29 CFR 1910.147 - Control of Hazardous Energy

By R.W. Hurst, Editor

29-CFR-1910.147

29 CFR 1910.147 is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) standard for the control of hazardous electrical mechanical hydraulic pneumatic chemical thermal or other energy (lockout/tagout) in general industry. The purpose of this standard is to establish procedures and requirements for the control of hazardous energy when employees are engaged in servicing or maintenance of machines or equipment or when workers are exposed to other sources of hazardous energy during their work.

The 29 CFR 1910.147 standard outlines the minimum requirements for controlling hazardous energy lockout tagout and requires employers to develop, implement, and enforce an energy control program. This program includes a written energy control procedure, employee training, and periodic inspections to ensure effectiveness.

The standard also requires lockout/tagout devices to control hazardous energy sources. The lockout/tagout devices must be specifically designed for the equipment or machinery being serviced, and the devices must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions to perform servicing or maintenance of equipment.

29 CFR 1910.147 applies to all general industry employers who perform maintenance or servicing activities on machines or equipment that could potentially release hazardous energy, including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and other forms of energy.

OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.147 standard is essential for ensuring worker safety and preventing accidents caused by the unexpected startup or release of hazardous energy during servicing or maintenance activities. Therefore, employers must comply with the standard to protect workers from injury and avoid OSHA penalties and fines.

 

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OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.147 standard is essential for ensuring worker safety and preventing accidents caused by the unexpected startup or release of hazardous energy during servicing or maintenance activities for several reasons.

Firstly, the 29 CFR 1910.147 standard requires employers to develop and implement energy control procedures, which provide a clear and structured process for controlling hazardous energy sources during maintenance and servicing activities. These procedures ensure that equipment is properly locked out or tagged out and that all necessary steps are taken to prevent the unexpected energization or start of equipment and, therefore, the accidental release of hazardous energy, which could cause serious injury or death.

Secondly, the 29 CFR 1910.147 standard requires lockout/tagout devices designed to immobilize energy sources and prevent machinery or equipment from being accidentally turned on. Lockout/tagout devices are essential for preventing unexpected startup and release of hazardous energy during maintenance or servicing and are specifically designed for the equipment or machinery being serviced.

Thirdly, the 29 CFR 1910.147 standard requires employee training on energy control procedures, ensuring that workers are aware of the potential hazards associated with hazardous energy from re-energizing hazardous energy lockout tagout and are trained in proper lockout/tagout procedures. This training is essential for preventing accidents caused by human error, such as forgetting to lockout/tagout equipment, which can lead to serious injury or death.

In summary, OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.147 standard is essential for ensuring worker safety and preventing accidents caused by the unexpected startup or release of stored energy during servicing or maintenance activities. Compliance with the standard can help prevent workplace injuries and fatalities and protect workers from the potential hazards associated with hazardous energy.

 

 

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