Frequently Asked Questions

Lockout Tags

• What do the ANSI Lockout Tag Formats look like?

• Do you have lockout tags that show a photograph of the electrician?

• Can we get by with just lockout tags? Or, do we need to use both locks and tags?

• Should I use the new "ANSI" lockout tag designs? Or, can we continue to use the traditional lockout tag designs?

• Our workers do not consider the training that we have to be useful. Do we need a training program in addition to our lockout tags?

• What should the back of the lockout tag show?

What do the ANSI Lockout Tag Formats look like?

The ANSI tag design standards have a number of features. The simplest design element is the use of the ANSI header. The ANSI tag header uses a signal alert triangle in the tag's header.

ANSI Header	Classic Header

In addition to the emphasis on the new DANGER header design, the standard highlights the use of symbols and more detailed instructions. Please contact us and we can provide a more detailed review of the ANSI tag designs.

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Do you have lockout tags that show a photograph of the electrician?

Yes, we have several designs that allow you to add a photo to your lockout tag. Adding your photo to your tags is a terrific idea and increasingly popular. With the cost of digital camera dropping it is very easy to create and then print a small photo.

Many electrical departments find that personalized lock-out tags not only help you find someone, especially when you have so many contractors on site, but help convey the singular immediacy of the electrical hazard.

I have even seen examples of electrical workers using pictures of their own children. For example, a tag had this type of photo and the message, "My Dad's Life is on the Line. Do Not Operate!").

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Can we get by with just lockout tags? Or, do we need to use both locks and tags?

Although tags are generally used in conjunction with a lock, many larger companies still use tags alone. This approach works only when the company's training and tracking program is well established and effective.

In writing the OSHA 1910.147 rules, the issue of tags versus locks was debated extensively. Ultimately, OSHA decided that lock-out was the preferred and safer way to ensure that equipment remain de-energized. Yet, they also recognized tags alone could be used when an energy isolating device was not capable of being locked out. Tags could also be used when the employer can "demonstrate that the tagout program will provide a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by using a lockout program" 1910.147 (a)(3)(c)(3). This more flexible approach is fraught with pitfalls. Many users acknowledge that tags are much easier and faster to use and hence more likely to be implemented than a program relying only on locks. Indeed, there are occasions when using a lock is impractical and even more dangerous than a tag. But, in developing your own program, you must honestly assess the effectiveness of your training, your written procedures and the capabilities of your work force.

Customer have often told me of situation when lockout tags, when used with a good training and operating procedure, can be as effective as locks. Certainly, they are much easier and hence more likely to be used than a program relying only on locks. Indeed, there are may be occasions when using a lock is impractical and more dangerous than a tag. But, this is relatively rare. Be cautious.

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Should I use the new "ANSI" lockout tag designs? Or, can we continue to use the traditional lockout tag designs?

There is not a clear-cut answer here. For many reasons, We recommend a design that follows one of the new ANSI tag designs. They are often more legible, advocate a use of a symbol, have a border that stands out and should give clearer instructions.

On the other hand, industry adoption of the new ANSI tag designs has been painfully slow. The traditional designs are still very popular, and this is especially true for Danger tags. The original designs that the 1970 OSHA standard is based on date from the 1920's to 40's. At this point, OSHA has changed their philosophy to one that emphasizes "process" and no longer advocates a particular "design" As such. OSHA will not address the divergent designs.

Moreover, this is not an issue that OSHA addresses directly. The original "Classic" tag designs are acceptable and remain the top sellers for our "In-Stock" lockout designs. Yet, for larger organizations that prefer a design that is customized to their own lockout procedure, we see a larger number of designs based on the ANSI formats.

Our Lockout Tag Wizard (that is used to help you design a customized lockout tag) has both ANSI and Classic formats.

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Our workers do not consider the training that we have to be useful. Do we need a training program in addition to our lockout tags?

A training program is essential. Lockout tags, locks or training, alone, is not enough.

The trick with any training program is getting workers to "buy" into it. Training is a dynamic process. To be effective, you need to continually change and enliven the support materials. Some companies are now using their own video equipment to personalize the training. Everyone has gone through orientation training, but how many times do you see your associate working at your facility on your actual equipment? Then, find accidents or uplifting stories that are relevant to your workplace. Understand that it may take longer to follow the lock-out steps and to complete the tag than to make the actual repair. Training has to emphasize that there are no short-cuts. Talk about enforcement. For some, lockout tag non-compliance could result in dismissal. OSHA writes in the preamble to 1910.147, "... it is the fourth element, discipline, which appears to be the most critical to the success of these programs; the companies with effective tagout programs apply various types of disciplinary action to both supervisors and employees who violate the tagout procedures." A common line on Lock-Out tags is "You will be fired if you remove this tag without authorization." To allow violations to occur without penalties is to invite apathy and disrespect for your program.

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What should the back of the lockout tag show?

Many standard tags only have a blank white background or a repeat of the front of the tag.

For many custom tags though, it may be desirable to print instructions on the back of the tag. You might want to outline your operating procedures, explain codes or give emergency telephone numbers on the back. At the very least, the back of the tag should refer to the front of the tag. One of the most blunt instructions is: "You are Fired if You Remove this Tag Without Approval."

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