An effective tag-out program is necessary because of the complexity of modern ships as well as the cost, delay, and hazard to personnel that could result from the improper operation of equipment. The equipment tag-out program is a procedure to prevent improper operation of a component, equipment, system, or part of a system that is isolated or in an abnormal condition. This procedure is also used when safety devices, such as blank flanges on piping, are installed for testing, maintenance, or casualty isolation.

The use of DANGER or CAUTION tags is not a substitute for other safety measures, such as locking valves or pulling fuses. Tags applied to valves, switches, or other components should indicate restrictions on their operation. Never use tags for identification purposes.

The procedures in this program are mandatory to standardize tag-out procedures used by all ships and repair activities. The program also provides

a procedure for use when an instrument is unreliable or is not in normal operating condition. It is similar to the tag-out procedure. However, labels instead of tags are used to indicate instrument status. The tag-out program must be enforced during normal operations as well as during construction, testing, repair, or maintenance. Strict enforcement of tag-out procedures

is required by both you and any repair activity that may be working on your equipment.

RESPONSIBILITY

The commanding officer is responsible for the safety of the entire command. It is the duty of the commanding officer to ensure that all personnel know all applicable safety precautions and procedures and to ensure compliance with the program. The engineer officer is responsible to the commanding officer for ensuring that personnel assigned to the engineering department understand and comply with this program.

When repairs are done by a repair activity (other than ships' personnel), a dual responsibility exists for the safety of the personnel making repairs. The ship tended is responsible for controlling the tag-out program and ensuring that the systems that require work are properly taggedout. The repair activity is responsible for ensuring that this is done properly. They verify this by signing the appropriate space on the tag-out sheet and the tag.

PROCEDURES

After identifying the need to tag-out an item or a system, you must get permission from an authorizing officer. The authorizing officer for the engineering department is the engineering officer of the watch (EOOW) while under way or the engineering duty officer (EDO) while in port. If the item or system tagged is placed out of commission, the authorizing officer must get permission from the engineer officer and the commanding officer. When permission has been received, the authorizing officer then directs you to prepare the tag-out record sheet and tags.

Normally, the petty officer in charge of the work fills out and signs the record sheet and prepares the tags. The record sheet is filled out for a stated purpose. All tags for that purpose are normally listed on one record sheet. Each sheet is assigned a log serial number. All tags associated with it are given the same log serial number and a sequential number is entered on the record sheet. For example, tag E107-4 is the fourth tag issued on the record sheet with the log serial number 107 for engineering.

The record sheet includes reference to any documents that apply-such as PMS, technical manuals, and other instructions, the reason for the tag-out, the hazards involved, any amplifying instructions, and the work necessary to clear the tags. Use enough tags to completely isolate the item or system being worked on. This will prevent operation from any and all stations that could exercise control. Indicate the location and condition of the tagged item by the simplest means (for example, FOS-11A, closed).

When attaching the tags, you must ensure that the item is in the position or condition indicated on the tag. As you attach each tag, you then must sign the tag and initial the record sheet. After all tags are attached, a second qualified person ensures the items are in the position and condition indicated, and verifies proper tag placement. That person also signs the tags and initials the record sheet.