How often is lockout/tagout training required?

Who must be trained, and to what level

1910.147(c)(7)(i) requires training so that employees understand the purpose and function of the energy control program and acquire the knowledge and skills needed for the safe application, use, and removal of energy controls. The depth of training depends on the employee's role.

Authorized employees, who apply locks or tags, must be trained in recognizing applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of energy in the workplace, and the methods and means for energy isolation and control ((c)(7)(i)(A)). Affected employees, who operate or work near equipment being serviced, must be instructed in the purpose and use of the energy control procedure ((c)(7)(i)(B)). All other employees whose work is or may be in an area where energy control procedures are used must be instructed about the procedure and the prohibition on restarting or reenergizing locked or tagged equipment ((c)(7)(i)(C)).

Additional training where tags are used

When tagout systems are used, 1910.147(c)(7)(ii) requires training on the limitations of tags. These include that tags are warning devices that do not physically restrain an energy isolating device, must not be removed without authorization or bypassed, must be legible and durable, may create a false sense of security, and must be securely attached.

When retraining is required

Under 1910.147(c)(7)(iii)(A), retraining must be provided for all authorized and affected employees whenever there is a change in their job assignments, a change in machines, equipment, or processes that presents a new hazard, or a change in the energy control procedures.

Under (c)(7)(iii)(B), additional retraining is required whenever a periodic inspection reveals, or the employer has reason to believe, that there are deviations from or inadequacies in an employee's knowledge or use of the procedures. Retraining must reestablish proficiency and introduce new or revised methods and procedures as necessary ((c)(7)(iii)(C)).

The standard does not require annual retraining. Retraining is event-driven.

The annual requirement: periodic inspection

The annual requirement in 1910.147 applies to the procedures, not to classroom training. Paragraph (c)(6)(i) requires a periodic inspection of each energy control procedure at least annually, performed by an authorized employee other than the ones using the procedure being inspected.

Where lockout is used, the inspection must include a review between the inspector and each authorized employee of that employee's responsibilities ((c)(6)(i)(C)). Where tagout is used, the review must include each authorized and affected employee and the tag limitations listed in (c)(7)(ii) ((c)(6)(i)(D)). The employer must certify the inspection, identifying the machine or equipment, the date, the employees included, and the person who performed it ((c)(6)(ii)).

Certifying training

1910.147(c)(7)(iv) requires the employer to certify that employee training has been accomplished and is being kept up to date. The certification must contain each employee's name and dates of training. The standard does not prescribe a specific form.