Lockout/Tagout Application and Removal
Step-by-step application and removal of lockout/tagout energy controls for servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment, following the six-step sequence required by the energy control standard.
- Audience
- Authorized employees performing servicing or maintenance
- Review cycle
- annual
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-14
- Revision
- 1
Lockout/Tagout Application and Removal: what is in the procedure
7 sections. Regulatory language is fixed and passes through verbatim. Sections marked customized get rewritten around your facility, your equipment, and your job titles.
- 01
Purpose
FixedThis procedure protects employees from injury caused by the unexpected energization, startup, or release of stored energy during servicing and maintenance.
- 02
Scope
CustomizedThis procedure applies to servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment where unexpected energization, startup, or release of stored energy could cause injury.
- 03
Responsibilities
CustomizedAuthorized employees apply and remove locks and tags.
- 04
Procedure: Applying Lockout/Tagout
Fixed1. Prepare: identify all energy sources, magnitudes, and hazards for the equipment; notify affected employees.
- 05
Procedure: Removing Lockout/Tagout
Fixed1. Inspect the work area: tools removed, guards reinstalled, machine components operationally intact.
- 06
Special Cases
CustomizedShift change: the incoming authorized employee applies their lock before the outgoing employee removes theirs, so the equipment is never unprotected.
- 07
References
Fixed29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout).
Regulatory references
Lockout/Tagout Application and Removal: 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(1)
Every SOP generated from this template cites the paragraphs below, with a plain-language summary of what each one requires. Citations are informational and are not legal advice.
Tagout devices shall warn against hazardous conditions if the machine or equipment is energized and shall include a legend such as the following: Do Not Start, Do Not Open, Do Not Close, Do Not Energize, Do Not Operate.
| Standard | Title | What it requires |
|---|---|---|
| 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(1) | Control of hazardous energy: energy control program | The employer must establish an energy control program consisting of energy control procedures, employee training, and periodic inspections to ensure machines are isolated and rendered inoperative before servicing. |
| 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4) | Control of hazardous energy: energy control procedures | Procedures must be developed, documented, and used for the control of potentially hazardous energy, including specific steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking, and securing machines. |
| 29 CFR 1910.147(d) | Control of hazardous energy: application of control | Lockout or tagout must be applied in sequence: prepare for shutdown, shut down the machine, isolate energy, apply lockout/tagout devices, relieve stored energy, and verify isolation before servicing begins. |
| 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7) | Control of hazardous energy: training and communication | Authorized employees must be trained in hazardous energy recognition and control; affected employees must be instructed in the purpose and use of the procedure. |
Compliance checklist
Lockout/Tagout Application and Removal: what an inspector looks for
A written energy control program exists and covers this equipment
29 CFR 1910.147(c)(1)
Equipment-specific energy control procedures are documented
29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)
The six-step application sequence is followed, including stored energy relief and verification
29 CFR 1910.147(d)
Authorized and affected employees are trained and training is documented
29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)
The procedure is inspected periodically, at least annually
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This page is informational and is not legal advice. Have a qualified safety professional review any procedure before it goes into service at your facility.