{"id":6899,"date":"2023-03-28T14:31:04","date_gmt":"2023-03-28T18:31:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/?p=6899"},"modified":"2026-02-17T12:58:04","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T17:58:04","slug":"how-to-read-safety-tags","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/how-to-read-safety-tags\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Read a Safety Tag"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When used correctly, safety tags protect your people and potentially saves lives. This guide explains how to read and use safety tags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Types of Workplace Safety Tags Are There?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are four standard OSHA signal words used on tags, and those words indicate varying levels of workplace hazard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Danger<\/strong>: Only used for major hazards with a risk of serious injury or death<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Caution<\/strong>: Used for minor hazards, situations where possible safety risks might cause less serious injuries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Warning<\/strong>: Used when a hazard risk is lower than danger tags but greater than caution tags<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Biohazard<\/strong>: Always required for any immediate or potential biological hazards, including containers, rooms, equipment or animals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/regulations\/standardnumber\/1910\/1910.145\"><strong>OSHA Standard 1910.145<\/strong><\/a> requires that signal words on a tag must be visible from a distance of at least 5 feet. This means a letter height of 0.16 to 0.33 inches, depending on the surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Shop Popular Tags:<\/h3><table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; margin-left: auto; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-right: auto;\" border=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr><td style=\"width: 25%; text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Yellow Flap Tag\" href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/pd\/blank-yellow-flap-tags-cs534435\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/media.compliancesigns.com\/media\/catalog\/product\/b\/l\/blank-flap-tag-cs534435-1000.gif\" alt=\"Yellow Flap Tag\" width=185\" height=\"185\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/a><\/td><td style=\"width: 25%; text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Do Not Operate\" href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/pd\/osha-danger-do-not-operate-my-life-is-on-the-line-tag-cs719729\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/media.compliancesigns.com\/media\/catalog\/product\/l\/o\/lockout-tagout-tag-cs719729_1000.gif\" alt=\"Do Not Operate Photo Flap Tag\" width=185\" height=\"185\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/a><\/td><td style=\"width: 25%; text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Aerial Lift Inspection Tag\" href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/pd\/aerial-scissor-lift-daily-safety-inspection-inspection-status-tag-cs410716\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/media.compliancesigns.com\/media\/catalog\/product\/m\/a\/machine-safety-tag-cs410716_1000.gif\" alt=\"Aerial &#038; Scissor Lift Daily Inspection Tag\" width=185\" height=\"185\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/a><\/td><td style=\"width: 25%; text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Scaffold Green Tags\" href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/pd\/tags-by-the-roll-attention-this-scaffold-was-built-to-meet-safety-regulations-safety-tags-cs632521\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/media.compliancesigns.com\/media\/catalog\/product\/l\/a\/ladder-scaffold-tag-cs632521-1000.gif\" alt=\"Scaffold Safe To Use Tags by the Roll\" width=185\" height=\"185\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr>    <td style=\"width: 25%; text-align: center; padding: 10px;\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/pd\/blank-yellow-flap-tags-cs534435\" target=\"_blank\"><u>Flap Tag<\/u><\/a>\n    <\/td>    <td style=\"width: 25%; text-align: center; padding: 10px;\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/pd\/osha-danger-do-not-operate-my-life-is-on-the-line-tag-cs719729\" target=\"_blank\"><u>Photo Tag<\/u><\/a>\n    <\/td>    <td style=\"width: 25%; text-align: center; padding: 10px;\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/pd\/aerial-scissor-lift-daily-safety-inspection-inspection-status-tag-cs410716\" target=\"_blank\"><u>Lift Inspection<\/u><\/a>\n    <\/td>    <td style=\"width: 25%; text-align: center; padding: 10px;\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/pd\/tags-by-the-roll-attention-this-scaffold-was-built-to-meet-safety-regulations-safety-tags-cs632521\" target=\"_blank\"><u>Safe Scaffold Tags<\/u><\/a>\n    <\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need tag messaging tailored to your specific equipment, procedures or inspection program, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/c\/custom-signs\">Design ID Pro<\/a> makes it easy to create <a href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/pd\/design-your-own-osha-ansi-safety-tags\">custom OSHA\/ANSI safety tags<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/pd\/design-custom-photo-upload-site-tags\">photo ID tags<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/pd\/design-your-own-osha-ansi-tags-by-the-roll\">tags by the roll<\/a>. You can select signal words, colors and layouts that align with OSHA requirements while matching your facility\u2019s exact needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Do Safety Tags Mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A proper safety tag includes two key elements to help convey its meaning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Color<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>OSHA has specific requirements for the colors you choose for your tags. Using the right color is essential to communicate clear messaging to employees:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Red<\/strong>: Danger tags, emergency instructions and safety cans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Yellow<\/strong>: Caution tags, falling hazards and some containers for corrosive materials<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Orange<\/strong>: Warning tags, often used for equipment maintenance hazards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fluorescent orange-red<\/strong>: Biohazard tags for blood and other biosafety risks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Black\/white\/yellow<\/strong>: Boundary tags, often with \u201cCaution\u201d in the label<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Green<\/strong>: Safety tags related to first aid equipment, eye protection and safety equipment locations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Blue<\/strong>: Information tags with general info, such as notices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Major Message or Hazard Symbol<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every safety tag should have a signal word or easy-to-identify symbol, such as the biological hazard symbol, as well as a \u201cmajor message\u201d that indicates the specific hazardous condition or instruction to be communicated. Common major messages include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do Not Operate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Out of Order<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electrical Hazard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do Not Enter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do Not Use<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Status tags provide key information such as inventory levels or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/products\/safety-tags\/inspection-tags\"><strong>inspection records<\/strong><\/a>, or the status of an items such as <a href=\"https:\/\/https\/www.compliancesigns.com\/products\/safety-tags\/cylinder-tags\"><strong>gas cylinders<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/products\/safety-tags\/ladder-scaffold-tags\"><strong>ladders and scaffolds<\/strong><\/a>, or other equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Should You Use Tags or Signs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A tag isn\u2019t meant to be a replacement for a warning sign. Tags are usually <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/regulations\/standardnumber\/1910\/1910.145\"><strong>designed to be temporary<\/strong><\/a> to identify or address:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Temporary risks:<\/strong> A tag can help you warn employees when a safety risk is temporary, such as a piece of equipment in an unusual location.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interim warnings<\/strong>: Until a permanent safety sign is in place, you need a tag to highlight risks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ongoing monitoring<\/strong>: Tags can be a convenient way to keep inspection records close to the item you need to monitor, such as forklifts or pumps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, tags complement safety signs for a safer workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For facilities that require customized inspection logs, lockout information or department-specific messaging, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/c\/custom-signs\">Design ID Pro<\/a> allows you to build safety tags that reflect your exact procedures instead of relying solely on stock formats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Can You Encourage Employees To Read Your Tags?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating an environment of workplace safety requires training. Walking your team through different scenarios can help them feel comfortable using different tags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-safety-tag-resources\">Safety Tag Resources:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/regulations\/standardnumber\/1910\/1910.145\">OSHA 1910.145, Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/save-employee-lives-with-lockout-tags\/\">Using Lockout Tags to save lives<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/5-reasons-to-use-flap-tags\/\">Learn about Flap Tags for harsh environments<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/c\/safety-tags\">Browse safety tags at ComplianceSigns.com<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/c\/custom-signs\">Design your own custom safety tags with Design ID Pro<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div 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This guide explains how to read and use safety tags. What Types of Workplace Safety Tags Are There? There are four standard OSHA signal words used on tags, and those words indicate varying levels of workplace hazard. OSHA Standard 1910.145 requires that signal [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":6907,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[416,5,20,143],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6899","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chemical-hazmat","category-electrical","category-industrial-construction","category-safety-tips"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How To Read a Safety Tag - SafeWork Insider<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Safety tags protect your people and potentially saves lives, when used correctly. 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