Should You Hire a Consultant for Annual Lockout/Tagout Procedures?
OSHA requires annual lockout/tagout inspections, but not always an outside consultant. Learn when external help makes sense and what to review.
Published: July 2, 2026 · By SafetyNet Editorial Team
Category: Industrial Safety
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OSHA require me to hire a consultant for annual lockout/tagout reviews?
No. OSHA requires periodic inspection of each energy-control procedure at least annually, but it does not generally require a third party to do that work.
What is the main benefit of using a lockout/tagout consultant?
A consultant can help create accurate machine-specific procedures, validate them in the field, and strengthen the consistency of your overall program when internal resources are limited.
When should I consider outside help for lockout/tagout procedures?
Outside help is worth considering when equipment is complex, procedures are outdated, multiple energy sources are involved, or your internal team does not have enough time or experience to maintain the program well.
Can my team handle annual lockout/tagout inspections in-house?
Yes, if your team has a clear owner, enough technical understanding, and a disciplined process for verifying that each procedure still matches the equipment and actual work practices.
What should a good lockout/tagout procedure include?
It should identify the machine, list all hazardous energy sources, and give clear steps for shutdown, isolation, lockout, verification, stored-energy control, and return to service.