910.333(b) Working on or near exposed deenergized parts (225 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.333(b)(2)(iii)(A) is one requirement inside 1910.333 Selection and use of work practices, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). 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
(A) A lock and a tag shall be placed on each disconnecting means used to deenergize circuits and equipment on which work is to be performed, except as provided in paragraphs (b)(2)(iii)(C) and (b)(2)(iii)(E) of this section. The lock shall be attached so as to prevent persons from operating the disconnecting means unless they resort to undue force or the use of tools. 18 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.333.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.333(b)(2)(iii)(A).
At 1:00 p.m. on June 24, 2024, Employee #1, employed as a maintenance technician, was working on an outside air unit when he came into contact with anelectrical source. The employee was electrocuted, sustaining fatal injuries fromthe electrical contact. Emergency services responded to the scene,…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: FL (3), NH (2), IA (1), KY (1), MD (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SOUTHERN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, LLC | TAMPA, FL | $11,823 |
| SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | FREDERICKSBURG, VA | $9,994 |
| 66605 - CREATIVE LIQUID COATINGS INC | NICHOLASVILLE, KY | $7,000 |
| BRI-STEEL MANUFACTURING | ENID, OK | $6,852 |
| TAMARACK MILL, LLC | NEW MEADOWS, ID | $4,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.333(b)(2)(iii)(A), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification Regarding the Requirements of OSHA's Selection and Use of Work Practices Standard for Electrical Work (2026-08-17)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.333(b) Working on or near exposed deenergized parts 225 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2) Lockout and tagging 223 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(i) Procedures 61 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iv) 31 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(ii) Deenergizing equipment 31 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iv)(B) 24 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iii) Application of locks and tags 20 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(A) 18 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(B) 12 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(v) Reenergizing equipment 4 citations
- 1910.333(b)(1) Application 2 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iv)(A) 2 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
Where do the lock and tag go?
On each disconnecting means used to deenergize the circuits and equipment on which work is to be performed.
How must the lock be attached?
So persons cannot operate the disconnecting means unless they resort to undue force or the use of tools.
Are there exceptions?
Yes, as provided in paragraphs (b)(2)(iii)(C) and (b)(2)(iii)(E) of this section.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.333 (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.