| Topic: Lockout – When do machines and equipment need a lockout procedure? | Issued by: Chief Compliance Officer |
| Statute: General Regulation 91-191 | Date Issued: January 23, 2026 |
| Section: 239 and 240 | Date Revised: |
The purpose of lockout requirements is to protect workers from hazardous energy. Lockout ensures machinery or equipment cannot start, move, or re-energize unexpectedly during cleaning, maintenance, adjustment, or repair. Additional lock-out information is available on WorkSafeNB’s Guide to OHS Legislation.
When does subsection 239(3) require a lockout procedure for machines and equipment, and does this requirement apply to powered hand tools, heavy equipment, and piping systems?
The lockout requirements in sections 239 and 240 apply to machines and equipment. These terms are not defined in the regulation, so common dictionary definitions are used for guidance:
Machine: a mechanically, electrically, or electronically operated device for performing a task (Merriam-Webster)
Equipment: the things that are needed for a particular purpose of activity (Oxford)
These definitions are broad and could include almost anything in the workplace. Because of this, not every machine or piece of equipment reasonably requires a lockout procedure.
Hand Tools and Small Power Tools
Hand tools such as circular saws and reciprocating saws do not require their own lockout procedures.
For battery-powered tools, removing the battery before servicing is sufficient. For plug-in tools, unplugging the tool and keeping the plug under the worker’s control is adequate. In both situations, workers must follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Stationary Plug-In Power Tools (bandsaws)
A stationary tool with a single energy source, such as a 110-volt bandsaw, can often be safely serviced by unplugging it and keeping control of the plug. In this case, instructing workers to unplug the tool before servicing is enough.
Heavy Equipment
Heavy equipment must be locked out when workers are exposed to hazardous energy during cleaning, adjustment, maintenance, or repair. Examples include accessing grease fittings inside a scissor lift mechanism, changing a chain on a harvester head, or repairing hydraulic hoses on a loader. In these situations, workers are exposed to potential or stored energy, so the lockout requirements in section 239 apply.
Piping Systems
Lockout requirements apply to piping systems based on the level of risk. For low-risk work, such as replacing a low-pressure water valve, shutting off the water supply may be sufficient if accidental re-activation would not endanger the worker.
If the piping contains hazardous or caustic material, a full lockout procedure is required.
If the piping is in or leads to a confined space, the confined space regulations also apply.
WHEN LOCKOUT IS REQUIRED (AND WHEN IT ISN’T)
If a worker is exposed to a moving part during normal operation, it is a guarding issue covered under Part XVI: Mechanical Safety. This situation is separate from lockout requirements.
In section 239, when is lockout required during cleaning, maintenance, adjustment, or repair, and when is it not required?
Lockout in Non-Routine Activities
Lockout requirements apply whenever a machine or equipment is used outside its normal function.
Examples include adjusting machinery, repairing or replacing parts, changing blades, knives, or saws, or clearing jams. These tasks expose workers to hazardous energy.
Situations Where Lockout Is Not Required
Some tasks do not expose workers to hazardous energy and therefore do not require lockout. Examples include washing equipment from a safe distance, making adjustments outside the hazard zone, or repairing non-energized components. Although the regulation does not specifically exempt these tasks, lockout is not required when the work can be completed safely, and no energy hazard exists.
When Tasks Have Multiple Steps
Some activities involve steps that change the level of risk. For example, spraying a machine from a distance may not require lockout, but scrubbing a surface near moving parts would. Lockout becomes required as soon as any step exposes the worker to hazardous energy.
If there is no risk of hazardous energy, lockout is not required. Once any risk arises, lockout must be used.
Does every machine and piece of equipment need a specific lock out procedure?
Most machines and equipment require their own lockout procedure. However, one procedure may apply to several machines if they are similar in design and hazards.
For example, if several harvester models use the same chain-change process, one lockout procedure may cover all of them. The employer must complete a risk assessment to confirm that using a shared procedure does not increase risk.
A general statement telling workers to “lock out machinery” or describing types of energy is not enough. A lockout procedure must include machine-specific steps.
A proper lockout procedure must clearly tell workers:
A general lockout document without machine-specific instructions does not meet the requirements of the regulation.
Part XVI MECHANICAL SAFETY
Sections 239 and 240 (Lockout requirements)