Isolation Tags: What are they and why are they important?

Workplaces in critical industries often have many unforeseen dangers. Electrical, mechanical, and even chemical sources can cause serious harm or fatalities if not carefully managed. This makes it vital to identify these sources and take precautionary measures to always ensure the safety of yourself and your colleagues.

An effective way to take control of your organisation’s safety is through the use of isolation tags. Isolation tags play a critical role in preventing accidents in hazardous, or potentially hazardous environments. In this article, we explore what isolation tags are, what they do, and why your processes need them.

What are Isolation Tags used for?

Isolation tags are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and power generation. They’re also used in many other places where machinery or equipment is used. These tags are safety signs/ labels used to identify equipment or areas that have been de-energized or locked out for maintenance or repair. They are intended as a visual reminder to workers of the current operation status and are used to prevent any accidental or unintentional activating of the system. 

Typically, isolation tags are made of durable materials such as plastic or metal. They can also include text, graphics and other information to clearly identify the specific equipment or area that is de-energized and out of service. Some tags include a space for workers to sign, to indicate that they have verified the equipment is de-energized and locked out.

Why are Isolation Tags important?

Isolation tags are important for several reasons:

1. Safety: These tags are used to identify equipment or areas that have been de-energized or locked out for maintenance or repair, to prevent unexpected equipment start-up or release of stored energy, and to protect workers from serious injury or death caused by the unexpected energization or start-up of machinery or equipment.
2. Compliance: The use of isolation tags is a requirement in many industries, including those regulated by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the United States and similar organizations in other countries. Failure to use isolation tags and follow lockout/tagout procedures can result in fines, penalties, and other legal or regulatory actions.
3. Efficiency: Isolation tags help to ensure that equipment is not accidentally used while it is de-energized and out of service, which can prevent damage or destruction of equipment and reduce downtime.
4. Accountability: Isolation tags often include a space for workers to sign or initial, to indicate that they have verified the equipment is de-energized and locked out, which can increase accountability and encourage safe practice.

Reliable and durable Isolation Tags from REGALTAGS®

Isolation Tagging is a crucial process for your workforce, as it places the responsibility onto a named individual and encourages awareness and compliance. 

The REGALTAGS printable Isolation Tags allow you to do this in a very efficient way. You can print all necessary data directly from your ISSOW system onto the Tag – right at the point of issue. This saves time and reduces chances of human error when hand-writing out text. They are also already compatible with most ISSOW software including eVision, Enablon/ Wolters Kluwer, Petrotechnics Sentinel Pro, Sphera, Prometheus, Engica Q4.

Manufactured from our unique tough Weiz® material, these tags are UV resistant, and tear-resistant to ensure your important safety messages remain visible in the harshest of conditions. 

Take control of your organisation’s safety processes with our Printable Isolation Tags. Contact our team of experienced advisors today - we’re just a call or click away.