What goes in a lockout tagout procedure?

OSHA 1910.147 lists what a written procedure has to cover, including the steps to shut down, isolate, block and secure the machine, how locks and tags go on and come off, and how to test that it's isolated. Check the current text of the standard and your own program.

Do I need a written procedure for every machine?

Usually, because each machine has its own energy sources and steps. The note to 1910.147(c)(4)(i) says a procedure need not be documented for a machine only if all eight conditions it lists are true, such as a single readily identified energy source and no stored energy. Check the standard and your program. The standard also calls for a periodic inspection of each procedure at least once a year.

Who can apply a lock?

Authorized, trained people, per your program. Each one uses their own lock and key. Nobody removes another person's lock outside the process your procedure sets out.

Free template

A lockout tagout procedure template for one machine.

A procedure says exactly how to lock out one machine, step by step, so nobody works from memory. Fill out one sheet per machine. Print the sheet or save it as a PDF. Use it alongside the manufacturer's operator manual and your site's procedures.

Also calledLOTO procedure template, Machine-specific lockout procedure, Energy control procedure, Lockout procedure form

See the sheet All free tools

Free to print, copy and change. It’s a starting point. Add the lines your equipment and your rules need.

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Lockout tagout procedure

Machine or equipment name

Machine ID or location

Procedure number

Written by

Date written

Next review date

Purpose and scope

What is this procedure for, and which work does it cover? Who is allowed to apply the locks?

Energy sources

List every source on this machine, where it is, and how to isolate it. Check them all.

Energy type

Size or amount

Where it is

Isolating device

Lock or tag

Hazard types on this machine

Check all that apply.

Electrical
Hydraulic
Pneumatic
Gravity or a raised load
Springs or stored tension
Steam or hot fluid
Chemical or fuel line
Rotating or moving parts that coast

Shutdown steps

How to stop the machine the normal way, in order. Tell affected people first.

Isolating the energy

Which device is turned off, opened or disconnected, in order.

Applying locks and tags

Who puts on a lock, where it goes, and what the tag says. One lock and one key per person.

Releasing stored energy

Bleeding, blocking, grounding or restraining anything that can still move.

Verifying it is isolated

How to test that the machine can't start. Try the start control, then return it to off.

Returning to service

Tools and people clear, guards back on, who is told, who removes each lock, and how the machine is restarted.

Sign-on

Name (print)

Signature

Date

A starting point. Adapt it to your equipment, your procedures and the rules that apply to you.Free template from portalbaseai.com

How to use it

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Step 1
Write it for one machine
A general policy isn't a procedure. Walk the machine, find every energy source and write the steps in the order they're done.
Step 2
Test it with someone
Have an authorized person follow it as written. Change anything that was unclear or out of order.
Step 3
Review it
Review it on the schedule your program sets, and whenever the machine, the energy sources or the work changes.

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Keep the procedure on a phone beside the machine, and log each lockout with the lock number and a photo of the isolation point. It works with no signal.

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Common questions

What goes in a lockout tagout procedure?: OSHA 1910.147 lists what a written procedure has to cover, including the steps to shut down, isolate, block and secure the machine, how locks and tags go on and come off, and how to test that it's isolated. Check the current text of the standard and your own program.
Do I need a written procedure for every machine?: Usually, because each machine has its own energy sources and steps. The note to 1910.147(c)(4)(i) says a procedure need not be documented for a machine only if all eight conditions it lists are true, such as a single readily identified energy source and no stored energy. Check the standard and your program. The standard also calls for a periodic inspection of each procedure at least once a year.
Who can apply a lock?: Authorized, trained people, per your program. Each one uses their own lock and key. Nobody removes another person's lock outside the process your procedure sets out.

Related and more free tools

Free tool

A lockout tagout procedure template for one machine.

Lockout tagout procedure

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Write it for one machine

Test it with someone

Review it

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Get new free tools by email.

Common questions

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