Foundations of 1915 LOTO
What is the main purpose of Lockout/Tags-Plus under 1915?
To protect employees from hazardous energy during servicing, maintenance, and repair.
When can a tags-plus system be used instead of a lock?
When a lock is not feasible or when the employer demonstrates full lockout is not possible.
Name one form of hazardous energy covered under 1915.
Electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, thermal, chemical, or gravitational.
What’s the first step in applying LOTO/TLP?
Identify all energy sources.
Who applies locks or tags-plus devices?
Authorized employees.
Which industry does 29 CFR 1915 specifically apply to?
Shipyard employment.
Name one acceptable additional safety measure required for Tags-Plus
Removing fuses, blocking switches, blanking/bleeding lines, misaligning valves, etc.
What is “stored energy”?
Energy that remains after equipment is shut down — can still cause injury if not released.
What must the authorized person do after applying locks or tags-plus?
Verify isolation (try-start/test, system pressure check, etc.).
Who must be notified when equipment will be locked or tagged out?
Affected employees.
What is required before starting any servicing work covered under 1915 Subpart E?
An energy-control procedure must be established and followed.
What must be included on every tag used in a tags-plus system?
Identity of the authorized employee, date, and the warning message (Do Not Operate).
Why is bleed-off important?
To eliminate stored hydraulic or pneumatic pressure.
When can LOTO/TLP be removed?
When the work is complete and the authorized employee has accounted for all personnel.
What must employers train employees on?
LOTO/TLP procedures, hazards, and their specific roles.
What is the “PLUS” in Tags-Plus referring to?
A tag PLUS at least one additional safety measure that provides equivalent protection to a lock.
What must employers ensure about tag-out devices?
They must be durable, standardized, legible, and able to withstand the environment.
What is zero-energy state?
The state when all hazardous energy is isolated, de-energized, and locked/tagged out.
What must be done before re-energizing equipment?
Ensure guards are reinstalled, everyone is clear, and the system is returned to a safe state.
Who is responsible for ensuring procedures are developed and reviewed annually?
The employer.
True or False: Tags alone provide the same level of protection as locks.
False — tags are warning devices only and do not physically prevent operation.
What must be verified after applying a Tags-Plus system?
That the additional safety measure actually prevents energization or operation.
Which type of energy is often overlooked on vessels and shipyard equipment?
Gravity — suspended loads, raised components, tensioned lines.
What is required when multiple crews or employers work under the same energy control?
A group LOTO/TLP system with clear coordination and a primary authorized employee.
What must occur if an employee leaves the jobsite with their lock still applied?
The employer must follow the documented lock removal procedure, ensuring the employee is not in danger and proper verification is conducted.