OSHA Danger Lock Out Equipment Before Entering Sign Stickers

This sign requires workers to complete the full lockout/tagout procedure isolating and locking out all hazardous energy sources, before entering or reaching into the equipment for any purpose. This applies to maintenance, servicing, jam clearing, inspection, cleaning, and any other task that requires a worker to enter or access the equipment's interior. It is the on-equipment reinforcement of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 (Control of Hazardous Energy / Lockout Tagout) requirements.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 (Control of Hazardous Energy / Lockout Tagout) is the primary standard governing energy isolation before equipment entry. It requires a written energy control program, authorized employee training, equipment-specific lockout/tagout procedures, and on-equipment hazard communication, including signs at equipment access points. Posting a Lock Out Equipment Before Entering sign at every equipment access point is a recognized administrative control under this standard.

Post at every point where a worker would enter or access the interior of equipment including maintenance doors, access hatches, service panels, cleanout ports, inspection covers, and any opening large enough for a worker to enter or reach into. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 requires energy control at every entry point, and the sign should be positioned so it is seen immediately before the access point is opened.

Lockout involves physically locking an energy isolation device — such as a circuit breaker, valve, or disconnect in the safe (de-energized) position using a padlock, preventing re-energization by anyone other than the worker who applied the lock. Tagout involves attaching a warning tag to the isolation device indicating it must not be re-energized. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 requires lockout wherever feasible, with tagout as an alternative only where lockout is not possible. Your facility's written energy control program specifies which method applies to each piece of equipment.

No. This sign is an administrative control that reinforces your written energy control program, it does not replace lockout devices, energy isolation procedures, authorized employee training, or the written program required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147. A complete lockout/tagout compliance program requires all elements working together: written procedures, trained employees, lockout devices, and on-equipment signage.