1. (1) You must make sure the authorized employee does the following before removing any lockout or tagout device:

   1. (a) Inspects the work area to make sure nonessential items have been removed;
   2. (b) Verifies the machine or equipment is in operating condition and ready to energize; and
   3. (c) Check that employees in the area are in positions that make it safe to energize the machine or equipment.

2. (2) You must make sure only the authorized employee who applied a lockout or tagout device removes it.

   Exemption:	The employer may have the lockout or tagout device removed by someone other than the authorized employee who applied it if all of the following conditions are met:
   	1. The energy control program has documented, specific procedures and training for this situation.
   	2. You can show that the specific procedures used are as safe as having the device removed by the authorized employee who applied it.
   	3. The specific procedures include at least the following:
   	a. Verifying the authorized employee who applied the device is not at the facility.
   	b. Making all reasonable efforts to contact and inform the authorized employee that the lockout or tagout device is being removed.
   	c. Making sure the authorized employee is informed, before resuming work at the facility, that the lockout or tagout device has been removed.

3. (3) You must notify affected employees before energizing or starting the machine or equipment that the lockout or tagout devices have been removed.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 17-18-075, § 296-803-50035, filed 9/5/17, effective 10/6/17; WSR 04-15-105, § 296-803-50035, filed 7/20/04, effective 11/1/04.]