Lockout/Tagout Training Requirements
Quick Answer
OSHA identifies three categories of employees who need LOTO training: (1) Authorized employees who actually perform the lockout/tagout procedures on machines and equipment, (2) Affected employees who operate or use machines that are locked/tagged out but do not perform the LOTO themselves, and (3) Other employees who work in areas where energy control procedures are used and need to understand the purpose and restrictions of LOTO.
Last reviewed · By Chad Griffith
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about lockout/tagout training requirements. Whether you're a safety manager, compliance officer, or operations director, understanding manufacturing requirements is critical to avoiding costly fines and failed audits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is OSHA Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)?
29 CFR 1910.147 — the Control of Hazardous Energy standard. Requires employers to establish procedures for isolating energy sources (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal) before service or maintenance work, so equipment can't unexpectedly start up or release stored energy. Applies to general industry; construction has parallel requirements at 1926 Subpart V (electrical) and other subparts.
Who needs LOTO training?
Three categories: (1) Authorized employees — those who actually perform LOTO. (2) Affected employees — those whose work area is affected by LOTO procedures (e.g., operators of equipment being serviced). (3) Other employees who work in areas where energy control procedures may be used. All three need training, with authorized employees getting the most thorough training.
How often is LOTO training required?
Per 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(iii): retraining is required when (1) job assignment change introduces new LOTO hazards, (2) equipment or process change creates a new hazard, (3) a change in energy control procedures, or (4) periodic inspection reveals deviations or inadequacies in employee knowledge. Annual retraining is best practice but not specifically required.
What's the most-cited LOTO violation?
(1) Energy control procedures missing or inadequate (no written procedure for the specific equipment/process). (2) Periodic inspection of energy control procedures not performed (1910.147(c)(6)) — annual inspection by an authorized employee not currently using the procedure. (3) Authorized employees not trained or training documentation missing. (4) Tags used without locks where locks are feasible.
Does FileFlo track LOTO programs?
Yes. FileFlo's OSHA general industry rule-pack tracks LOTO program documentation (per-equipment energy control procedures with version control), per-employee training records (initial + retrigger events), annual periodic inspections per 1910.147(c)(6), and equipment-specific lockout tagout audit logs. Free OSHA-readiness audit at /tools/osha-compliance-readiness-score.
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