Employers must:
- Develop an energy control program.
- Use locks when equipment can be locked out.
- Ensure that new equipment or overhauled equipment can accommodate locks.
- Employ additional means to ensure safety when tags rather than locks are used by using an effective tagout program.
- Identify and implement specific procedures (in writing) for the control of hazardous energy including preparation for shutdown, shutdown, equipment isolation, lockout/tagout application, release of stored energy, and verification of isolation.
- Institute procedures for release of lockout/tagout including machine inspection, notification and safe positioning of employees and removal of the lockout/tagout device.
- Obtain standardized locks and tags which indicate the identity of the employee using them and which are of sufficient quality and durability to ensure their effectiveness.
- Conduct inspections of energy control procedures at least annually.
- Train employees in the specific energy control procedures as part of the annual inspections of the control procedures.
- Adopt procedures to ensure safety when equipment must be tested during servicing, when outside contractors are working at the site, when a multiple lockout is needed for a crew servicing equipment and when shifts or personnel change.
Excluded from coverage are:
- Normal production operations including repetitive, routine minor adjustments and maintenance.
- Work on cord and plug connected electric equipment when it is unplugged, and the employee working on the equipment has complete control over the plug.
- Hot tap operations involving gas, steam, water or petroleum products when the employer shows that continuity of service is essential, shutdown is impractical and documented procedures are followed to provide proven effective protection for employees.