{"id":977,"date":"2022-03-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-14T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/compliance-signs.local\/inspect-your-inspection-tags\/"},"modified":"2025-12-15T10:44:06","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T15:44:06","slug":"inspect-your-inspection-tags","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/inspect-your-inspection-tags\/","title":{"rendered":"Inspecting Your Inspection Tags: A Crucial Starting Point"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Accidents happen. Fires happen. But imagine running to a small fire in your building with a fire extinguisher and when you pull the pin and squeeze… nothing. Now what? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You look at the fire extinguisher and notice there is a tag on it. It\u2019s a safety inspection tag<\/a> that says the fire extinguisher should be inspected monthly. But it has not been marked in over a year. This oversight could be the difference between a small, quickly handled fire and a fire that risks the business and the workers in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety inspection tags serve a simple but essential purpose. They communicate when something was inspected and by whom. The problem is, they only work if they are used properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shop Inspection Tags:<\/h3>\n\n
\"Green<\/a><\/td>\"Forklift<\/a><\/td>\"Fire<\/a><\/td>\"Aerial<\/a><\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

As you set out to establish or improve your safety program, one smart move is to find and inspect all of your inspection tags. The only way to know if you\u2019re keeping them up to date is to know how many you have and where they are. Then, make sure each one has someone in charge of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8 Common Inspection Tags<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While many businesses have different safety needs, there are a few inspection tags that are pretty standard. These tags address common workplace items found in many businesses. As you start to inventory the tags in your workplace, start with these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fire Extinguishers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Visual inspections are required once per month. Look for physical damage such as corrosion, dents, or leakage. Check the gauge to make sure the pressure is within operating levels. A thorough maintenance inspection should be performed by a professional fire protection company at least once per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ladders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Broken ladders are dangerous. OSHA does not have a specific safety inspection requirement for ladders. But it is a good idea to inspect them at least monthly. This is what OSHA has to say: \u201cLadders shall be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emergency Shower and Eyewash Stations<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These emergency stations should be fully inspected annually. It may surprise you to know that NSI\/ISEA Z358.1, the most commonly referenced guideline for these stations, states they should be tested weekly to ensure proper water flow. Of course, inspections should be noted on an inspection tag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hose Reels<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

OSHA states: \u201cThe employer shall assure that hemp or linen hose on existing systems is unracked, physically inspected for deterioration, and reracked using a different fold pattern at least annually.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scaffolding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Faulty scaffolding is extremely dangerous. Therefore, OSHA recommends inspecting them at the beginning of every work shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scissor Lifts <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

OSHA does not have specific requirements for scissor lifts, but categorizes them with mobile scaffolding. So, inspections should be completed before every shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AED equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

OSHA merely states that employers should inspect AEDs according to the manufacturer\u2019s instructions, which is typically monthly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forklifts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

OSHA doesn\u2019t mess around when it comes to forklifts. The official requirement is as follows. \u201cInspections must take place either daily, or after every shift if the forklifts are being used around the clock.\u201d An ideal place for an inspection tag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect Your Workers and Your Company<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Conducting regular inspections of your equipment, whether for daily use or emergencies, is a vital step toward protecting both your people and your company itself. Obviously, keeping ladders, scaffolding and forklifts in good working condition helps keep your employees safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, imagine if a worker or customer needs an AED and when someone reaches for it, there\u2019s no charge. It could be a life or death situation. It\u2019s important to understand that failing to conduct regular equipment inspections does not just endanger lives. It also open your company up to a large lawsuit if something should happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned above, the first step to keeping up with your inspection tags is to know how many you have, where they are, and who\u2019s in charge of them. Once you have that in place, you can ensure that your inspections are being completed as required and properly documented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proper inspections can save lives. Inspection tags are the tool that lets you know inspections are happening as they should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety Inspection Resources:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n