What are the core components of the energy control program?

The energy control program has three core components: energy control procedures, employee training, and periodic inspections.

• Energy control procedures detail and document the specific information that an authorized employee must know to accomplish lockout/tagout, namely, the scope, purpose, authorization rules and techniques to be utilized for the control of hazardous energy. [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(1)]; [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i)]; [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii)]

• Periodic inspections of the energy control procedures ensure that the procedures and the requirements of the standard are being followed. [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(1)].

• Employee training and retraining, along with additional training under a tagout system, ensures that the purpose and function of the energy control programs are understood by the employer.  [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(1)]; [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(ii)].

  What is the intent of the energy control program?

  • To ensure that before any employee services equipment where the potential exists for unexpected energization or start-up of equipment or the release of stored energy, the machine or equipment is isolated from the energy source and rendered inoperative. [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(1)].

Does the employer have the flexibility to develop his/her own program?

Yes. Employers are expected to develop programs and procedures, training and inspections, that meet the needs of their particular workplace and the particular types of machines and equipment they use and service as long as they meet the requirements of the standard.