In the construction industry, safety is of paramount importance, particularly when working at heights or around hazardous machinery. One critical safety practice is the application of Scaffolding Lockout Tags, an integral component of the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) safety program. This procedure is designed to prevent accidental injury during maintenance or repair activities by ensuring that equipment and systems are properly isolated and controlled. As scaffolding involves both the structural integrity of the building and the protection of workers, implementing proper lockout/tagout measures becomes essential to reduce risks and improve safety outcomes.

What are Scaffolding Lockout Tags? Scaffolding Lockout Tags are warning labels used in construction environments to ensure that scaffolding systems and equipment are securely isolated from all sources of energy—whether mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic. These tags are placed on specific components of the scaffolding system to indicate that it is in a “locked-out” or “tagged-out” state. In other words, the equipment cannot be used until the tag is safely removed by authorized personnel. The tags themselves are often brightly colored, durable, and feature clear instructions and warnings to avoid unauthorized use. They typically include: