Lockout/Tagout Periodic Inspection
How to conduct the at least annual periodic inspection of each energy control procedure, including selecting an independent inspector, observing authorized employees at work, reviewing responsibilities with them, certifying the inspection in writing, and correcting deviations.
- Audience
- Program owners, inspectors designated to perform periodic inspections, supervisors, and authorized employees whose procedures are being inspected
- Review cycle
- annual
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-15
- Revision
- 1
Lockout/Tagout Periodic Inspection: what is in the procedure
8 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 defines how the facility inspects its energy control procedures to confirm they are still accurate and still being followed.
- 02
Scope
CustomizedEvery energy control procedure in use at this facility is inspected at least annually.
- 03
Responsibilities and Inspector Independence
CustomizedThe program owner maintains the inspection schedule, assigns inspectors, tracks corrective actions to closure, and retains the certifications.
- 04
Procedure: Planning the Inspection
Customized1. Select the procedure to be inspected and confirm the assigned inspector did not use that procedure on that equipment during the period being inspected.
- 05
Procedure: Observing the Procedure in Use
Fixed1. Watch the authorized employee work through the procedure without prompting or coaching, and intervene only if there is an immediate hazard.
- 06
Procedure: Review With Authorized Employees
FixedThe inspection is not complete without a review between the inspector and the authorized employees about their responsibilities under the procedure being inspected.
- 07
Procedure: Certification, Records, and Correcting Deviations
CustomizedCertify every periodic inspection in writing.
- 08
References
Fixed29 CFR 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout).
Regulatory references
Lockout/Tagout Periodic Inspection: 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i)
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)(6)(i) | Control of hazardous energy: periodic inspection | The employer must conduct a periodic inspection of each energy control procedure at least annually to ensure the procedure and the requirements of the standard are being followed. The inspection must be performed by an authorized employee other than the ones using the energy control procedure being inspected, must correct any deviations or inadequacies identified, and must include a review of each authorized employee's responsibilities under the procedure. |
| 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(ii) | Control of hazardous energy: certification of periodic inspection | The employer must certify that the periodic inspection has been performed. The certification must identify the machine or equipment on which the energy control procedure was being used, the date of the inspection, the employees included in the inspection, and the person performing the inspection. |
| 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4) | Control of hazardous energy: energy control procedures | Procedures must be developed, documented, and used to control potentially hazardous energy, and must state their intended use, the steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking, and securing machines, the steps for placement, removal, and transfer of devices and who is responsible for them, and the requirements for testing to verify effectiveness. |
| 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7) | Control of hazardous energy: training and retraining | Authorized, affected, and other employees must be trained on the energy control program, and retraining is required when job assignments, machines, or procedures change, and whenever a periodic inspection reveals, or the employer has reason to believe, that an employee has deviated from or does not adequately understand the energy control procedures. |
Compliance checklist
Lockout/Tagout Periodic Inspection: what an inspector looks for
Each energy control procedure is inspected at least annually
29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i)
The inspector is an authorized employee other than those using the procedure being inspected
29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i)
The inspection includes a review of responsibilities with the authorized employees who use the procedure
29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i)
Deviations and inadequacies identified during the inspection are corrected
29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i)
A written certification identifies the equipment, the date, the employees included, and the inspector
29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(ii)
Procedure documents are updated when the inspection finds they no longer match the equipment
29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)
Employees are retrained when the inspection reveals a deviation or inadequate understanding
29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)
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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.