According to Section 120.2, the lockout/tagout program includes several key elements:

• Rules related to employee involvement
• The actual lockout/tagout procedure
• Rules on controlling all sources of electrical energy
• Ensuring that any electrical circuit interlock operation can’t result in reenergizing the circuit being worked on
• Rules to prevent any electrical control devices from being used as a primary isolating device
• Identification of lockout/tagout devices
• Proper coordination between all parties involved with the lockout/tagout procedure
• Forms of hazardous electrical energy control including both the simple lockout/tagout and the complex lockout/tagout procedures

Below is a sample of NFPA 70E. For the complete section, see the actual NFPA 70E text at NFPA.ORG. Once there, click on the free access link to NFPA 70E.

120.2 Lockout/Tagout Principles.

(A) General. Electrical conductors and circuit parts shall not be considered to be in an electrically safe work condition until all of the requirements of Article 120 have been met.

Safe work practices applicable to the circuit voltage and energy level shall be used in accordance with Article 130 until such time that electrical conductors and circuit parts are in an electrically safe work condition.

(B) Employee Involvement. Each person who could be exposed directly or indirectly to a source of electrical energy shall be involved in the lockout/tagout process.

(F) Control Devices. Locks/tags shall be installed only on circuit disconnecting means. Control devices, such as pushbuttons or selector switches, shall not be used as the primary isolating device.

(G) Identification. The lockout/tagout device shall be unique and readily identifiable as a lockout/tagout device.

(I) Forms of Control of Hazardous Electrical Energy. Two forms of hazardous electrical energy control shall be permitted: simple lockout/tagout and complex lockout/tagout [see 120.4]. For the simple lockout/tagout, the qualified person shall be in charge. For the complex lockout/tagout, the person in charge shall have overall responsibility.