Scaffold Tags

Scaffold tags are simply information display cards. You can attach the scaffold tags with a scaffold to exhibit the status of the scaffold. With the scaffold tags, you can indicate whether it is safe to use, with other cautious messages. This is an important safety element of the scaffolding systems.

The scaffold tags use different kinds of colours to display the type of message efficiently. So, the workers can easily identify the meaning of the signage. You have to follow specific colour codes to indicate the urgency and type of message you want to relay.

You need the scaffold tags to indicate whether they are safe to use or not. You need them for the following applications:

• First-time scaffold usage: If you set up scaffolding on the construction site for the first time, you need to check several factors to ensure its validity. Once you are satisfied with all the checked results, you can use the scaffold tags to mark the scaffolding safe for use.
• Regular checks: In the construction sector, the workers rely on scaffolding systems to perform various operations at elevated heights. So, you have to perform regular checks on the scaffold to ensure they are suitable to provide safety for workers. After each regular check, you need to note the check date to record the validity of the scaffold, together with the date of the next check.
• After temporarily not being used: There are several reasons why you need to stop construction works in an area temporarily. After restarting works, you need to validate the safety of the scaffold and use scaffold tags to indicate whether they are ready for use.
• Under modification/maintenance of scaffolding: Scaffoldings are not suitable for use during modification or repair works. Any worker might get seriously injured if he unknowingly starts operating an unsafe scaffold before it is safe and ready. So, you can use scaffold tags to indicate that they are not valid to use.
• Standard scaffold operational procedure: Even during the normal times when the scaffolds are ready to use, you need scaffold tags to indicate to the workers that they are safe to use for their construction works.

The scaffold tags primarily use three colors. These are:

Green scaffold tags: The green color is generally used to indicate something related to safety. You can use the green scaffold tags to indicate ‘safe for use’ scaffold. Before declaring the safety, an appropriate scaffold supervisor needs to perform inspection checks following regular checklists.

Red scaffold tags: The red color is generally used to indicate something dangerous. The red scaffold tags are used as a warning sign. In some cases, the scaffold may miss an inspection or not be suitable for usage for any kind of reason.

Yellow scaffold tags: The yellow color is generally used to advise caution or warning. For scaffoldings, you may use the yellow scaffold tags to advise that workers must be cautious while using the scaffold.

The scaffold tags are designed innovatively for easy installation and changing the signage. The main component of the scaffold tags is the holder. You have to insert the scaffolding member through the top hole in the scaffold holder and attach them.

The front surface of the holder is red colored with the labeling not to use the scaffold. That means the red color or ‘Don’t use’ sign is the default sign. This is designed to ensure that no one will be using the scaffold until the scaffold inspector adds other signage for safe usage.

The holder also has an area to write the reference number. Each scaffold tag has an individual reference number to identify individual scaffolds where they are attached for reference.

Once you have installed the holder with the scaffolding, you can easily change the signs following the condition you want to display. You have to use green or yellow colored cards to change the signs. You can insert it into the tag holder. On the cards, you can write additional descriptions to provide more details.

The scaffold tags are manufactured with PVC plastic materials, which will allow you to write on them. You can also use a rewritable pen to erase the previous writings and add new ones.

The green and yellow scaffold cards also have different kinds of information slots so that you can write additional information on them.

Only the scaffold inspector can install, change or sign the scaffold tags. The scaffold inspector must have adequate knowledge and experience in the scaffolding erection system.

To avoid and minimise the risk of any kind of hazard, you must put restrictions so that normal construction workers without proper scaffolding knowledge don’t interact with these scaffold tags.

There is no fixed requirement by OSHA that you have to install scaffold tags with all the scaffoldings. But it is beneficial if you use scaffold tags wherever applicable to add extra safety and security for your construction site.