Bilingual Danger: Keep Hands Away From Moving Parts. Follow Lockout/Tagout Procedures Before Servicing

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, the Control of Hazardous Energy standard, requires employers to establish energy control procedures, train employees, and use lockout or tagout devices during servicing and maintenance of machinery. Lockout/tagout signs are a recognized component of a hazard energy control program, supporting the employer's communication obligations at energy isolation points and serviced equipment. The sign reinforces the written procedures required by the standard but does not replace them.

Lockout/tagout signs should be posted at energy isolation points such as electrical disconnects, circuit breaker panels, pneumatic valves, and hydraulic shutoffs. They are also appropriate on machine housings near service access panels, at equipment start/stop controls, and anywhere employees perform maintenance that requires energy isolation. Multiple signs may be needed on complex machines with several energy sources.

A lockout/tagout sign provides a written warning that the energy control procedure must be followed before servicing. An actual lockout device physically prevents re-energization of the machine. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 requires both the physical lockout or tagout device to control the energy and hazard communication to inform employees of the procedure. Signs and devices are complementary tools, not interchangeable ones.

Bilingual safety signs in English and Spanish support the employer's hazard communication program for workplaces with limited-English-proficient workers. OSHA has a longstanding requirement that employers communicate safety information in a language their workers can understand, which applies to on-machine warnings including lockout/tagout instructions. A bilingual sign provides a persistent reminder at the energy isolation point and works alongside formal employee training and written energy control procedures.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 applies to any machine where unexpected energization, startup, or release of stored energy could injure employees during servicing or maintenance. This covers electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, and thermal energy sources and applies to nearly all industrial and manufacturing equipment. Lockout/tagout signs are most critical at machines where servicing brings employees into the danger zone of moving parts and where automatic or remote restart is possible.