Lockout/tagout procedures are essential for preventing unexpected energization or start-up of machines or equipment, or release of stored energy that could cause injury to employees [1]. These procedures involve affixing lockout or tagout devices to energy-isolating devices to disable the equipment [1].

Key aspects of lockout/tagout procedures include:

• Energy Control Program: Employers must establish a program that includes energy control procedures, employee training, and periodic inspections [2]. The program aims to ensure machines or equipment are isolated from energy sources and rendered inoperative before any servicing or maintenance is performed [2].
• Lockout vs. Tagout: Lockout is preferred where energy-isolating devices can be locked out [2]. Tagout can be used if lockout is not possible, but the employer must demonstrate that the tagout system provides equivalent employee protection [2].
• Procedures: Documented procedures are required for controlling hazardous energy, outlining the scope, purpose, rules, and techniques used [3]. These procedures should include steps for shutdown, isolation, blocking, securing, placement/removal/transfer of devices, and testing to verify effectiveness [3].
• Application of Control: Before shutdown, the authorized employee needs to understand the type and magnitude of energy, its hazards, and the control method [4]. The machine or equipment must be shut down using established procedures, and all energy-isolating devices must be located and operated to isolate the machine from energy sources [4]. Lockout/tagout devices are then affixed to each energy-isolating device [4].
• Device Requirements: Lockout and tagout devices must be singularly identified, used only for energy control, and not for other purposes [5]. They need to be durable, standardized (color, shape, or size), and substantial enough to prevent removal without excessive force [5]. Tagout devices must warn against hazardous conditions if the machine is energized [5].
• Stored Energy: After applying lockout/tagout devices, all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy must be relieved, disconnected, restrained, or otherwise rendered safe [6]. If there's a chance of reaccumulation, isolation verification must continue until the servicing is complete or the possibility no longer exists [6].
• Verification of Isolation: Before starting work, the authorized employee must verify that isolation and de-energization have been accomplished [6].
• Release from Lockout/Tagout: Before removing devices and restoring energy, the authorized employee(s) must inspect the work area to ensure nonessential items are removed and components are intact [6]. The work area must be checked to ensure all employees are safely positioned or removed, and affected employees must be notified before startup [6]. Each device should be removed by the employee who applied it [6].
• Additional Requirements: Specific procedures are needed for testing or positioning machines where temporary removal of devices is required [6]. On-site and outside employers must inform each other of their procedures when outside personnel are involved [7]. Group lockout/tagout procedures must provide equivalent protection to personal lockout/tagout [7]. Procedures are also necessary for shift or personnel changes to ensure continuity of protection [7].
• Training and Retraining: Employers must provide effective training. Retraining is required when job assignments change, new hazards are present, or there are deviations/inadequacies in the energy control procedures [4]. Training certification must be kept up to date [4].
• Periodic Inspections: The employer must conduct periodic inspections of the energy control procedure at least annually [5]. The inspection must be performed by an authorized employee other than the one using the procedure being inspected [5].

Following these procedures helps ensure a safe working environment during servicing and maintenance activities.