Lockout/Tagout Program Template — OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 Compliant
The written energy-control program OSHA requires for every employer whose workers service or maintain machines. Includes 10 sample machine-specific procedures and the periodic inspection log inspectors look for.
When this template is required
Required of every employer whose employees service or maintain machines or equipment in which unexpected energization, startup, or release of stored energy could cause injury. LOTO is consistently in OSHA's Top 5 most-cited standards every year.
Why this template
Includes 10 machine-specific procedures
1910.147(c)(4) requires machine-specific procedures, not just a general program. Most facilities have dozens to hundreds of machines, each needing its own procedure. The 10 samples cover the most common equipment types and serve as templates for the rest.
Annual periodic inspection log
1910.147(c)(6) requires the employer to conduct annual periodic inspections of the energy control procedures. This is one of the most commonly missed LOTO citations. The log captures each inspection with date, machine, inspector, and findings.
Group lockout procedure
Multi-worker servicing requires group lockout — each worker applies their own lock to a group lockbox containing the energy-isolating device key. The procedure documents how to coordinate, especially during shift changes.
Contractor coordination section
1910.147(f)(2) requires coordination with outside contractors performing LOTO on your equipment. The procedure documents the information exchange and protects against citations from contractor-caused incidents.
What you receive
- LOTO written program (Word .docx)
- Machine-specific LOTO procedure template (use one per machine)
- 10 sample machine-specific procedures (conveyor, press, mixer, pump, motor, electrical panel, hydraulic press, pneumatic system, lathe, packaging line)
- Authorized Employee designation form
- Affected Employee notification procedure
- Annual periodic inspection log (1910.147(c)(6))
- Group lockout procedure
- Shift change / personnel change procedure
- Contractor coordination procedure (outside servicing personnel)
- Training documentation matrix
How you get it
This document is written and reviewed against the standard it cites, and it is ready now. The download link is emailed as soon as your payment clears.
Revisions included — if something about your operation changes what the document should say, reply to the delivery email and we will amend it.
Who buys this
- Manufacturing facilities — machine servicing and maintenance
- Industrial maintenance contractors
- Food and beverage processing equipment
- Power generation and utility operations
- Any workplace with machines requiring periodic service
Frequently asked
When does LOTO apply?
29 CFR 1910.147(a)(1) covers servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment where unexpected energization, startup, or release of stored energy could cause injury. This includes cleaning, lubricating, adjusting, repairing, modifying, setup, and tool changes. The standard applies in general industry; construction has its own LOTO requirements under 1926 subparts that mirror most of 1910.147.
What's an 'energy source' under LOTO?
1910.147(b) defines energy sources broadly: electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, gravitational, kinetic. Most machines have multiple energy sources — the LOTO procedure must address EACH source, not just the obvious one. A press has electrical (motor), hydraulic (cylinder), and stored mechanical energy (springs, gravity, ram weight) — all need isolation.
What's the difference between lockout and tagout?
Lockout: physically locking the energy-isolating device (breaker, valve, etc.) in the safe position with a lock that only the authorized worker holds. Tagout: a warning tag attached to the device indicating it must not be operated. Lockout is preferred per 1910.147(c)(3) — tagout is only allowed when lockout is not possible (energy-isolating device cannot be locked out) and additional measures are taken to provide equivalent protection. Most modern equipment supports lockout.
Do I need a procedure for each machine?
Yes — 1910.147(c)(4)(i) requires machine-specific procedures. A general LOTO program plus a one-page procedure per machine is the standard structure. Limited exception: 1910.147(c)(4)(i) exception, where a single procedure can cover multiple machines that have the same energy-control characteristics. The template includes 10 sample procedures and a master template for adding more.
What's the annual periodic inspection?
1910.147(c)(6) requires an authorized employee (other than the one using the procedure) to inspect each energy-control procedure annually. The inspection verifies that the procedure is being followed correctly. This is one of the most commonly cited LOTO violations — many companies have procedures but no inspection records. The template includes the inspection log.