---
title: "When is lockout/tagout required under OSHA, and what must an energy control program include?"
canonical: https://www.m-i-n-d.ai/minds/osha/lockout-tagout-when-required-program-requirements
jurisdiction: "US Federal"
last_verified: 2026-08-25
license: CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
attribution: "Source: MIND (m-i-n-d.ai)"
---

# When is lockout/tagout required under OSHA, and what must an energy control program include?

Under 29 CFR 1910.147 (as of Aug 4 2026), lockout/tagout is required for servicing or maintenance when employees must remove or bypass guards, place body into the point of operation, or work in danger zones. The energy control program must include procedures for affixing appropriate lockout/tagout devices to energy isolating devices and disabling equipment to prevent unexpected energization or startup, plus training for authorized employees.

## Details / How it works

- **When required**: The standard applies to servicing/maintenance where:  
  - An employee removes or bypasses a guard or safety device.  
  - An employee places any body part into the point of operation or an associated danger zone.  
- **Program elements**: Must establish procedures for affixing lockout/tagout devices, disabling machines/equipment, and training authorized employees.  
- **Authorized employee**: Defined as a person who locks out or tags out equipment to perform servicing or maintenance.

## Numbers & thresholds

| Condition | Requirement |
|-----------|-------------|
| Minor tool changes and adjustments that are routine, repetitive, and integral to production | Exempt if alternative protective measures are used. |
| Hot tap operations on pressurized pipelines | Exempt only when continuity of service is essential, shutdown is impractical, and documented procedures/special equipment are employed. |

## Exceptions & edge cases

- **Minor tool changes**: Not covered if they are routine, repetitive, and integral to production with effective alternative protection.  
- **Hot tap operations**: Exempt when three specific criteria (essential service, impractical shutdown, documented procedures and special equipment) are satisfied.  
- **Normal production operations**: Generally excluded unless one of the guard/bypass or point‑of‑operation conditions is met.

## Sources

- [1] OSHA / Office of the Federal Register (eCFR) — 29 CFR 1910.147 — The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1910/subpart-J/section-1910.147 · as of 2026-08-25