OSHA Energy Control Training

OSHA energy control training saves lives and prevents injuries.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to maintain standards and provide training on specific occupational risks including the control of hazardous energy. OSHA energy training programs focus on the lockout/tagout principle.

Significance

Approximately 3 million workers perform operations that put them at risk for electrical injury. OSHA estimates that full compliance with the lockout/tagout standards taught in energy control training programs prevents 120 deaths and 50,000 injuries each year.

Training Programs

OSHA requires energy control training that focuses on the lockout/tagout principle, which refers to specific safeguards to prevent unexpected startup of equipment. Initial training must be provided before an employee begins activities that expose them to electrical risk. Retraining must be provided as necessary. Training categories include authorized, affected and other employees based on their relative risk for injury.

Components

Authorized employees perform maintenance services and must be trained in hazardous energy source recognition, the magnitude and type of hazardous energy sources and energy control procedures. Affected employees operate machines or equipment that may be a hazardous energy source and must be trained in the principles and purpose of energy control procedures. Other employees must be trained in the general energy control safety procedures.

References

• OSHA Safety and Health Topics: Control of Hazardous Energy
• OSHA: Controls of Hazardous Energy