Introduction - continued.

Under the following specific conditions, OSHA regulations may not apply:

a. If employees are performing service or maintenance tasks that do not expose them to unexpected startup of machines or equipment, energization, or release of hazardous energy.

b. While servicing or maintaining cord-and-plug connected electrical equipment, provided that the equipment is unplugged from the energy source. For this exception to apply, the plug must remain under the exclusive control of the employee performing the service.

c. During a maintenance procedure commonly referred to as the "hot tap procedure". For this exception to apply a few conditions have to be met, such as a provision of alternate protection system which is equally good. Hot tapping is a highly specialized function and should be undertaken by people who have received proper training and have been qualified for this type of work.

Note: Some items included in these categories may be based on human judgment - therefore it is much safer to err on the conservative side and enforce OSHA's recommendations.

OSHA Standard

OSHA standard which governs the lockout/tagout procedures is 29 CFR 1910.147.