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Lockout/tagout checklist: sources and guidance

A record of one lockout or tagout, from preparation to release, for servicing and maintenance in US general industry. Before servicing, the machine must be isolated from its energy source and rendered inoperative [14], and the lockout or tagout steps follow a set sequence [35].

How often: Every time a machine is serviced or maintained where unexpected start-up or release of stored energy could injure someone. The energy control procedure itself is inspected at least annually.[14][25]

Purpose

Use this lockout/tagout checklist to record one energy control job, from shutdown to restart, and to check that each step was done in the order your written procedure sets out. OSHA's general industry standard says that before anyone services or maintains a machine where unexpected start-up or release of stored energy could cause injury, the machine must be isolated from its energy source and rendered inoperative [14]. The checklist leaves a record of who applied the locks or tags, what was isolated, how isolation was verified and who released the machine.

Who should use it

The authorized employee who applies the locks or tags and does the servicing. Lockout or tagout is performed only by the authorized employees doing the servicing or maintenance [33]. Supervisors use the last section to check the periodic inspection and training records behind the procedure.

How often

Every time a machine or piece of equipment is serviced or maintained under lockout or tagout [14]. Separately, the employer inspects each energy control procedure at least annually [25]; the last section of the checklist records whether that has happened.

How to use this checklist

  1. Have the machine's written energy control procedure in hand. It sets out the specific steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing that machine [20]; this checklist does not replace it.
  2. Work through the sections in order: preparation, shutdown and isolation, stored energy and verification, then release. The standard sets the order for applying energy control [35].
  3. Mark N/A only where a check does not apply to this job, such as tag checks when only locks are used.
  4. Do not start work until every critical check is answered Yes. The critical checks are isolation, a device on each isolating device, stored energy, verification and clearing people before restart, because the standard requires isolation before servicing [14], verification before work starts [44] and a check that everyone is clear before release [46].
  5. The supervisor completes the procedure records section when reviewing the finished record.

What the rules say

  • Procedures for controlling hazardous energy must be developed, documented and used [18]. Where an isolating device can accept a lock, the program uses lockout unless the employer can show tagout gives full employee protection [16] [17]; where it cannot accept a lock, the program uses tagout [15]. A procedure need not be documented for a particular machine only when all eight conditions listed in the exception exist [19].
  • The standard does not cover [1] construction and agriculture [2]; employment covered by Parts 1915, 1917 and 1918 (shipyards, marine terminals and longshoring) [3]; electric utility generation, transmission and distribution installations [4]; electrical hazards from work on or near conductors covered by Subpart S [5]; or oil and gas well drilling and servicing [6].
  • Before shutdown, the authorized employee must know the type and magnitude of the energy and its hazards [36]. Affected employees are notified before the controls are applied and after they are removed [34].
  • Locks or tags go on each energy isolating device [39], and stored or residual energy is relieved, disconnected, restrained or otherwise made safe [42].
  • The authorized employee verifies isolation and deenergization before starting work [44]. OSHA's non-mandatory Appendix A suggests doing this by operating the normal controls or by testing [11].
  • Before release, the work area is checked for nonessential items [45] and for people [46], and each device is removed by the employee who applied it [48].
  • Locks and tags show who applied them [23], and are standardized in color, shape or size [21].

What this checklist does not cover

  • Writing the machine-specific energy control procedure; this checklist records how an existing procedure was applied.
  • Work 29 CFR 1910.147 does not cover: construction and agriculture; shipyard, marine terminal and longshoring employment (Parts 1915, 1917 and 1918); electric utility power generation, transmission and distribution installations; and oil and gas well drilling and servicing.
  • Exposure to electrical hazards from work on, near or with conductors or equipment in electric-utilization installations, which is covered by 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S.
  • Cord-and-plug equipment controlled by unplugging it, with the plug under the exclusive control of the person doing the work.
  • Normal production operations and minor tool changes done under alternative protective measures (machine guarding, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart O).
  • Rules of State Plan states that differ from federal OSHA.

Questions

What is the difference between lockout and tagout?

Lockout places a lock on the energy isolating device so that it and the equipment it controls cannot be operated until the lock is removed [13]. Tags are warning devices and do not provide the physical restraint of a lock [28]. Where the device can accept a lock, the program must use lockout unless the employer can show tagout provides full employee protection [16].

Is pressing the stop button or turning a selector switch enough?

No. Push buttons, selector switches and other control circuit devices are not energy isolating devices [12]. Isolation means operating the devices that physically cut off the energy [38] and then verifying that the machine will not start [44].

How often do lockout/tagout procedures need to be inspected?

At least annually [25]. The inspection is done by an authorized employee other than the ones using the procedure being inspected [26], and the record identifies the machine, the date of the inspection and who was involved [27].

Can anyone else remove my lock?

Each device is removed by the employee who applied it [48]. The only exception is removal under the direction of the employer through a specific, documented procedure with training [49]. That procedure includes verifying the employee is not at the facility [50], making all reasonable efforts to contact them [51], and making sure they know before they resume work [52].

Does lockout/tagout apply to equipment that plugs into the wall?

Not when the hazard is controlled by unplugging the equipment and the plug stays under the exclusive control of the employee doing the work [7].

When do employees need lockout/tagout retraining?

Authorized and affected employees are retrained whenever their job assignment changes, a change in machines, equipment or processes presents a new hazard, or the energy control procedure changes [29]. Additional retraining is also given whenever a periodic inspection reveals [30], or the employer has reason to believe, that there are deviations from or inadequacies in an employee's knowledge or use of the procedures [31].

Sources

Each cited excerpt was found word for word in the official text on the date shown.

  1. [1]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (a)(1)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  2. [2]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (a)(1)(ii)(A) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  3. [3]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (a)(1)(ii)(B) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  4. [4]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (a)(1)(ii)(C) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  5. [5]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (a)(1)(ii)(D) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  6. [6]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (a)(1)(ii)(E) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  7. [7]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (a)(2)(iii)(A) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  8. [8]29 CFR 1910.147 Appendix A (non-mandatory): Typical Minimal Lockout Procedure, sequence of lockout step (7) caution — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  9. [9]29 CFR 1910.147 Appendix A (non-mandatory): Typical Minimal Lockout Procedure, restoring equipment to service step (3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  10. [10]29 CFR 1910.147 Appendix A (non-mandatory): Typical Minimal Lockout Procedure, sequence of lockout step (6) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  11. [11]29 CFR 1910.147 Appendix A (non-mandatory): Typical Minimal Lockout Procedure, sequence of lockout step (7) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  12. [12]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (b) definition of energy isolating device — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  13. [13]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (b) definition of lockout — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  14. [14]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  15. [15]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(2)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  16. [16]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(2)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  17. [17]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(2)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  18. [18]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(4)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  19. [19]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(4)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  20. [20]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(4)(ii)(B) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  21. [21]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(5)(ii)(B) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  22. [22]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(5)(ii)(C)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  23. [23]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(5)(ii)(D) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  24. [24]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(5)(iii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  25. [25]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(6)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  26. [26]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(6)(i)(A) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  27. [27]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(6)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  28. [28]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(7)(ii)(A) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  29. [29]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(7)(iii)(A) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  30. [30]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(7)(iii)(B) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  31. [31]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(7)(iii)(B) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  32. [32]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(7)(iv) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  33. [33]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(8) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  34. [34]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (c)(9) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  35. [35]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (d) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  36. [36]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (d)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  37. [37]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (d)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  38. [38]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (d)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  39. [39]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (d)(4)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  40. [40]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (d)(4)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  41. [41]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (d)(4)(iii)(A) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  42. [42]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (d)(5)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  43. [43]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (d)(5)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  44. [44]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (d)(6) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  45. [45]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (e)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  46. [46]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (e)(2)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  47. [47]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (e)(2)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  48. [48]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (e)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  49. [49]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (e)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  50. [50]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (e)(3)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  51. [51]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (e)(3)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  52. [52]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (e)(3)(iii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  53. [53]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (f)(1)(v) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  54. [54]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (f)(2)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  55. [55]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (f)(3)(ii)(D) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  56. [56]29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (f)(4) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.

Guidance, not legal advice. It does not replace the law, the manufacturer's instructions or your organization's competent people.