1926.417(a): Tagging Deactivated Controls
Employers must tag controls that are to be deactivated during work on energized or deenergized equipment or circuits.
Key takeaways
- 1926.417(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 15 times in the last 3 years, in 15 inspections, with $53,813 in current penalties.
- Most citations: FL (3), NY (2), WI (1).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.417(a) ("Controls") is one requirement inside 1926.417 Lockout and tagging of circuits, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). 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) Controls. Controls that are to be deactivated during the course of work on energized or deenergized equipment or circuits shall be tagged. 15 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.417.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: FL (3), NY (2), WI (1), OR (1), MA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THE LEVY COMPANY | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $11,000 |
| ARNOLD ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. | PINE BLUFF, AR | $10,641 |
| RUSTIC FIRE PROTECTION, INC. | DOVER, MA | $7,260 |
| CURRENT ELECTRIC SERVICE, INC. | FORT MYERS BEACH, FL | $6,250 |
| ELECTRO-METRICS CORPORATION | JOHNSTOWN, NY | $5,959 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.417(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Lockout and tagging of circuits; §1926.417 (2006-09-28)
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
Which controls must be tagged?
Controls that are to be deactivated during the course of work on energized or deenergized equipment or circuits.
Does this apply to deenergized work too?
Yes. It covers work on both energized and deenergized equipment or circuits.
Why tag a control?
So others know it has been deactivated for the work.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.417 (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 2026-10-19
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.