CFR 106 - Control of Hazardous Energy Sources (Lockout/tagout); Final Rule

On 1 September 1989, OSHA issued a final rule detailing safety requirements for the control of hazardous energy sources (lockout/tagout) as a new 29 CFR 1910.147 (the old 1910.147 was redesignated as 1910.150), at 54 FR page 36644. This standard addresses practices and procedures that are necessary to disable machines and equipment and to prevent the release of potentially hazardous energy while maintenance and servicing activities are being performed. The standard requires that lockout be utilized for equipment which is designed with a lockout capability except when the employer can demonstrate that utilization of tagout provides full employee protection. Providing "full employee protection" when using tagout is described as "taking other measures in addition to the isolation of the machine or equipment and the placement of the tag to enhance the tagout." The standard also supplements and supports the existing lockout - - related provisions contained elsewhere in the general industry standards by providing comprehensive and uniform procedures to be used in complying with these provisions. The standard contains definitive criteria for establishing an effective program for locking-out or tagging-out energy isolating devices, and requires training for authorized and affected employees. It requires the employer to implement the specified procedures, and to utilize effective control measures based on the workplace hazards that are encountered.

This final rule became effective on the federal extended date of January 2, 1990. The North Carolina effective date is 5 July 1990.