Frequently Asked Questions

Tag Materials

• The writing on the tags that we have been using seems to fade. The tags hang in an area that is rather wet. What can we do to help avoid this problem?

• Do you have carbon-paper tags? And, how are these different from NCR tags?

• Do have a material that seals in the information – after we write on the tag?

• I need a tag that tracks our equipment. Can you add a bar code to a paper tag?

• What is a Tyvek tag? Is it a paper or plastic?

• My Tyvek tags do not seem to hang straight. What is wrong?

• What is a "Dead Soft" tag?

Custom Artwork

• The custom design that I see from your site is not quite right. Can you help make it better?

• Do I need to design the back of the tag? Can't this be blank?

• Can I add checkboxes to my tag design?

• Our company has a standard design that is used across each warehouse location. Each warehouse, though, must create slightly different text and numbering. Can you create a template just for our firm?

• We need help with designing a custom shipping tag. Who can I call?

• We do not have a logo. Can you create one for us?

• We need a special color. Can you match it?

• My logo appears to be fuzzy when I view in on the design. What is wrong?

Tag Attachment Options

• In some cases, there is no good place to attach the tag with the wire. Do you have any recommendations?

• Our customers have been complaining that our equipment arrives without any warning and instructions. But, we attach tags before the equipment is sent out. The tags seem to be falling off in transit. How can we make the tags more wind resistant?

• Ties or wires or strings – what should we use?

• We attach hundreds of tags in a given period. What is a fast way to attach the tags?

Fire Extinguisher Inspection Tags

• How long do I have to keep our periodic inspection records?

• Can we use a label for record our inspections?

• What should do we need to inspect, during our monthly inspections?

• What needs to be included for the yearly agency fire extinguisher maintenance records?

• What are the rules regarding the materials used for fire extinguisher tags?

• What are the trends in Fire Extinguisher Tagging?

Fire Extinguisher Location Signs

• Do we have to use signs that jut out from the wall to identify the fire extinguisher locations?

• What are the rules regarding the materials used for fire extinguisher signs?

• Do fire extinguisher signs need to be photoluminescent, or "glow-in-the-dark"?

• How many fire extinguisher signs do we need?

• What are the rules regarding Fire Extinguisher training?

Lockout Tags

• What do the ANSI Lockout Tag Formats look like?

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

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

• I see that many tags come with ties or wires. Can't we just use strings on the lockout tags?

• Do we need a training program in addition to our lockout tags?

• What should the back of the lockout tag show?

• What rules or other laws cover lockout tags?

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

The writing on the tags that we have been using seems to fade. The tags hang in an area that is rather wet. What can we do to help avoid this problem?

Let's upgrade you to a plastic tag. When most people think of tags, they think of tags they think "paper", which, of course, does not last. Paper tags mildew, rip and become illegible in the rain. The cost for a plastic tag is only slightly more. When you consider the cost to fill-in a tag and then hang it, it only makes sense to use the most durable tag possible.

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Do you have carbon-paper tags? And, how are these different from NCR tags?

Our multi-part tags are increasingly made from NCR paper – although we make paper and carbon tags if requested. The NCR paper has a special coating that, when pressed with a pen or pencil images the sheet below. NCR tags are cleaner. There is no messy carbon paper to dispose of. Yet, many traditionalists prefer the crisper and more durable image that is produced on the tag or other paper copies when you use a carbon sheet.

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Do have a material that seals in the information – after we write on the tag?

Ask for some samples of our self-laminating plastic tags. Self-laminating tags have become a mainstay for environmentally hostile conditions. The principle is very simple: a clear self-laminating flap seals in your writing and protects it against weather, abrasion and sunlight.

Your tag becomes almost impossible to tear and is highly resistant to chemicals. Tags stored underwater have remained readable and strong for 7 years. One skeptical customer even put one of our tags in the tank of his toilet bowl. A year later, he suddenly remembered the tag. He is a believer now!

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I need a tag that tracks our equipment. Can you add a bar code to a paper tag? We also need a paper copy of the information to put into our office files and a way to read the bar code. I do not see any tag like this on your site.

Yes, we have many customers that use bar code on their tags. The bar-code speeds data entry and reduces mistakes. For example, we have a large customer that uses our tags to track drums. The exact container number is accurately and quickly scanned into the database from the field. Typos are eliminated and data entry is faster. Bar-code wand attaches to standard keyboards and uses bar-codes to speed data entry.

It also sounds like you could use a multi-part tag. Give us a call and we can create a free proof for you.

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What is a Tyvek tag? Is it a paper or plastic?

Tyvek is a brand name of DuPont. It is a polyethylene that, typically, as fibers for internal strength. Although Tyvek tags have good "writability" (like a paper tag) they are actually plastic.

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My Tyvek tags do not seem to hang straight. What is wrong?

This is a drawback to Tyvek. Tyvek tags tend to curl slightly. If "flatness" is a critical factor and you need the extra durability of a plastic tag, consider using one our plastic or aluminum tag materials.

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What is a "Dead Soft" tag?

This is an aluminum-clad tag. Debossable aluminum is mounted onto a tag board or a plastic core. This hefty 2 mils thick aluminum is heated to 1100° F and becomes annealed. Once annealed, the aluminum is soft and can be indented. The result is a tag that is durably printed. Even if the print is washed off, or painted over, the legend is still debossed into the surface.

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The custom design that I see from your site is not quite right. Can you help make it better?

In the notes area on our card, indicate that you would like our art department to try our hand at your design. In most cases, our clients love the changes that we suggest. We will post a new design to the web site that you can see when you log into it (it will be under the My Designs area).

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Do I need to design the back of the tag? Can't this be blank?

Almost half our custom warehouse tag have a blank back. For certain 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. For safety tags, 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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Can I add checkboxes to my tag design?

Yes, just give us a note when you place the order. Some customers just show where they want a check box by typing two brackets (for example "[_]"). We offer free design service for your custom tag design, so you can always just fax us a sketch.

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Our company has a standard design that is used across each warehouse location. Each warehouse, though, must create slightly different text and numbering. Can you create a template just for our firm?

Our programmers can add a custom tag template just for your firm. We can place this tag template under the My Designs area and assign password rights to your warehouse managers.

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We need help with designing a custom shipping tag. Who can I call?

Please call us up at 718-797-1900 x120 or 1-800-952-1457 and ask for customer service, We would be delighted to help you through the process of designing your custom tag. We especially appreciate your suggestions on how to make our design programs better.

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We do not have a logo. Can you create one for us?

We offer hundreds of tag graphics online. Select one of these for your custom tag. Adding a logo to your tag adds a professional touch. A logo also makes it harder to counterfeit your tag.

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We need a special color. Can you match it?

Many of our customers ask for a specific color. Specify a PMS number or send us a color chip to match. For most materials, there is no extra charge for a special color match – but we will confirm this with you prior to printing.

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My logo appears to be fuzzy when I view in on the design. What is wrong?

Yes, this sounds like a problem. We can only print to the quality of the image. Please see if you can find a version of your logo with a higher quality or resolution. Tags always look better if your logo is crisp. If not, and in most cases, we can help clean your logo up and help make your parking permit look better.

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In some cases, there is no good place to attach the tag with the wire. Do you have any recommendations?

Here, we would recommend a "combination" tag / label. Order the tag with an adhesive strip on the back. The liner can be removed and your inspection or inventory tag can be just stuck onto any flat surface. There is no need to order a separate batch of labels. Your numbering / tracking scheme is preserved.

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Our customers have been complaining that our equipment arrives without any warning and instructions. But, we attach tags before the equipment is sent out. The tags seem to be falling off in transit. How can we make the tags more wind resistant?

Let's first try a tag with reinforced metal eyelet. If that does not work, I would recommend using a plastic tag, also with a metal eyelet. The thicker the tag and the larger the eyelet, the more tear-resistant your tag becomes.

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Ties or wires or strings – what should we use?

There are advantages to each method. Strings can be broken off and the tag removed easily. Wires need to be untwisted or cut. Ties are also rather permanent – yet fast to install. Ask for a few samples and test.

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We attach hundreds of tags in a given period. What is a fast way to attach the tags?

Retailers love their tag guns. Complete with small tags, they can attach tags in a flash. Yet, these ties are often not particularly strong. Other companies use an elastic string tie. This can just be slipped over the part and the tag snaps into place.

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How long do I have to keep our periodic inspection records?

There has been some controversy around this subject. In general, your monthly inspection records should be kept for a year. Keep the monthly inspection tag on file, even after a yearly maintenance has been performed. Most organizations save a tag for this time. In some cases, companies are using a paperless system that electronically stores this information. Make sure to consult the latest NFPA regulations and explanatory Annex yourself. See NFPA 10-2002 is published in Volume 1 of the 2004/2005 National Fire Codes:

"Records shall be kept on a tag or label attached to the fire extinguisher, on an inspection checklist maintained on file, or in an electronic system (e.g., bar coding) that provides a permanent record of the last twelve monthly inspections."

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Can we use a label for record our inspections?

Labels are common, yet they must be taken off after the year's inspection period for proper record-keeping. Hence, tags are much more common. They can be more easily removed and stored.

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What should do we need to inspect, during our monthly inspections?

First, note that the monthly interval may be adjusted, "... extinguishers shall be manually inspected at a minimum of 30-day intervals or electronically monitored. Fire extinguishers shall be inspected at more frequent intervals when circumstances require." [NFPA 10]

The particular inspection information is often the following: [NFPA 10]

(1) Location in designated place

(2) No obstruction to access or visibility

(3) Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position.

(4) Fullness determined by weighing or hefting for self-expelling type extinguishers, cartridge operated extinguishers and pump tanks.

(5) For wheeled extinguishers, the condition of tires, wheels, carriage, hose and nozzle shall also be checked.

(6) For non-rechargeable extinguishers using push-to-test pressure indicators, test the indicator.

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What needs to be included for the yearly agency fire extinguisher maintenance records?

The maintenance recordkeeping should indicate more than just the service technician's name. See NFPA 10: "Each fire extinguisher shall have a tag or label securely attached that indicates the month and year the maintenance was performed, and that identifies the person performing the work, and identifies the name of the agency performing the work."

Our custom fire extinguisher service tags also ask you to define a permit number.

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What are the rules regarding the materials used for fire extinguisher tags?

There are no rules that govern tag materials – although it is important that any tag or label withstand the environment. In practice, tags need to withstand humidity and "accidental" removal. In addition, the tag should be large enough to encourage legible inspection hand-writing. Plastic and metal tags certainly outlast most cardstock fire extinguisher inspection tags.

Although many tags are fastened with self-locking ties most are fastened with wires. When the period checks are completed, either can be easily cut off and your tag preserved for the year.

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What are the trends in Fire Extinguisher Tagging?

Certainly, live electronic monitoring of fire extinguishers is the most important trend in the industry. "24/7" supervision of a fire extinguisher's contents, pressure, location and accessibility has been a goal for many. The latest edition of NFPA 10 is now recognizing some of these electronic maintenance methods.

Similarly, RF tagging and bar-code labels are taking some of the manual labor away from the aggravation of periodic checks. On the other hand, the simplicity and obvious paper trail for the traditional fire extinguisher hang tags remain as popular as ever.

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Do we have to use signs that jut out from the wall to identify the fire extinguisher locations?

In fact, the NFPA rules are often misinterpreted here. Some building inspectors have required that fire extinguisher signs be mounted perpendicular to their cabinet or when the fire extinguisher is mounted on a wall bracket.

An NFPA interpretation (November, 99), however, mentions that this is not a requirement. The rules only require that "extinguishers mounted in cabinets or wall recesses...be marked conspicuously."

In practice, however, the perpendicular signs remain our most popular – and for good reason. While "a conspicuous sign, including those mounted parallel to the wall, meet the intent of [the NFPA rules]", the advantages of a sign that can be seen as you approach it from an angle are obvious. Most locations are approached from an angle. Sign visibility suffers. Moreover, many fire extinguishers are kept in recessed cavities and are even harder to locate.

In an emergency, seconds may count. A sign that can be seen from as many different angles (and as many different light conditions) is certainly an advantage.

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What are the rules regarding the materials used for fire extinguisher signs?

The signs need, merely, to be "conspicuous". Signs that fade quickly or are too small are not conspicuous. Our FireFly signs are some of the most conspicuous in the market.

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Do fire extinguisher signs need to be photoluminescent, or "glow-in-the-dark"?

Again, there are no common rules here that mandate this treatment. On the other hand, fires often cause blackouts. A photoluminescent or reflective sign only increases the chances that vital fire protection equipment, shut-off's, etc. will be found quickly. Photoluminescent signs glow in the dark after the lights are off. Reflective signs take the light from a flashlight or backup light and return the light in a way that makes the sign evident. Give your emergency crews and other fire fighting teams all the help that they deserve.

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How many fire extinguisher signs do we need?

We recommend that you consult with the regulations above. For a quick overview, of how many are needed, see the excerpt below (from the OSHA standard 1926) regarding Portable Firefighting Equipment, Fire Extinguishers and Small Hose Lines:

• A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 2A, shall be provided for each 3,000 square feet of the protected building area, or major fraction thereof. Travel distance from any point of the protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher shall not exceed 100 feet.

• One 55-gallon open drum of water with two fire pails may be substituted for a fire extinguisher having a 2A rating.

• A ½-inch diameter garden-type hose line, not to exceed 100 feet in length and equipped with a nozzle, may be substituted for a 2A-rated fire extinguisher, providing it is capable of discharging a minimum of 5 gallons per minute with a minimum hose stream range of 30 feet horizontally. The garden-type hose lines shall be mounted on conventional racks or reels. The number and location of hose racks or reels shall be such that at least one hose stream can be applied to all points in the area.

• One or more fire extinguishers, rated not less than 2A, shall be provided on each floor. In multistory buildings, at least one fire extinguisher shall be located adjacent to stairway.

• Extinguishers and water drums, subject to freezing, shall be protected from freezing.

• A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 10B, shall be provided within 50 feet of wherever more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or 5 pounds of flammable gas are being used on the jobsite. This requirement does not apply to the integral fuel tanks of motor vehicles.

• Carbon tetrachloride and other toxic vaporizing liquid fire extinguishers are prohibited.

• Portable fire extinguishers shall be inspected periodically and maintained in accordance with Maintenance and Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers, NFPA No. 10A-1970. Fire extinguishers which have been listed or approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, shall be used to meet the requirements of this subpart.

• Table F-1 in §1926.150(c)(1)(x) may be used as a guide for selecting the appropriate portable fire extinguishers.

In practice, though, you may also want to consider other factors, such as the training and mobility of the workers or others in the building, the type of construction, the existence of other fire protection systems, evacuation plans, etc.

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What are the rules regarding Fire Extinguisher training?

See, OSHA 1910.157, which is excerpted here: "Where the employer has provided portable fire extinguishers for employee use in the workplace, the employer shall also provide an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting."

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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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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, I usually recommend a design that follows one of the new ANSI tag designs. After all, I am chairman of this committee and feel these designs have a number of important advantages. 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 (or, as well call them, the "Classic" Designs) are still very popular. This is especially true for stock Danger tags. The original designs that the 1970 OSHA standard for Signs and tags actually are based on designs that 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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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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I see that many tags come with ties or wires. Can't we just use strings on the lockout tags?

Most of our tags use plastic tie wraps. In general, we do not recommend strings. For a bit of background, see the following letter from John Miles, Directorate of Compliance Programs at OSHA: [excerpt only]

"Specifically you requested clarification on the possible use of a cotton-rayon cord of more than 60 pounds (13.49 Newtons) breaking strength or a nylon cord of more than 100 pounds (22.48 Newtons) breaking strength for attachment of tagout devices to energy isolating devices for the purpose of complying with the tagout requirement at 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(C)(1).

"By 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(C)(1), the employer is required to provide a means of tagout device attachment having the general design and basic characteristics of being at least equivalent to a one-piece, all environment-tolerant nylon cable tie. The Lockout/tagout standard uses performance language in imposing the above requirement. As such, an employer must be prepared to demonstrate equivalency to the OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officer on inspection of his or her worksite.

"In your letter you provided a sample tag with samples of the cords described above. The cords, alone, would not meet the following means of attachment requirements in 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(C)(1). Tagout device attachment means shall be of a non-reversible type, self-locking and non-releasable with a minimum unlocking strength of no less than 50 pounds (11.14 Newtons). Neither the cords nor the tag appear to be all environment-tolerant, that is, if wet, neither would hold up."

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

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 the program. Training is not static. To be effective, you need to continually change and enliven the support materials. Some companies are now using their own video recorders 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 stoeis that are relevant to your workplace. Overcome apathy with accidents that are relevant to your work environment. 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.

Finally, it is helpful to talk about the role of 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."

The above backs are shown in ANSI Z535.5 as examples of lock-out tag backs. The back of the tag should reinforce the critical part that the lock-out tag represents within a plant's lock-out procedures.

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What rules or other laws cover lockout tags?

The lockout tag regulations are covered in OSHA §1910.147 Lock-Out/Tag-Out, §1910.269 for Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution and §1910.268 for Telecommunications.

A Lock-Out/Tag-Out, or "LOTO", is the second most cited OSHA regulation violation. These rules require that all energy sources be turned off and either locked out or tagged out while service or maintenance work is being performed. By protecting the worker from accidental release of energy (electrical shock, mechanical action, heat, etc.), the rule is saving hundreds of lives.

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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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