The Definition of Authorized Employee (Lockout/Tagout)

Definition of Authorized Employee (Lockout/Tagout)

An authorized employee is a person who locks out or tags out machines or equipment in order to perform servicing or maintenance on them, as defined in OSHA's control of hazardous energy standard, 29 CFR 1910.147(b). An affected employee becomes an authorized employee when their duties include performing servicing or maintenance covered by the standard. Authorized employees must be trained to recognize applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy present, and the methods and means needed to isolate and control it.

Key Facts About Authorized Employees

• Three roles under lockout/tagout: authorized employees apply locks, affected employees operate the equipment or work in the area, and other employees work where energy control procedures may be used.
• Each authorized employee applies their own personal lock, or uses a group lockout method that gives each person equal protection.
• Only the authorized employee who applied a lock should remove it, except under a documented removal procedure when that person is unavailable.
• Periodic inspections of each energy control procedure must happen at least annually and be performed by an authorized employee other than those using the procedure.
• Retraining is required when job assignments, equipment or procedures change, or when inspections show gaps in knowledge.

Example of an Authorized Employee

A maintenance mechanic trained and designated as an authorized employee is assigned to replace a worn belt on a packaging line conveyor. She notifies the line operators, who are affected employees, shuts down the conveyor, opens and locks the disconnect with her personal lock and tag, blocks the take-up pulley, and presses the start button to verify the conveyor won't move before beginning work.

Lockout Steps an Authorized Employee Follows

1. Prepare by identifying all energy sources using the equipment-specific procedure.
2. Notify affected employees that lockout is about to begin.
3. Shut down the equipment using normal stopping procedures.
4. Isolate every energy source at its energy-isolating device.
5. Apply personal locks and tags.
6. Release, restrain or dissipate stored energy.
7. Verify isolation by trying to start the equipment, then return controls to off.
8. After work, clear tools and people, remove locks, and notify affected employees.

Related Terms

• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
• De-energization
• Zero Energy State
• Zero Mechanical State (ZMS)

Frequently Asked Questions: Authorized Employee

What is the difference between an authorized and an affected employee?

An authorized employee performs the lockout and the servicing work. An affected employee operates or uses the equipment, or works in the area where it is being serviced, and must be told when lockout is applied and removed, but does not apply locks.

Can a supervisor remove another worker's lock?

Only under the employer's documented procedure for removing a lock when the authorized employee who applied it is not at the facility. The procedure must verify the employee isn't there, make reasonable efforts to contact them, and make sure they know the lock was removed before returning to work.

How often must authorized employees be trained?

OSHA requires training before the employee performs lockout and retraining whenever job assignments, equipment, processes or procedures change, or when the annual periodic inspection shows deviations or inadequate knowledge.