What is the difference between a tag-out notice and a LOTO procedure?

A tag-out / out-of-service notice is the physical tag or notice attached to equipment to warn others that it must not be operated. It identifies the reason for tag-out, who tagged it, and the conditions for return to service. A Lock-Out Tag-Out (LOTO) isolation procedure is a broader safety process that includes isolating energy sources, applying locks and tags, and verifying zero energy before maintenance. This template covers the tag/notice itself. Not the full LOTO isolation procedure.

When should I use an out-of-service tag?

Attach an out-of-service tag whenever equipment or plant is found to be defective, damaged or unsafe and must not be used until repaired. Common situations include: a failed pre-start inspection, a fault discovered during operation, equipment awaiting parts or repair, items that have failed calibration or compliance checks, and any plant that has been involved in an incident. The tag stays on until an authorised person clears it for return to service.

Who can remove an out-of-service tag?', answer: "Only an authorised person should remove an out-of-service tag, typically the person who placed it, a qualified repairer who has completed the repair, or a supervisor who has verified the equipment is safe to return to service. The tag should include a 'return to service' section signed by the authorised person. Removing a tag without proper authorisation is a serious safety breach on most sites.", }, { question: 'Does Australian WHS law require out-of-service tags?

Australian WHS regulations require that plant which is not safe to use is taken out of service and that workers are informed. While the specific method (tags, locks, barriers) depends on the risk, out-of-service tags are a widely accepted and often required control measure on construction, mining, manufacturing and industrial sites. Many principal contractors mandate their use in site-specific safety management plans.

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Last updated: 2026-02-21

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 21 February 2026

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What is a tag-out / out-of-service notice?

An out-of-service notice (also called a tag-out notice, defect tag or out-of-service tag) is a physical tag or notice attached to equipment or plant that has been found to be defective, damaged or unsafe. Its purpose is to clearly warn all personnel that the equipment must not be operated, used or energised until it has been repaired and formally cleared for return to service by an authorised person.

This is distinct from a full Lock-Out Tag-Out (LOTO) isolation procedure, which involves isolating energy sources and applying locks. The out-of-service notice is the tag itself - the visible warning that stays on the equipment. It is used across construction, mining, manufacturing, facilities and any industry where plant and equipment must be taken out of service when a fault is found.

Benefits of using this tag-out / out-of-service notice

Prevent use of unsafe equipment: a visible tag stops personnel from using defective plant, reducing the risk of injury or further damage.
Clear communication: the tag tells everyone what is wrong, who tagged it, and what needs to happen before the equipment can be used again.
Accountability: recording who placed the tag and who authorised its removal creates an auditable chain of responsibility.
Compliance: meet WHS obligations to take unsafe plant out of service and inform workers, with documented evidence.
Repair tracking: the expected repair date and return-to-service sign-off help track repairs and reduce equipment downtime.

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What to include in a tag-out / out-of-service notice

This tag-out / out-of-service notice covers 10 key areas:

DO NOT OPERATE warning: large, prominent warning that the equipment must not be used.
Equipment details: asset ID, description, make/model, serial number, site/location.
Reason for tag-out: clear description of the fault, defect or reason the equipment was taken out of service.
Hazard description: what hazard the defect presents (e.g. electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, structural).
Tagged by: name, signature, position and contact details of the person who placed the tag.
Date and time tagged: when the equipment was taken out of service.
Expected repair date: estimated date for repair or next action.
Reported to: supervisor or maintenance manager notified.
Repair / action taken: space to record what was done to rectify the fault.
Authorised return to service: sign-off by the authorised person confirming the equipment is safe to use, including name, signature, position and date/time.

How often should you complete this checklist?

Use an out-of-service tag any time equipment or plant is found to be defective, damaged or unsafe and must not be operated. Common triggers include:

The tag remains on the equipment until an authorised person has verified the repair and signed the return-to-service clearance. Do not set a calendar schedule for tag-out. It is event-driven, not time-driven.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a tag-out notice and a LOTO procedure?: A tag-out / out-of-service notice is the physical tag or notice attached to equipment to warn others that it must not be operated. It identifies the reason for tag-out, who tagged it, and the conditions for return to service. A Lock-Out Tag-Out (LOTO) isolation procedure is a broader safety process that includes isolating energy sources, applying locks and tags, and verifying zero energy before maintenance. This template covers the tag/notice itself. Not the full LOTO isolation procedure.
When should I use an out-of-service tag?: Attach an out-of-service tag whenever equipment or plant is found to be defective, damaged or unsafe and must not be used until repaired. Common situations include: a failed pre-start inspection, a fault discovered during operation, equipment awaiting parts or repair, items that have failed calibration or compliance checks, and any plant that has been involved in an incident. The tag stays on until an authorised person clears it for return to service.
Who can remove an out-of-service tag?', answer: "Only an authorised person should remove an out-of-service tag, typically the person who placed it, a qualified repairer who has completed the repair, or a supervisor who has verified the equipment is safe to return to service. The tag should include a 'return to service' section signed by the authorised person. Removing a tag without proper authorisation is a serious safety breach on most sites.", }, { question: 'Does Australian WHS law require out-of-service tags?: Australian WHS regulations require that plant which is not safe to use is taken out of service and that workers are informed. While the specific method (tags, locks, barriers) depends on the risk, out-of-service tags are a widely accepted and often required control measure on construction, mining, manufacturing and industrial sites. Many principal contractors mandate their use in site-specific safety management plans.

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