What Is an Affected Person
An affected person is any worker whose job duties place them in a location or area where equipment is under lockout/tagout (LOTO), or who depends on that equipment being de-energized to work safely. This person is not the one applying the lock, but they are directly exposed to the hazards the lockout is controlling.
Under OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.147, affected persons must be notified before LOTO procedures begin and informed about the scope, purpose, and expected duration of the lockout. In home settings, an affected person might be a family member working in a garage while someone else has locked out the electrical panel, or a contractor working near equipment someone else has secured.
OSHA Requirements for Affected Persons
OSHA's lockout/tagout standard mandates specific protections. The authorized person applying the lock must communicate directly with affected persons before beginning work. This communication must cover what equipment is being locked, where the hazard exists, and how long the work will take.
- Affected persons must receive training on lockout procedures specific to their workplace, including recognizing when LOTO is in place
- They cannot attempt to operate locked-out equipment under any circumstance
- They must understand the consequences of bypassing or removing locks, which can result in serious injury or death
- In multi-shift operations, affected persons on the next shift must be briefed before the previous shift's lockout is released
Practical Implications in the Workplace
On manufacturing floors and maintenance shops, affected persons often outnumber authorized persons. A machine operator might be classified as affected if a maintenance technician locks out the conveyor system while the operator stands nearby. The operator cannot restart the machine until the lock is removed by the authorized person who installed it.
In home settings, similar dynamics apply. If you're having an electrician work on your circuit breaker and you're home with family members, those family members are affected persons who must understand they cannot touch the breaker panel or attempt to restore power.
Fire safety and chemical handling operations add complexity. An affected person in a facility using flammable liquids must know where locked-out equipment relates to storage areas. If a pump handling hazardous chemicals is locked out, nearby workers handling those same chemicals need to know the lockout status and duration.
How Affected Differs from Authorized
The distinction is critical. An authorized person has the training, responsibility, and authority to apply locks and remove them. An affected person is protected by the lockout but cannot make decisions about it. This separation ensures accountability and prevents unauthorized restart attempts.
Common Questions
- Can an affected person remove a lockout lock if the authorized person leaves for the day?
- No. Only the authorized person who applied the lock can remove it. If that person is unavailable, facility procedures must address continuity, typically through a designated backup authorized person. OSHA expects clear written procedures covering this scenario.
- What should an affected person do if they see someone trying to bypass a LOTO?
- Stop work immediately and report it to your safety manager or supervisor. This is a serious violation that creates immediate danger. Many facilities have anonymous reporting channels for exactly this reason.
- Are homeowners affected persons if contractors are working at their property?
- Yes, if you're home during work that involves LOTO procedures on electrical, gas, or mechanical systems. The contractor (authorized person) should explain what's locked out and why you should avoid certain areas or equipment.
Related Concepts
- Authorized Person - the worker responsible for applying and removing locks
- LOTO - the lockout/tagout procedure that protects affected persons