Who is responsible for supplying lockout/tagout equipment?

The responsibility for supplying lockout/tagout equipment falls primarily on the employer. This obligation stems from safety regulations and guidelines, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, which require employers to ensure that their employees have access to the necessary safety equipment to perform their jobs safely. Providing lockout/tagout devices is essential for preventing accidental energization of machinery during maintenance or servicing, thereby safeguarding workers from potential injuries.

While other roles, such as the tech, project manager, or safety officer, may play significant parts in implementing safety protocols or ensuring compliance, it is ultimately the employer’s duty to provide the tools and resources required for safe operations. This includes not only the physical lockout/tagout devices but also training and procedural guidance on how to use them effectively.