Abstract:
The requirements of OSHA's Lockout/Tagout standard, 29 CFR 1910.147,
originally scheduled to become effective on 10/31/89, are suspended
until January 2, 1990. OSHA is suspending the effective date to
provide an extension of time for employers to come into compliance
with the final rule. Since the final rule was published, on 9/1/89,
OSHA has received several requests for extension of the period for
compliance, together with at least one petition for a temporary
variance from the standard and has determined that there is good
cause to further delay the effective date of the final rule.
Although the effective date of the standard has been delayed, OSHA
will still require employees to be protected from the unexpected
energization or start up of machines and equipment during servicing
and maintenance operations, and will enforce this employer
obligation under section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and
Health Act (the "general duty clause" of the Act). Effective date of
suspension, 11/6/89.