What is the intent of the requirement for the employer to conduct periodic inspections?

To ensure that the energy control procedures continue to be implemented properly, that the employees are familiar with their responsibilities, and that any deviations or procedural inadequacies that are observed are corrected  [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i); 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i)(B)].

How often must the inspection take place?

At least annually [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i)].

Who performs the periodic inspection?

An authorized employee not involved in the energy control procedure being inspected [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i)(A)].

What does the periodic inspection entail?

• The employer must identify any deficiencies or deviations and correct them. [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i)(B)].

• Where lockout is used, the inspector must review each authorized employee's responsibilities under the procedure with that employee (group meetings are acceptable) [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i)(C)].

• Where tagout is used, the inspector must review both the authorized and affected employee's responsibilities with those employees for the energy control procedure being inspected, and the additional training responsibilities of 1910.147(c)(7)(ii) [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i)(D)].

• The employer must certify that the periodic inspections have been performed. [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(ii)].

What must the certification identify?

• Identify machine on which the procedure was utilized [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(ii)].

• Date of inspection [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(ii)].

• Identify the employees included in inspection [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(ii)].

• Identify person who performed the inspection [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(ii)].