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Recent technological advancements that employ computer-based controls of hazardous energy (e.g., mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, chemical, and radiation) conflict with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) existing lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) standard. The use of these computer-based controls has become more prevalent as equipment manufacturers modernize their designs to increase productivity. Additionally, National Consensus Standards have evolved, and international approaches to the use of computer-based controls are increasingly recognized.  In light of these advancements, there is a need to modernize United States regulations to better align with current technologies, ensuring improved safety effectiveness and, indirectly, potential benefits such as increased operational efficiency. OSHA issued a Request for Information (RFI) in May 2019 to understand the strengths and limitations of this new technology, as well as potential impacts on worker safety.

Statement of Need:

The Lockout/Tagout Standard currently requires that all hazardous energy from power sources and energy stored in the  machine itself be controlled using energy isolating devises (EIDs) when an employee is performing servicing or maintenance of the machine or equipment.  OSHA's definition of "energy isolating device" expressedly excludes push buttons, selector switches, and other control-circuit-type devices.  OSHA recognizes that recent technological advances may have resulted in safety improvements to control-circuit-type devices.  Modernizing the standard to better align with current technologies may improve safety effectiveness and, indirectly, potentially increase operation efficiency.

This rulemaking is consistent with the intent of Executive Order 14219 (Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President's "Department of Government Efficiency" Deregulatory Initiative) because the agency has good cause to believe that the existing regulation significantly and unjustifiably impedes technological innovation and economic development.  By modernizing the exiting regulation, OSHA will allow new technologies that both increase productivity and reduce the regulatory burden on employers.

Summary of the Legal Basis:

Under development

Alternatives:

Under Development

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

Under development

Risks:

Under development