Federal agencies Lockout/tagout Manufacturing

Will OSHA update its lockout/tagout standard?

lockout/tagout
Photo: Dcwcreations/iStockphoto

Washington — OSHA is seeking input on potential updates to its lockout/tagout standard, specifically concerning control circuit type devices and robotics, according to a Request for Information published in the May 20 Federal Register.

When the agency first issued the standard in 1989, control circuit type devices were specifically excluded as an energy isolator during the servicing and/or maintenance of machinery and other equipment. However, the RFI states that technological advances “suggest that, at least in some circumstances, control circuit type devices may be at least as safe as [energy isolating devices].”

OSHA is requesting information, data and comments to help determine under what conditions control circuit type devices could safely be used for the control of hazardous energy.

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Likewise, the agency is looking at robotics technology, wanting to know “what hazards and benefits this presents with respect to control of hazardous energy, safeguards that can be used, increased efficiencies that result, and any other information related to ensuring employee safety in interfacing with robots.”

Comments on the RFI are due Aug. 19.

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Dennis Neitzel
May 29, 2019
If OSHA is going to revise 1910.147, it would be a good idea to incorporate the electrical LOTO requirements found in 1910.333(b) "Working on or near exposed deenergized parts". By merging these two standards we would have a more complete "Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout)" standard, and it would be more compatible with NFPA 70E, Article 120. This separation has always caused a great deal of confusion throughout industry.