Under what condition must lockout and tagging occur according to OSHA standards?

Lockout and tagging procedures are critical components of ensuring safety during maintenance and servicing of equipment. According to OSHA standards, these practices must occur specifically when parts or equipment are deenergized. This means that before any work can commence, it is essential to ensure that the equipment is not just turned off but is also properly locked out and tagged to prevent accidental energization.

This condition is vital for several reasons. First and foremost, deenergizing equipment minimizes the risk of electrical shock or injury to personnel working on or near the equipment. Lockout procedures ensure that a machine cannot be restarted while it is being serviced. Tagging provides a visible indication that maintenance is occurring, alerting others to stay clear.

While maintenance itself is a key time for lockout/tagging, the specific requirement hinges on the equipment being deenergized to safeguard workers from unexpected energization. This difference underscores the importance of following these safety protocols even when maintenance might not seem immediately apparent, such as during inspections.