Authorized Personnel Only Toolbox Talk

Lock out tag out work is not for everyone on the jobsite. Only authorized personnel are allowed to apply locks, tags, isolate energy, verify zero energy, and remove lockout devices. When untrained workers try to help, reset equipment, remove a tag, or work around a lock, they can put themselves and others in danger.

This talk focuses on what “authorized personnel only” means during lock out tag out. The crew needs to know who is allowed to perform lock out tag out, who must stay clear, and why no one should touch locked or tagged equipment unless they are trained and assigned to the task.

Why This Matters

• Authorized workers are trained to identify hazardous energy and control it correctly.
• Untrained workers may not recognize stored energy, hidden power sources, or automatic startup hazards.
• Only the worker who applies a lock should remove that lock unless the approved removal procedure is followed.
• Clear responsibility prevents confusion between operators, mechanics, electricians, laborers, and other trades.
• Keeping unauthorized workers away protects the person doing the repair, service, or adjustment.

Common Hazards

• An operator trying to restart equipment because they do not know service work is underway.
• A worker removing a tag or lock that they did not place.
• Someone resetting a breaker, opening a valve, reconnecting a plug, or starting a generator without permission.
• Untrained workers entering the work area around exposed moving parts, pressure lines, or electrical components.
• Using another worker’s lock, key, or tag instead of applying personal lock out tag out protection.
• Assuming a foreman’s lock protects the whole crew without a group lockout procedure.
• Shift changes where the next crew does not know who is authorized or what equipment is locked out.
• A delivery driver, inspector, or other visitor moving through the area and trying to operate a control or disconnect that appears inactive.

Safety Checklist

Before Work Begins

• Identify which workers are authorized to perform lock out tag out for the task.
• Confirm authorized workers understand the equipment, energy sources, and lockout procedure.
• Notify affected workers before equipment is shut down, locked out, or tagged out.
• Set boundaries so unauthorized workers stay clear of the locked out equipment and work area.
• Make sure every authorized worker has their own lock, tag, and key.
• Use a group lock box or multi-lock hasp when more than one authorized worker is involved.
• Review who can remove locks and what procedure must be followed if a worker is not available.
• Check that tags clearly identify the authorized worker and reason for lockout.

During Work

• Do not allow unauthorized workers to operate, adjust, test, or reset locked out equipment.
• Keep personal control of your lock key at all times.
• Do not place or remove a lock for another worker unless the written procedure allows it.
• Keep affected workers informed if the task changes or the lockout area expands.
• Stop anyone who approaches a locked or tagged control point without a clear reason.
• Verify that all authorized workers are accounted for before testing or re-energizing equipment.
• Follow handoff procedures during breaks, shift changes, or crew changes.

Crew Talking Points

• Who is authorized to perform lock out tag out on this task today?
• Who else will be affected by the shutdown or lockout?
• Where are the locked or tagged control points located?
• How will we keep unauthorized workers, operators, and other trades away from the equipment?
• What is the plan if the work continues into another shift?
• Does anyone have a question or concern about who is authorized, who is affected, or who may enter the work area?

Stop Work If

• An unauthorized worker tries to operate, reset, move, or test locked out equipment.
• Someone attempts to remove a lock or tag they did not place.
• There is confusion about who is authorized to perform the lock out tag out.
• A worker does not have their own lock, tag, or key when personal protection is required.
• A shift change or crew change happens without a clear lockout handoff.
• Visitors, other trades, or operators can access the locked out equipment without control.

Final Reminder

Lock out tag out is controlled work. Only trained and authorized personnel should apply, verify, or remove locks and tags, and everyone else must stay clear until the work is complete.