This standard sets forth requirements for the design, application, and use of safety tags and barricade tapes for temporary hazards. They shall be used only until the identified hazard is eliminated or the hazardous operation is completed. For example, a safety tag would be appropriate for use during lock-out / tag-out procedures or on a damaged tool until it can be properly removed from the work area. Barricade tape would be suitable to mark an area affected by a chemical spill or an open and temporary trench.

Safety tags or barricade tapes shall not be used in place of a permanent sign or label intended for hazards in normal use, operation, or maintenance. However, if a permanent sign or label is presented in a tag configuration or a hang tag is used to supplement a permanent safety sign, the safety tag should comply with the provisions of ANSI Z535.2-2011 or ANSI Z535.4-2011.

While this standard addresses safety tags and barricade tapes for temporary hazards, other tags or tape types are not addressed by this standard. For example, underground tapes, permanent tapes, striped tapes, and non-skid tapes are not covered by this standard.

Purpose

The purposes of this standard are:

a. to establish a uniform and consistent visual layout for safety tags and barricade tapes;

b. to minimize the proliferation of designs for safety tags and barricade tapes; and

c. to establish a national uniform system for safety tags and barricade tapes that communicate safety information.