Lockout Tagout (LOTO) Training

Lockout/tagout is covered by OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy standard, 29 CFR 1910.147. Short answers to the questions workers and supervisors ask most:

• What are the steps? Prepare for shutdown, shut the machine down, isolate it from all energy sources, apply locks and tags, release or restrain stored energy, and verify isolation before work starts.
• Who can remove a lock? The employee who applied it. If that person is unavailable, the employer may remove it only under a specific written procedure that checks they are not at the facility, makes every reasonable effort to contact them and tells them before they resume work.
• How often are procedures inspected? At least once a year, by an authorized employee other than the one using the procedure, and the employer certifies the inspection (1910.147(c)(6)).
• Who needs training? Authorized employees (who apply locks), affected employees (who operate or work near the machine) and other employees in the area, each at the level their role needs. Retraining is required when machines, jobs or procedures change.

Read the full explanation in our lockout/tagout steps guide. OSHA does not approve online training providers, and your employer must still train you on its own machines and written procedures.