Lockout Tagout Tags | Lockout Tagout Devices

FAQ

What are lockout tagout tags?

Lockout tagout tags are essentially warning devices. They typically come as rectangular cards that contain important information about lockout tagout procedures that are currently underway.

These tags can come in different designs, but what they all have in common is that they communicate in very clear terms that the machine must not be operated at that time. They usually come in bright red and white, with the word “Danger” clearly printed on the front. While facilities can choose whichever tag design they like, it’s best to stick to just one tag design and keep it consistent to prevent confusion among employees.

Tags also typically have blank lines in front under the “Danger” label. Employees can write on these lines to include more information about the procedure, repairs, or servicing currently underway.

Why are tags used in lockout tagout?

Facilities use lockout tagout tags to convey important information and let employees know that hazardous machines are currently being repaired or serviced. The tags inform and warn employees that the machines to which they are attached cannot be switched on or operated until the tags have been removed.

Usually, these tags have a grommet near the top so they can be easily attached to locks, hasps, machines, switches, and more. One tag will suffice per machine, but if multiple employees are working on the same machine, they can use their personal safety lock with their own tag attached.

Where should lockout tagout tags be placed?

Lockout tagout tags should always be placed with personal safety locks. The tags will let other employees know why a particular machine has been de-energized and is thus an important part of making sure that no machine will be re-energized too early. Information on the tags will also let others know which employees are currently working on a particular machine.

There are also other places with which lockout tagout tags can be attached:

Facility areas
Circuit breakers
Plugs
Battery backups

What should lockout tagout tags have on them?

Lockout tagout tags must always have a “Danger” warning label. They will typically be white with black and/or bright red print on them. The tags must also have space for the following information:

The name of the employee who installed the lock
When the lock was installed
Why the lock was installed

This information and the strategic placement of the tag are essential to making sure that the lockout tagout system works as effectively as it can.

When can you use tags only in lockout tagout?

In certain cases, it may be acceptable to only use tags instead of a combination of locks and tags. However, this is only acceptable if there is no possible way to physically install a lock on the machine.

As long as it’s possible to lock out a piece of equipment, tagout should always be done with lockout. While lockout is safer, the combination of locks and tags is essential in making sure that employees are protected against hazards in the workplace.

Are tags safer than locks?

No. Locks are safer to use than tags because they can physically keep employees from accidentally re-energizing machines that are currently under maintenance or repair. OSHA also requires employers to ensure that employees understand that the purposes and functions of lockout tagout tags are limited.

There are some pertinent differences between lockout and tagout:

Lockout

Lockout involves the use of locks to isolate hazardous energy. These locks are placed on switches, plugs, circuit breakers, valve handles, and the like. They keep employees from unintentionally or accidentally switching on machines and equipment that are currently being serviced.

These locks can physically stop other employees from re-energizing machines. However, locks typically don’t explain why a machine has been locked out and are not able to provide other information that other employees might need.

Tagout

Tagout refers to the use and placement of tags to inform and warn employees that a machine is currently under maintenance or repair and should therefore not be switched on or energized. Tags essentially function as warning signs that tell unauthorized or unknowing employees that switching on a particular machine is dangerous at the moment.

While tags can present clear warnings, without locks, the tags can’t physically stop other employees from re-energizing a machine. Thus, tagout is not as safe as lockout.

How to affix lockout tags to locked out machineries and equipment?

Oftentimes, tags have holes on top wherein a zip tie can be inserted and then attached to the locked out machine/equipment. TRADESAFE safety inspection tags and LOTO tags have these holes. Furthermore, each 30-pack LOTO and safety tags also come with 30 pieces of zip ties so our customers no longer need to purchase the zip ties separately.

What is the main purpose of a safety inspection tag?

The main purpose of a safety inspection tag is to record all inspections being done towards a certain machine or equipment. Repairs and maintenance are a must to ensure that machines are working properly. Thus, periodic inspections are required to quickly detect any possible defects.

Safety inspection tags affixed on the machine should show the inspection date and the inspector name so workers are aware if such machine was recently inspected and who is the person responsible for it.

Can lockout/tagout tags be reused?

LOTO tags are not reusable. They are designed to be self-locking, attachable by hand, and non-releasable with a minimum unlocking strength of at least 50 pounds. This is part of OSHA standard to guarantee that tags do not become detached or misplaced while in use, therefore reducing their effectiveness.

How do you use lockout/tagout tags?

LOTO tags are usually used in two ways: to identify the lock owner or, on an exception basis, to be used in the absence of a lock. In special cases where there is no lock, and a tag is the only option to isolate energy, OSHA requires that the tag must:

Withstand the environment to which it is exposed
Be standardized and distinguishable from other tags
Include clear warnings and instructions
Be a non-reusable, self-locking device that can withstand 50 pounds of pull force

What color should LOTO tags be?

OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.147 does not mandate specific what color LOTO tags must have. However, it states that lockout and tagout devices, which include LOTO tags, should be standardized within the facility – whether in color, shape, or size. This means that it must provide employees with the capability to identify and distinguish a lockout device from other similar devices in the workplace.

Do LOTO tags need to have the owner’s picture?

Attaching the authorized employee’s picture to the lockout/tagout tag is one of the most convenient ways to help identify who is in charge of the lockout of certain equipment. However, this does not have to be the case all of the time. In some cases, having the authorized person's name on the LOTO tag is enough to communicate who performed the lockout.

Either way, LOTO tags need to be compliant with OSHA 1910.147(c)(7)(ii)(C) – tags must be legible and understandable by all authorized employees, affected employees, and all other employees whose work operations are or may be in the area, in order to be effective.

Are tags required for LOTO?

Yes, tagout devices are one-half of lockout tagout. According to OSHA Standard, tags are a critical component of the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure to signal that the equipment under control may not be operated until the tagout device is removed. Workers are also safeguarded from hazardous power releases or inadvertent re-energizing of machines during routine maintenance or repair operations.

Each lock should have its own tag. Suppose multiple personnel is working on a machine. In that case, they should each put their own lock with their own tag separately so that no other person may re-engage the power while another is still working in hazardous energy.

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