Guides
Lockout/tagout on construction sites
Updated March 30, 2026
Lockout/tagout protects workers from unintended energy release. Here's a structured approach for practical field application.
Why lock out
Every year, workers are injured or killed because a machine restarted or residual energy released during maintenance. RSST makes lockout mandatory before servicing, repair, unjamming, or cleaning machinery.
On a construction site, energy sources are diverse: electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, gravitational, spring, thermal. Lockout must cover all identified sources.
Basic steps
1) Identify all energy sources and isolation devices. 2) Notify affected personnel. 3) Shut down equipment normally. 4) Isolate each energy source. 5) Apply locks and tags. 6) Dissipate residual energy. 7) Verify zero energy before starting work.
Each exposed worker must apply their own lock. A lock must never be removed by anyone other than its owner, except under a documented exception procedure.
Construction-specific challenges
Multi-trade coordination makes lockout more complex: electricians, mechanics, and plumbers may work on the same equipment. Multi-lock hasps allow each person to apply their lock.
Heavy construction equipment (cranes, pumps, compressors) may need adapted lockout procedures since isolation points can be far from the work zone.
Documentation and training
Document procedures per equipment or intervention type. Train each worker before they perform lockout and review procedures after any incident or equipment change.
OK Sécurité lets you create custom checklists for your specific lockout procedures.
This guide does not replace your company's lockout procedures or RSST requirements. Consult your SST lead for complex situations.
Related checklists
Checklists for mechanical and electrical work:
Common questions
- Does lockout apply to heavy construction equipment?
- Yes. Any machine whose inadvertent startup could injure a worker must be locked out. The operator removes the key and applies their lock.
- Who can remove a lock?
- Only the worker who applied it. If they are absent, a documented exception procedure must be followed with supervisor authorization.
- How long to keep records?
- RSST doesn't specify a duration, but keep them at least as long as your prevention program dictates. In practice, 3–5 years is common.
- Does OK Sécurité have a lockout template?
- You can create a custom list based on your procedure and assign it to the team. Electrical and industrial-mechanic lists also cover some lockout items.