Machine Safety Beyond LOTO: 5 Requirements EHS Managers Still Need in 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a written lockout/tagout procedure enough for machine safety?

No. A written LOTO procedure is only one part of machine safety. Employers also need guarding, training, periodic inspections, and task-specific controls for activities like setup, jam clearing, and troubleshooting.

What OSHA standard covers machine guarding?

Machine guarding is covered by 29 CFR 1910.212. It addresses hazards such as point of operation, nip points, rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks.

Do jam-clearing and setup tasks need their own safe procedures?

Yes, if those tasks expose employees to hazardous zones or energy. The article recommends defining safe methods for non-routine tasks instead of treating them as informal production work.

How do guarding and lockout/tagout differ?

Guarding mainly protects employees during normal production, while LOTO controls hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance. Some tasks require both because one control alone does not fully address the exposure.

What records are most important for a machine safety program?

Key records include machine-specific energy-control procedures, employee training documentation, and periodic inspection records. Clear tracking of which employees are authorized for which equipment also helps support consistent execution.