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Lockout/Tagout for Farm Machinery

Lockout and tagout is a simple idea: make sure a machine cannot start or release energy while someone is working on it. On farms, where many tasks are improvised, it deserves more attention.

What does lockout/tagout mean?

Lockout means using a device, such as a lock, to hold an energy source in a safe position so the machine cannot be turned on. Tagout means attaching a visible warning that the machine is being serviced and must not be started. Together they keep a machine safe during maintenance.

The idea applies to engines, electric motors, hydraulic systems and anything that can store energy.

Some people use the shorthand LOTO. The name is less important than the habit: nobody starts a machine while someone else may be working on it.

Why does it matter on farms?

Many farm injuries happen while someone is clearing a jam, adjusting or repairing a machine that is not fully shut down. Another person may start the machine without realizing someone is near. Stored energy in springs, hydraulics and raised parts can also move a machine after it seems off.

Family and small crews often work informally, which makes a clear, shared rule even more useful.

A short, clear rule such as 'key in my pocket while I work' is easy to remember and easy for a whole crew to follow.

• Clearing jams on running machines
• Working near equipment that someone else can start
• Raised parts held only by hydraulics

What types of energy should you think about?

Machines can hold or release several kinds of energy. Identifying them is the first step; the manual describes each source for your equipment.

Official procedures, like those published by OSHA, explain how to control each type. This page does not describe specific steps.

Manuals often list the sources of stored energy for each machine. Read that section, and ask the dealer if anything is unclear.

• Engine and electric power
• Hydraulic and pneumatic pressure
• Springs and tensioned parts
• Raised or suspended weight
• Power take-off and rotating parts

How does a basic program work in principle?

A farm can decide who may service which machines, write short steps for each machine, supply locks and tags, and train everyone. The person doing the work controls their own lock. Nobody removes it except the person who placed it, and there is a plan for when the person is not available.

Whether OSHA's formal lockout rules apply to your operation depends on your size, employees and state. Confirm with OSHA or your state program.

Keep a written list of the machines and who is trained to service them, and review it each year.

How do you adapt it to a small farm?

Even where no formal rule applies, the habit works. Remove the key and keep it in your pocket, disconnect power, release stored energy as the manual says, and put a visible tag on the controls. For an electric machine, use the disconnect and a lock as the manual and a qualified electrician advise.

Never rely on someone's promise not to start the machine.

Where possible, ask a qualified electrician about adding lockable disconnects to fixed equipment such as augers and conveyors.

• Key removed and kept by the worker
• Power disconnected and stored energy released per the manual
• Visible tag placed on the controls

How do you teach and keep the habit?

Show the process on your actual machines. Post short steps near the equipment. Practice with new workers, and review after near misses. Praise people who stop to lock out instead of rushing.

Make locks and tags easy to find, because inconvenience is the main reason people skip them.

After any near miss, revisit the habit. Ask what made it hard to follow, and fix that.

Where can you find official procedures?

OSHA publishes information on controlling hazardous energy, and NIOSH's agriculture program and extension offices have materials for farms. The operator manual describes the correct service steps for each machine. Confirm which requirements apply with OSHA or your state agency.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.