Lockout / Tagout
LOTO for Cord
& Plug Equipment
& Plug Equipment
OSHA 1910.147(a)(2)(ii) · Cord & Plug Equipment Exception — Worker Must Control the Plug
OSHA's LOTO standard contains a specific provision for cord and plug equipment — and it is frequently misunderstood on construction sites. The cord and plug exception is narrower than most workers realize. Using it incorrectly leaves workers exposed to the same energization hazard that full LOTO is designed to prevent.
The Cord-and-Plug Exception — Exactly What It Says
- Cord and plug equipment does NOT require lockout IF: the equipment is unplugged AND the worker performing the servicing has exclusive control of the plug
- "Exclusive control" means the plug is in your possession or directly in front of you, visible — not just unplugged and left in an outlet strip where someone else could plug it back in
- The exception applies to servicing and maintenance tasks — not to all work near the equipment
- Example where it applies: unplugging a drill and replacing the chuck. You hold the plug; no one can plug it back in
- Example where it does NOT apply: unplugging a table saw, walking away to change the blade at the table, then returning — someone could re-plug it in your absence
When Full LOTO Is Still Required for Cord & Plug Equipment
- When the work requires you to place any body part in the point of operation or in a hazardous area near the machine
- When there are additional energy sources (compressed air, hydraulic) beyond just the electrical cord
- When more than one worker is involved — the exception is personal to the individual controlling the plug
Common Violation on NYC Sites
- Unplugging equipment and leaving the plug near the outlet while another worker does maintenance — this is NOT cord-and-plug exception compliance
- Using a lockable plug cover (available at supply houses) is best practice for cord-and-plug equipment that is frequently serviced
Discussion Questions
- You are changing the blade on a miter saw. You unplug it and set the plug on the table. Is this sufficient protection? What should you do instead?
- A circular saw has a compressed air cooling attachment in addition to its power cord. Can you use the cord-and-plug exception when servicing the blade? Why or why not?
- Your partner says "I'll hold the plug while you change the belt on the belt sander." Does this satisfy the cord-and-plug exception?
- Name two situations where you must use full lockout/tagout even on cord-and-plug equipment.
Sign-Off
Project Address
Date
Time
Foreman / Supervisor
SSM / SSC Name & License No.
Worker Attendance
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