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The unexpected start-up of machines or equipment, or the release of stored energy, can cause serious injury and even death to employees. Lockout/tagout procedures can prevent accidental exposures from sources such as electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, chemical, and thermal energy. Some of the problems an accidental release of stored energy could cause are unintentional start-ups, and electric shock.
OSHA’s lockout/tagout requirements apply to employers who have employees that work on energized and deenergized equipment or circuits.
The standard establishes requirements that employers must follow when employees are exposed to hazardous energy while servicing and maintaining equipment and machinery. Most of these are from OSHA’s General Industry standard at 1910.147 as it provides more employee protection than the Construction standard at 1926.147 and 1926.702(j). The requirements are: