Lockout for center-pivot irrigation systems

Dec 17, 1976

Mr. Joseph F. Gerling
Extension Safety Specialist
Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture
Oklahoma State University
[Recipient address omitted]

Dear Mr Gerling:

This is in response to your letter of September 2, 1976, addressed to the OSHA Tulsa Area Office, which was forwarded to the National Office for reply. Your letter was in regard to 29 CFR 1928.57(c)(5)(ii), regarding "Electrical Disconnect Means" as they relate to center pivot irrigation systems.

The primary purpose of an electrical disconnect means is to prevent someone from inadvertently starting a piece of equipment while another employee is in the process of doing maintenance or making repairs, thereby exposing that employee to the possibility of injuries caused by moving or rotating parts, and/or energized circuits.

As discussed with you over the telephone recently by a member of my staff, the equipment now in use could be brought in compliance with the standard by the installation of a single electrical lockout system under the exclusive control of the employee doing the actual maintenance or repairs. The lockout system, along with the posting of the required signs on the individual towers, should provide the safe work conditions for which the standard was intended.

Thank you for you concern and interest in occupational and safety and health.

If I may be of any further assistance, please to not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
John K. Barto, Chief
Occupational Safety Programming