Optimise safety with safety tags and labels

1. Safety tags

Safety tags are labels used to communicate warnings, instructions or important information to workers in high-risk environments. They are essential in processes such as Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), where machines or systems are switched off for maintenance or repair. Attaching a safety tag to the disabled equipment indicates that it should not be switched on until maintenance work is safely completed.

Safety tags often include colour coding and space for noting specific information, such as the name of the person responsible for shutting down the equipment, the date of shutdown and any additional comments. They play an important role in preventing accidents that can occur as a result of inadvertent or premature restarts of machines.

2. Insolation point labels

Isolation point labels are used to clearly indicate points where machinery or systems are isolated from energy sources. This can include electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical energy. These labels are crucial in LOTO procedures, where specific isolation points are identified and marked to ensure that the energy source is completely isolated before maintenance is carried out.

The labels are usually highly visible and often include symbols, text or colour codes to indicate the nature of the isolation point. Using isolation point labels helps to avoid confusion and ensures that workers know which points need to be checked or adjusted to ensure work safety. Without clear insulation point labels, accidents or even fatal incidents can occur due to incorrect or incomplete insulation.

3. Scaffolding Tags

Scaffolding tags are essential tools for safely managing work on and around scaffolding. These tags indicate whether a scaffold is safe to use or whether certain work or inspections still need to be carried out before it can be put into use. They are often attached to scaffolding to provide a clear visual indication of the scaffolding's status.

The colour coding of scaffolding tags is of great importance:

- Green tags indicate that the scaffolding has been found safe after inspection and can be used.

- Yellow tags indicate that there are restrictions or that only certain parts are safe.

- Red tags indicate that the scaffolding is not safe and should not be used.

Scaffold tags are usually completed and updated by authorised inspectors, detailing the last inspection, any problems, and approvals for use. This ensures the safety of workers working at height.