Confined Space Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

Lockout/Tagout procedures for confined spaces are governed by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 (Permit-Required Confined Spaces) in conjunction with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 (Control of Hazardous Energy), requiring that all energy sources be isolated and de-energized before any authorized entrant enters the space. ANSI Z117.1 and NFPA 350 further reinforce that energy control programs must be documented, verified, and supervised by a qualified entry supervisor prior to permit issuance. Failure to implement a co

Industry: General Industry
Frequency: Per Event
Estimated Time: 20-35 minutes
Role: Confined Space Entry Supervisor
Total Items: 36
Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, NFPA 350 (2021 Edition), ANSI Z117.1-2017, CSA Z1006-16

1. Energy Source Identification

Identify and document all hazardous energy sources associated with the confined space prior to isolation.

Has a complete energy source survey been conducted for this confined space?
Are all electrical energy sources identified and listed on the LOTO permit?
Are all mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and chemical energy sources documented?
Have gravity and stored-energy hazards (e.g., suspended loads, springs) been identified?
Is a P&ID or equipment diagram available and referenced for this task?

2. Energy Isolation and De-energization

Verify all identified energy sources have been properly isolated, de-energized, and secured.

Have all electrical disconnects been opened (de-energized) and locked out?
Have all pipeline valves been closed, locked, and blanked/blinded where required?
Has stored energy (pneumatic, hydraulic, spring tension) been released or restrained?
Have all lockout devices been applied to energy-isolating devices?
Has the number of locks applied been recorded and verified against all isolation points?
Has a photo of all applied lockout devices been captured for the permit record?

3. Tagout Device Application

Ensure tagout devices are correctly applied where lockout is not feasible, and all required information is present.

Where lockout is not feasible, has a tagout device been applied to each energy-isolating point?
Does each tag clearly identify the authorized employee who applied it?
Does each tag include the date applied and a warning against unauthorized removal?
Are all tags constructed of durable, standardized, and legible materials?
Are additional protective measures documented when tagout is used instead of lockout?

4. Verification and Testing

Confirm that all energy isolation is effective through verification testing before authorizing entry.

Has a qualified person verified that the equipment is de-energized by attempting to start it?
Has a voltmeter or other approved instrument been used to confirm zero electrical energy?
Has pressure testing confirmed zero pressure in all piping and vessels?
Has the verification test result been documented on the entry permit?
Were any unexpected energy releases discovered during verification, and if so, were they addressed?

5. Group Lockout / Multi-Employer Coordination

Address group LOTO requirements when multiple workers or contractors are involved in the confined space entry.

Is a group lockout hasp or equivalent device being used when multiple workers are involved?
Has each authorized entrant applied their own individual lock to the group hasp?
Have contractor employees been informed of and integrated into the host LOTO program?
Is a primary authorized employee designated to coordinate group lockout activities?

6. Permit Documentation and Authorization

Review and verify that all permit fields are complete and the entry supervisor has authorized entry.

Does the entry permit include the identity of the confined space and the work to be performed?
Are all entrant names, attendant names, and supervisor signatures recorded on the permit?
Does the permit specify the duration of authorized entry and an expiration time/date?
Has the entry supervisor signed the permit to authorize entry after all LOTO steps are verified?
Is a copy of the permit posted at the confined space entry point?
Are cancelled or completed permits retained for at least one year as required?

7. LOTO Restoration After Entry

Ensure all LOTO devices are removed and equipment is safely restored after confined space work is complete.

Has the entry supervisor confirmed all entrants have exited the confined space before LOTO removal?
Have all tools, materials, and non-essential equipment been removed from the space?
Have LOTO devices been removed only by the authorized employee who applied them?
Have all affected employees been notified before re-energization of equipment?
Has the entry permit been cancelled and the space returned to normal service?

Related Confined Space Safety Checklists

Related Permit Required Checklists

Why Use This Confined Space Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This confined space lockout/tagout (loto) inspection checklist [free pdf] helps general industry teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for confined space entry supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, NFPA 350 (2021 Edition), ANSI Z117.1-2017, CSA Z1006-16. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Confined Space Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 7 sections: 1. Energy Source Identification, 2. Energy Isolation and De-energization, 3. Tagout Device Application, 4. Verification and Testing, 5. Group Lockout / Multi-Employer Coordination, 6. Permit Documentation and Authorization, 7. LOTO Restoration After Entry. It is designed for general industry operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 20-35 minutes.

Who should use this Confined Space Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Confined Space Entry Supervisor professionals in the general industry industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.