TMC Updates Lockout/Tagout Guidance for Modern Fleets

The Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) has updated its Recommended Practice (RP) 543A to help fleets apply lockout/tagout procedures for Classes 2-8 vehicles as energy sources grow more complex. The updated guidance addresses the control of hazardous energy sources in commercial vehicles, particularly with the increasing use of electric, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles. According to TMC’s Technical Director, Jack Legler, the traditional approach to lockout/tagout is no longer sufficient due to the complexity of modern vehicles. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation for lockout/tagout of hazardous energy sources, found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 29 CFR 1910.147, requires fleets to have a structured program in place. TMC RP 543A provides guidelines for fleets to establish a lockout/tagout program, define roles and responsibilities, assess energy hazards, and design a station for physical locks. The updated guidance also emphasizes the importance of regularly updating lockout/tagout programs, training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintenance procedures to ensure compliance with OSHA mandates. With the evolution of vehicle technologies, including alternative motive power fuels and automated driving systems, fleets must be prepared to adapt their lockout/tagout procedures to ensure the safety of technicians and others involved in maintenance processes.