Subpart J - General Environmental Controls

Subpart J provides the standards for sanitation, marking physical hazards, specifications for signs and tags, temporary labor camps, permit-required confined spaces and the control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout).

To learn if subpart J applies to you, go to Does "Subpart J - General Environmental Controls" Apply to You?

Special Requirements

Tab/Accordion Items

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for housekeeping, potable water, bathrooms, showers, vermin control, food handling, and waste disposal.

Special Requirements: Extermination program, design, markings, disposal method

1910.141(a)(5) - Vermin control. Every enclosed workplace shall be so constructed, equipped, and maintained, so far as reasonably practicable, as to prevent the entrance or harborage of rodents, insects, and other vermin. A continuing and effective extermination program shall be instituted where their presence is detected.

1910.141(b)(1)(iii) - Portable drinking water dispensers shall be designed, constructed, and serviced so that sanitary conditions are maintained, shall be capable of being closed, and shall be equipped with a tap.

1910.141(b)(2)(i) - Outlets for nonpotable water, such as water for industrial or firefighting purposes, shall be posted or otherwise marked in a manner that will indicate clearly that the water is unsafe and is not to be used for drinking, washing of the person, cooking, washing of food, washing of cooking or eating utensils, washing of food preparation or processing premises, or personal service rooms, or for washing clothes.
 
1910.141(c)(1)(iii) - The sewage disposal method shall not endanger the health of employees.

Scope: This standard provides requirements for temporary labor camps.

Special Requirements: State and local regulations, markings, health authority approval, measures, approved by health authority, trained person, duty, reporting communicable disease, references other standards

1910.242(b)(11) - All heating, cooking, and water heating equipment shall be installed in accordance with State and local ordinances, codes, and regulations governing such installations. If a camp is used during cold weather, adequate heating equipment shall be provided.
 

1910.242(d)(4) - Where the toilet rooms are shared, such as in multifamily shelters and in barracks type facilities, separate toilet rooms shall be provided for each sex. These rooms shall be distinctly marked "for men" and "for women" by signs printed in English and in the native language of the persons occupying the camp, or marked with easily understood pictures or symbols. If the facilities for each sex are in the same building, they shall be separated by solid walls or partitions extending from the floor to the roof or ceiling.

1910.242(h)(1) - Fly-tight, rodent-tight, impervious, cleanable or single service containers, approved by the appropriate health authority shall be provided for the storage of garbage. At least one such container shall be provided for each family shelter and shall be located within 100 feet of each shelter on a wooden, metal, or concrete stand.
 
1910.142(i)(1) - In all camps where central dining or multiple family feeding operations are permitted or provided, the food handling facilities shall comply with the requirements of the Food Service Sanitation Ordinance and Code,” Part V of the “Food Service Sanitation Manual,” U.S. Public Health Service Publication 934 (1965), which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6 - incorporation by reference.
 

1910.142(j) - Insect and rodent control. Effective measures shall be taken to prevent infestation by and harborage of animal or insect vectors or pests.

1910.142(k)(1) - Adequate first aid facilities approved by a health authority shall be maintained and made available in every labor camp for the emergency treatment of injured persons.

1910.142(k)(2) - Such facilities shall be in charge of a person trained to administer first aid and shall be readily accessible for use at all times.
 
1910.142(l)(1) - It shall be the duty of the camp superintendent to report immediately to the local health officer the name and address of any individual in the camp known to have or suspected of having a communicable disease.
 

1910.142(l)(2) - Whenever there shall occur in any camp a case of suspected food poisoning or an unusual prevalence of any illness in which fever, diarrhea, sore throat, vomiting, or jaundice is a prominent symptom, it shall be the duty of the camp superintendent to report immediately the existence of the outbreak to the health authority by telegram, telephone, electronic mail or any other method that is equally fast.

Scope: This standard provides the color codes for marking physical hazards.   

Special Requirements: Markings, painted, identification, signs

1910.144(a)(1)(ii) - Danger. Safety cans or other portable containers of flammable liquids having a flash point at or below 80 °F, table containers of flammable liquids (open cup tester), excluding shipping containers, shall be painted red with some additional clearly visible identification either in the form of a yellow band around the can or the name of the contents conspicuously stenciled or painted on the can in yellow. Red lights shall be provided at barricades and at temporary obstructions. Danger signs shall be painted red.

1910.144(a)(1)(iii) - Stop. Emergency stop bars on hazardous machines such as rubber mills, wire blocks, flat work ironers, etc., shall be red. Stop buttons or electrical switches which letters or other markings appear, used for emergency stopping of machinery shall be red.

1910.144(a)(3) - Yellow. Yellow shall be the basic color for designating caution and for marking physical hazards such as: Striking against, stumbling, falling, tripping, and "caught in between."

Scope: This standard provides the specifications for accident prevention signs and tags. 

Special Requirements: Specifications, design, signs, safety measures, posted signs, instruction, markings, tags, inform, references other standards

1910.145(a)(1) - These specifications apply to the design, application, and use of signs or symbols (as included in paragraphs (c) through (e) of this section) intended to indicate and, insofar as possible, to define specific hazards of a nature such that failure to designate them may lead to accidental injury to workers or the public, or both, or to property damage. These specifications are intended to cover all safety signs except those designed for streets, highways, and railroads. These specifications do not apply to plant bulletin boards or to safety posters.

1910.145(a)(2) - All new signs and replacements of old signs shall be in accordance with these specifications.

1910.145(c)(1) - Danger signs.

  • 1910.145(c)(1)(i) - There shall be no variation in the type of design of signs posted to warn of specific dangers and radiation hazards.
  • 1910.145(c)(1)(ii) - All employees shall be instructed that danger signs indicate immediate danger and that special precautions are necessary.

1910.145(c)(2) - Caution signs.

  • 1910.145(c)(2)(i) - Caution signs shall be used only to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices.
  • 1910.145(c)(2)(ii) - All employees shall be instructed that caution signs indicate a possible hazard against which proper precaution should be taken.
1910.145(c)(3) - Safety instruction signs. Safety instruction signs shall be used where there is a need for general instructions and suggestions relative to safety measures.
 

1910.145(d)(1) - Design features. All signs shall be furnished with rounded or blunt corners and shall be free from sharp edges, burrs, splinters, or other sharp projections. The ends or heads of bolts or other fastening devices shall be located in such a way that they do not constitute a hazard.

1910.145(d)(2) - Danger signs. The colors red, black, and white shall be those of opaque glossy samples as specified in Table 1, "Fundamental Specification of Safety Colors for CIE Standard Source 'C,' " of ANSI Z53.1-1967 or in Table 1, "Specification of the Safety Colors for CIE Illuminate C and the CIE 1931, 2 Standard Observer," of ANSI Z535.1-2006(R2011), incorporated by reference in 1910.6 - incorporation by reference.

1910.145(d)(4) - Caution signs. The standard color of the background shall be yellow; and the panel, black with yellow letters. Any letters used against the yellow background shall be black. The colors shall be those of opaque glossy samples as specified in Table 1 of ANSI Z53.1-1967 or Table 1 of ANSI Z535.1-2006(R2011), incorporated by reference in 1910.6 - incorporation by reference.

1910.145(d)(6) - Safety instruction signs. The standard color of the background shall be white; and the panel, green with white letters. Any letters used against the white background shall be black. The colors shall be those of opaque glossy samples as specified in Table 1 of ANSI Z53.1-1967 or in Table 1 of ANSI Z535.1-2006(R2011), incorporated by reference in 1910.6.

1910.145(d)(10) - Slow-moving vehicle emblem. This emblem (see fig. J-7) consists of a fluorescent yellow-orange triangle with a dark red reflective border. The yellow-orange fluorescent triangle is a highly visible color for daylight exposure. The reflective border defines the shape of the fluorescent color in daylight and creates a hollow red triangle in the path of motor vehicle headlights at night. The emblem is intended as a unique identification for, and it shall be used only on, vehicles which by design move slowly (25 m.p.h. or less) on the public roads. The emblem is not a clearance marker for wide machinery nor is it intended to replace required lighting or marking of slow-moving vehicles. Neither the color film pattern and its dimensions nor the backing shall be altered to permit use of advertising or other markings. The material, location, mounting, etc., of the emblem shall be in accordance with the American Society of Agricultural Engineers Emblem for Identifying Slow-Moving Vehicles, ASAE R276, 1967, or ASAE S276.2 (ANSI B114.1-1971), which are incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6.

1910.145(e)(2) - Nature of wording. The wording of any sign should be easily read and concise. The sign should contain sufficient information to be easily understood. The wording should make a positive, rather than negative suggestion and should be accurate in fact.

1910.145(e)(4) - Biological hazard signs. The biological hazard warning shall be used to signify the actual or potential presence of a biohazard and to identify equipment, containers, rooms, materials, experimental animals, or combinations thereof, which contain, or are contaminated with, viable hazardous agents. For the purpose of this subparagraph the term "biological hazard," or "biohazard," shall include only those infectious agents presenting a risk or potential risk to the well-being of man.

1910.145(f)(1)(i) - This paragraph (f) applies to all accident prevention tags used to identify hazardous conditions and provide a message to employees with respect to hazardous conditions as set forth in paragraph (f)(3) of this section, or to meet the specific tagging requirements of other OSHA standards.

1910.145(f)(3) - Use. Tags shall be used as a means to prevent accidental injury or illness to employees who are exposed to hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions, equipment or operations which are out of the ordinary, unexpected or not readily apparent. Tags shall be used until such time as the identified hazard is eliminated or the hazardous operation is completed. Tags need not be used where signs, guarding or other positive means of protection are being used.

1910.145(f)(4)(i) - Tags shall contain a signal word and a major message.

  • 1910.145(f)(4)(i)(A) - The signal word shall be either "Danger," "Caution," or "Biological Hazard," "BIOHAZARD," or the biological hazard symbol.
  • 1910.145(f)(4)(i)(B) - The major message shall indicate the specific hazardous condition or the instruction to be communicated to the employee.

1910.145(f)(4)(ii) - The signal word shall be readable at a minimum distance of five feet (1.52 m) or such greater distance as warranted by the hazard.

1910.145(f)(4)(iii) - The tag's major message shall be presented in either pictographs, written text or both.

1910.145(f)(4)(iv) - The signal word and the major message shall be understandable to all employees who may be exposed to the identified hazard.

1910.145(f)(4)(v) - All employees shall be informed as to the meaning of the various tags used throughout the workplace and what special precautions are necessary.

1910.145(f)(4)(vi) - Tags shall be affixed as close as safely possible to their respective hazards by a positive means such as string, wire, or adhesive that prevents their loss or unintentional removal.

1910.145(f)(5) - Danger tags. Danger tags shall be used in major hazard situations where an immediate hazard presents a threat of death or serious injury to employees. Danger tags shall be used only in these situations.

1910.145(f)(6) - Caution tags. Caution tags shall be used in minor hazard situations where a non-immediate or potential hazard or unsafe practice presents a lesser threat of employee injury. Caution tags shall be used only in these situations.

1910.145(f)(7) - Warning tags. Warning tags may be used to represent a hazard level between "Caution" and "Danger," instead of the required "Caution" tag, provided that they have a signal word of "Warning," an appropriate major message, and otherwise meet the general tag criteria of paragraph (f)(4) of this section.

1910.145(f)(8)(i) - Biological hazard tags shall be used to identify the actual or potential presence of a biological hazard and to identify equipment, containers, rooms, experimental animals, or combinations thereof, that contain or are contaminated with hazardous biological agents.
 

1910.145(f)(8)(ii) - The symbol design for biological hazard tags shall conform to the design shown below: [Reference paragraph (f)(8)(ii)].

1910.145(f)(9) - Other tags. Other tags may be used in addition to those required by this paragraph (f), or in other situations where this paragraph (f) does not require tags, provided that they do not detract from the impact or visibility of the signal word and major message of any required tag.

 

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for practices and procedures to protect employees in general industry from the hazards of entry into permit-required confined spaces.

Special Requirements: Permit space program (written), measures, procedures, permits, permit systems, evaluates, demonstrates, posting signs, debrief, apprise, inform, training, testing, designated person (authorized entrants, attendants, entry supervisors, rescue services), documentation, certify, certification, inspections, (M)SDS, information (written), consult

1910.146(c)(1) - The employer shall evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces are permit-required confined spaces.

1910.146(c)(2) - If the workplace contains permit spaces, the employer shall inform exposed employees, by posting danger signs or by any other equally effective means, of the existence and location of and the danger posed by the permit spaces.

1910.146(c)(3) - If the employer decides that its employees will not enter permit spaces, the employer shall take effective measures to prevent its employees from entering the permit spaces and shall comply with paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(6), and (c)(8) of this section. 
 
1910.146(c)(4) - If the employer decides that its employees will enter permit spaces, the employer shall develop and implement a written permit space program that complies with this section. The written program shall be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives.
 
1910.146(c)(5) - An employer may use the alternate procedures specified in paragraph (c)(5)(ii) [(c)(5)(ii)(A) - (ii)(H)] of this section for entering a permit space under the conditions set forth in paragraph (c)(5)(i) [(c)(5)(i)(A) - (i)(F)] of this section.
 
1910.146(c)(6) - When there are changes in the use or configuration of a non-permit confined space that might increase the hazards to entrants, the employer shall reevaluate that space and, if necessary, reclassify it as a permit-required confined space.
 
1910.146(c)(7) - A space classified by the employer as a permit-required confined space may be reclassified as a non-permit confined space under the following procedures: [Reference paragraph (c)(7)(i) - (iv)].
 
1910.146(c)(8) - When an employer (host employer) arranges to have employees of another employer (contractor) perform work that involves permit space entry, the host employer shall:
  • 1910.146(c)(8)(i) - Inform the contractor that the workplace contains permit spaces and that permit space entry is allowed only through compliance with a permit space program meeting the requirements of this section;
  • 1910.146(c)(8)(ii) - Apprise the contractor of the elements, including the hazards identified and the host employer's experience with the space, that make the space in question a permit space;
  • 1910.146(c)(8)(iii) - Apprise the contractor of any precautions or procedures that the host employer has implemented for the protection of employees in or near permit spaces where contractor personnel will be working;
  • 1910.146(c)(8)(iv) - Coordinate entry operations with the contractor, when both host employer personnel and contractor personnel will be working in or near permit spaces, as required by paragraph (d)(11) of this section; and
  • 1910.146(c)(8)(v) - Debrief the contractor at the conclusion of the entry operations regarding the permit space program followed and regarding any hazards confronted or created in permit spaces during entry operations.
1910.146(c)(9) - In addition to complying with the permit space requirements that apply to all employers, each contractor who is retained to perform permit space entry operations shall:
  • 1910.146(c)(9)(i) - Obtain any available information regarding permit space hazards and entry operations from the host employer; 
  • 1910.146(c)(9)(ii) - Coordinate entry operations with the host employer, when both host employer personnel and contractor personnel will be working in or near permit spaces, as required by paragraph (d)(11) of this section; and
  • 1910.146(c)(9)(iii) - Inform the host employer of the permit space program that the contractor will follow and of any hazards confronted or created in permit spaces, either through a debriefing or during the entry operation
1910.146(d) - Permit-required confined space program (permit space program). Under the permit space program required by paragraph (c)(4) of this section, the employer shall: [Reference paragraph (d)(1) - (d)(14)].
 
1910.146(e) - Permit system.
  • 1910.146(e)(1) - Before entry is authorized, the employer shall document the completion of measures required by paragraph (d)(3) of this section by preparing an entry permit.
    1910.146(e)(2) - Before entry begins, the entry supervisor identified on the permit shall sign the entry permit to authorize entry.
  • 1910.146(e)(3) - The completed permit shall be made available at the time of entry to all authorized entrants or their authorized representatives, by posting it at the entry portal or by any other equally effective means, so that the entrants can confirm that pre-entry preparations have been completed.
  • 1910.146(e)(4) - The duration of the permit may not exceed the time required to complete the assigned task or job identified on the permit in accordance with paragraph (f)(2) of this section.
  • 1910.146(e)(5) - The entry supervisor shall terminate entry and cancel the entry permit when: [Reference paragraph (e)(5)(i) - (ii)].
  • 1910.146(e)(6) - The employer shall retain each canceled entry permit for at least 1 year to facilitate the review of the permit-required confined space program required by paragraph (d)(14) of this section. Any problems encountered during an entry operation shall be noted on the pertinent permit so that appropriate revisions to the permit space program can be made.

1910.146(f) - Entry permit. The entry permit that documents compliance with this section and authorizes entry to a permit space shall identify: [Reference paragraph (f)(1) - (f)(15)].

1910.146(g) - Training

  • 1910.146(g)(1) - The employer shall provide training so that all employees whose work is regulated by this section acquire the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under this section.
  • 1910.146(g)(2) - Training shall be provided to each affected employee: [Reference paragraph (g)(2)(i) - (iv)]. 
  • 1910.146(g)(3) - The training shall establish employee proficiency in the duties required by this section and shall introduce new or revised procedures, as necessary, for compliance with this section.
  • 1910.146(g)(4) - The employer shall certify that the training required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this section has been accomplished. The certification shall contain each employee's name, the signatures or initials of the trainers, and the dates of training. The certification shall be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives.
1910.146(h) - Duties of authorized entrants. The employer shall ensure that all authorized entrants: [Reference paragraphs (h)(1) - (h)(5)].
 

1910.146(i) - Duties of attendants. The employer shall ensure that each attendant: [Reference paragraphs (i)(1) - (i)(10)].

1910.146(j) - Duties of entry supervisors. The employer shall ensure that each entry supervisor: [Reference paragraphs (j)(1) - (i)(6)].

1910.146(k) - Rescue and emergency services.
  • 1910.146(k)(1) - An employer who designates rescue and emergency services, pursuant to paragraph (d)(9) of this section, shall: [Reference paragraphs (k)(1)(i) - (iv)].
  • 1910.146(k)(2) - An employer whose employees have been designated to provide permit space rescue and emergency services shall take the following measures: [Reference paragraphs (k)(2)(i) - (iv)].
  • 1910.146(k)(3) - To facilitate non-entry rescue, retrieval systems or methods shall be used whenever an authorized entrant enters a permit space, unless the retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant. Retrieval systems shall meet the following requirements. [Reference paragraphs (k)(3)(i) - (ii)].
  • 1910.146(k)(4) - If an injured entrant is exposed to a substance for which a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or other similar written information is required to be kept at the worksite, that MSDS or written information shall be made available to the medical facility treating the exposed entrant.
1910.146(l) - Employee participation.
  • 1910.146(l)(1) - Employers shall consult with affected employees and their authorized representatives on the development and implementation of all aspects of the permit space program required by paragraph (c) of this section.
  • 1910.146(l)(2) - Employers shall make available to affected employees and their authorized representatives all information required to be developed by this section.

Confined space means a space that:

(1) Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and
(2) Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and
(3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Permit-required confined space (permit space) means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics

(1) Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;
(2) Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant;
(3) Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section; or
(4) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

Scope: This standard covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the unexpected energization or start up of the machines or equipment, or release of stored energy could cause injury to employees.

Special Requirements: Program (energy control), procedures (documented), training/retraining, inspections (annual), demonstrate, tagout system, safety measures, documentation, tagout program, lockout program, rules, techniques, certify (inspections, training), authorized employees, inform

1910.147(a)(3)(i) - This section requires employers to establish a program and utilize procedures for affixing appropriate lockout devices or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, and to otherwise disable machines or equipment to prevent unexpected energization, start-up or release of stored energy in order to prevent injury to employees.

1910.147(a)(3)(ii) - When other standards in this part (1910) require the use of lockout or tagout, they shall be used and supplemented by the procedural and training requirements of this section.

1910.147(c)(1) - Energy control program. The employer shall establish a program consisting of energy control procedures, employee training and periodic inspections to ensure that before any employee performs any servicing or maintenance on a machine or equipment where the unexpected energizing, start up or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury, the machine or equipment shall be isolated from the energy source, and rendered inoperative.

1910.147(c)(2) - Lockout/tagout

  • 1910.147(c)(2)(i) - If an energy isolating device is not capable of being locked out, the employer's energy control program under paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall utilize a tagout system.
  • 1910.147(c)(2)(ii) - If an energy isolating device is capable of being locked out, the employer's energy control program under paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall utilize lockout, unless the employer can demonstrate that the utilization of a tagout system will provide full employee protection as set forth in paragraph (c)(3) of this section.

1910.147(c)(3) - Full employee protection.

  • 1910.147(c)(3)(i) - When a tagout device is used on an energy isolating device which is capable of being locked out, the tagout device shall be attached at the same location that the lockout device would have been attached, and the employer shall demonstrate that the tagout program will provide a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by using a lockout program.
  • 1910.147(c)(3)(ii) - In demonstrating that a level of safety is achieved in the tagout program which is equivalent to the level of safety obtained by using a lockout program, the employer shall demonstrate full compliance with all tagout-related provisions of this standard together with such additional elements as are necessary to provide the equivalent safety available from the use of a lockout device. Additional means to be considered as part of the demonstration of full employee protection shall include the implementation of additional safety measures such as the removal of an isolating circuit element, blocking of a controlling switch, opening of an extra disconnecting device, or the removal of a valve handle to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent energization.

1910.147(c)(4) - Energy control procedure.

  • 1910.147(c)(4)(i) - Procedures shall be developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees are engaged in the activities covered by this section. 
  • 1910.147(c)(4)(ii) -The procedures shall clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques to be utilized for the control of hazardous energy, and the means to enforce compliance including, but not limited to, the following: [Reference paragraphs (c)(4)(ii)(A) - (D)].

1910.147(c)(5)(ii) - Lockout devices and tagout devices shall be singularly identified; shall be the only devices(s) used for controlling energy; shall not be used for other purposes; and shall meet the following requirements: {Reference paragraphs (c)(5)(ii)(A) - (D)].

1910.147(c)(5)(iii) - 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.

1910.147(c)(6)(i) - The employer shall conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the requirements of this standard are being followed. [Reference paragraphs (c)(6)(i)(A) - (D)].

1910.147(c)(6)(ii) - The employer shall certify that the periodic inspections have been performed. The certification shall identify the machine or equipment on which the energy control procedure was being utilized, the date of the inspection, the employees included in the inspection, and the person performing the inspection.

1910.147(c)(7)(i) - The employer shall provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program are understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls are acquired by employees. The training shall include the following: [Reference paragraphs (c)(7)(i)(A) - (C)].

1910.147(c)(7)(ii) - When tagout systems are used, employees shall also be trained in the following limitations of tags: [Reference paragraphs (c)(7)(ii)(A) - (F)].

1910.147(c)(7)(iii) - Employee retraining. [Reference paragraphs (c)(7)(ii)(A) - (C)].

1910.147(c)(7)(iv) - The employer shall certify that employee training has been accomplished and is being kept up to date. The certification shall contain each employee's name and dates of training.

1910.147(c)(8) - Energy isolation. Lockout or tagout shall be performed only by the authorized employees who are performing the servicing or maintenance.

1910.147(c)(9) - Notification of employees. Affected employees shall be notified by the employer or authorized employee of the application and removal of lockout devices or tagout devices. Notification shall be given before the controls are applied, and after they are removed from the machine or equipment.

1910.147(d) - Application of control. The established procedures for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) shall cover the following elements and actions and shall be done in the following sequence:

  • 1910.147(d)(1) - Preparation for shutdown. Before an authorized or affected employee turns off a machine or equipment, the authorized employee shall have knowledge of the type and magnitude of the energy, the hazards of the energy to be controlled, and the method or means to control the energy.
  • 1910.147(d)(2) - Machine or equipment shutdown. The machine or equipment shall be turned off or shut down using the procedures established for the machine or equipment. An orderly shutdown must be utilized to avoid any additional or increased hazard(s) to employees as a result of the equipment stoppage.

1910.147(d)(4)(i) - Lockout or tagout devices shall be affixed to each energy isolating device by authorized employees.

1910.147(d)(4)(iii)(A) - Where tagout devices are used with energy isolating devices designed with the capability of being locked, the tag attachment shall be fastened at the same point at which the lock would have been attached.

1910.147(d)(4)(iii)(B) - Where a tag cannot be affixed directly to the energy isolating device, the tag shall be located as close as safely possible to the device, in a position that will be immediately obvious to anyone attempting to operate the device.

1010.147(d)(6) - Verification of isolation. Prior to starting work on machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out, the authorized employee shall verify that isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment have been accomplished.

1910.147(e) - Release from lockout or tagout. Before lockout or tagout devices are removed and energy is restored to the machine or equipment, procedures shall be followed and actions taken by the authorized employee(s) to ensure the following:

  • 1910.147(e)(1) - The machine or equipment. The work area shall be inspected to ensure that nonessential items have been removed and to ensure that machine or equipment components are operationally intact.
  • 1910.147(e)(2)(i) - The work area shall be checked to ensure that all employees have been safely positioned or removed.
  • 1910.147(e)(2)(ii) - After lockout or tagout devices have been removed and before a machine or equipment is started, affected employees shall be notified that the lockout or tagout device(s) have been removed.

1910.147(e)(3) - Lockout or tagout devices removal. Each lockout or tagout device shall be removed from each energy isolating device by the employee who applied the device. Exception to paragraph (e)(3): When the authorized employee who applied the lockout or tagout device is not available to remove it, that device may be removed under the direction of the employer, provided that specific procedures and training for such removal have been developed, documented and incorporated into the employer's energy control program. The employer shall demonstrate that the specific procedure provides equivalent safety to the removal of the device by the authorized employee who applied it. The specific procedure shall include at least the following elements: [Reference paragraphs (e)(3)(i) - (iii)].

1910.147(f)(1) - Testing or positioning of machines, equipment or components thereof. In situations in which lockout or tagout devices must be temporarily removed from the energy isolating device and the machine or equipment energized to test or position the machine, equipment or component thereof, the following sequence of actions shall be followed: [Reference paragraphs (f)(1)(i) - (v)].

1910.147(f)(2)(i) - Whenever outside servicing personnel are to be engaged in activities covered by the scope and application of this standard, the on-site employer and the outside employer shall inform each other of their respective lockout or tagout procedures.

1910.147(f)(2)(ii) - The on-site employer shall ensure that his/her employees understand and comply with the restrictions and prohibitions of the outside employer's energy control program.

1910.147(f)(3)(i) - When servicing and/or maintenance is performed by a crew, craft, department or other group, they shall utilize a procedure which affords the employees a level of protection equivalent to that provided by the implementation of a personal lockout or tagout device.

1910.147(f)(3)(ii) -Group lockout or tagout devices shall be used in accordance with the procedures required by paragraph (c)(4) of this section including, but not necessarily limited to, the following specific requirements: [Reference paragraphs (f)(3)(ii)(A) - (D)].

1910.147(f)(4) - Shift or personnel changes. Specific procedures shall be utilized during shift or personnel changes to ensure the continuity of lockout or tagout protection, including provision for the orderly transfer of lockout or tagout device protection between off-going and oncoming employees, to minimize exposure to hazards from the unexpected energization or start-up of the machine or equipment, or the release of stored energy. 

Affected employee. An employee whose job requires him/her to operate or use a machine or equipment on which servicing or maintenance is being performed under lockout or tagout, or whose job requires him/her to work in an area in which such servicing or maintenance is being performed. 

Authorized employee. A person who locks out or tags out machines or equipment in order to perform servicing or maintenance on that machine or equipment. An affected employee becomes an authorized employee when that employee's duties include performing servicing or maintenance covered under this section. 

Lockout. The placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device, in accordance with an established procedure, ensuring that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed. 

Tagout. The placement of a tagout device on an energy isolating device, in accordance with an established procedure, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed. 

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