When an attachment point is unsafe, apply a Do Not Use or Danger Tag to warn everyone.

Safety signals that actually save lives start with something you might overlook: a tag.

Let me explain why a simple tag matters more than you might think when an attachment point goes unsafe. In the field, where weights, pins, shackles, and lugs hook up to moving gear, a small lapse can turn into a big problem. NAVFAC P-307 centers on practical, crew-friendly safety habits, and tagging is one of the clearest tools we have to keep people out of harm’s way. So, what should you apply to an attachment point when it’s unsafe? The answer is simple and direct: a Do Not Use or Danger Tag.

A tag that speaks in one clear sentence

Here’s the thing: there are several kinds of warnings you might see on the job. Some signals tell you what you can do; others warn you about hazards. When an attachment point is unsafe, you want a message that leaves no wiggle room. A Do Not Use or Danger Tag does precisely that. It’s a visual, unambiguous signal that says, in big letters, “Do not use this point.” No guessing, no assumptions.

Why not just a safety tag or a caution note?

You’ll sometimes hear people talk about safety tags, caution notices, or maintenance forms, and that’s fine—each has its place. But here’s the essential distinction:

• Do Not Use or Danger Tag: This tag is specifically about hazard and immediate prohibition. It tells everyone within sight that using the point could cause harm, and it should be treated as off-limits until a qualified person clears it.

• Safety Tag: This usually signals that equipment is safe to use under defined conditions. It answers the question, “Is it okay to operate?” Not ideal when you’re dealing with a hazardous condition that must be avoided.

• Caution Notice: This tends to offer guidance about potential risks or slow-down warnings. It’s informative, but it may not convey the same level of urgency as a Do Not Use tag.

• Maintenance Request form: This is a record of a concern and a step toward repair, not a direct barrier. It’s part of the workflow, but it doesn’t instantly prevent someone from trying to lift or connect to an unsafe point.

In short, when the attachment point is unsafe, the most effective immediate action is to place a Do Not Use or Danger Tag. The tag acts like a stop sign for gear and personnel.

What the tag looks like and how to place it

A Do Not Use or Danger Tag is designed to grab attention fast. It typically features:

• A bold header: DO NOT USE or DANGER

• Clear language about the hazard and the restricted area

• The specific attachment point identification (location, pin size, part name)

• The date and time of tagging

• The name or initials of the person who placed the tag

Placement is deliberate. The tag goes directly on the attachment point or on the fastener hardware that would be touched or engaged during operation. If there’s a potential for nearby handles or levers to mislead someone into assuming safety, place additional tags at adjacent access points as a precaution.

Here’s a quick example of wording you might see or use:

• DO NOT USE: Attachment Point #A-12 is unsafe. Do not connect, lift, or engage until inspected and approved by authorized personnel. Date: 2025-10-28. Inspector: SMITH.

The goal is legibility and speed. A tag should be large enough to read from a short distance, with high-contrast colors and durable materials that stand up to wind, rain, or splash.

What happens after a tag goes up

A tag isn’t a settlement; it’s a starting gun for safety procedures. Once the Do Not Use or Danger Tag is in place:

• Isolate the point: Stop all use of the point and remove any loads or connections that could tempt someone to try it anyway.

• Notify the right people: Alert the supervisor, the safety officer, and the maintenance team. Clear communication helps avoid accidental re-engagement.

• Schedule inspection: A qualified person should inspect the attachment point for damage, wear, corrosion, misalignment, or improper installation.

• Document and track: Record why the tag was placed, who placed it, and the plan for remediation. When the point is deemed safe, the tag should be removed only by the person who authorized its removal after verification.

• Reassess before reuse: Even after a repair, ensure the point is re-evaluated for safe service with proper testing, verification, and approval.

These steps aren’t a bureaucratic burden; they’re a practical way to prevent accidents and keep everyone moving safely. On a ship, a job site, or a maintenance yard, a clear, well-documented process reduces guesswork and speeds up safe reintroduction of gear.

Common mix-ups and how to avoid them

Tagging can be straightforward, but people sometimes mix up signs. A few reminders help keep everyone on the same page:

• Don’t assume a Safety Tag means “okay to use.” If there’s any hazard, escalate to a Do Not Use tag until clearance is given.

• Don’t remove a tag by yourself. Only the person who placed it or a designated supervisor should remove it after an inspection confirms safety.

• Don’t rely on memory. Tags should have the date and a quick description of the issue. A quick log entry helps a future crew understand the history.

• Don’t ignore the signal. A Do Not Use tag means “step back” until the issue is resolved. If you’re unsure, pause and ask.

Connecting the dots: safety tagging in daily routines

Think of tagging as part of a broader safety culture rather than a one-off task. It’s the same mindset that makes you check a harness before a climb or verify a ladder’s footing before starting a climb. The Do Not Use or Danger Tag is a tactile reminder that some hazards demand immediate restraint. It’s about protecting people, gear, and timelines—because an unsafe point can stall a mission as quickly as a clogged pipeline stalls a system.

A few practical tips you can use right away

• Keep tags visible: Avoid placing tags where they’ll be hidden by equipment, hoses, or shields. Visibility is safety’s friend.

• Use durable materials: Weatherproof tags that resist tearing or fading stay readable longer, reducing confusion on multi-shift days.

• Create a quick tag log: A small notebook or a digital note on the crew device helps capture why a tag was placed and what to check next. It’s not about paperwork for its own sake; it’s about a trail that guides future actions.

• Train new hands with a simple briefing: If someone new is assigned to the area, a brief walkthrough on what each tag means speeds up proper response.

Real-life analogies you’ll recognize

People relate to familiar signs more easily when you connect the idea to everyday life. A Do Not Use tag is like a “road closed” sign on a street that’s under repair. You don’t stroll through the barrier and pretend the warning isn’t there. Likewise, the tag on an attachment point is a practical cue to pause, reassess, and call in the right crew.

A Do Not Use tag is also akin to a “power-off” sticker on a loose electrical panel. You know not to touch until the issue is checked. The same principle applies to rigging points, lugs, or any attachment hardware: if the point is suspect, don’t rely on assumptions—tag it and escalate.

Why this matters for NAVFAC environments

NAVFAC operations demand tight coordination, precise communication, and rapid decision-making under pressure. The Do Not Use or Danger Tag aligns with these needs by reducing ambiguity and providing a hard stop when safety is at risk. It’s a practical practice that supports mission readiness by preventing injuries and equipment damage that would derail tasks or schedules.

A final line of thought

If you ever feel unsure about whether a tag is enough or if you’ve seen a point that looks suspect, default to caution and place the Do Not Use tag. It’s not about overreacting; it’s about clear, immediate risk communication. The attachment point isn’t just hardware—it connects people to the work they do, and people deserve to be safe while they do it.

In the end, safe systems hinge on clear signals, reliable processes, and a culture that treats a tag as more than a piece of plastic. It’s a straightforward rule with powerful results: when an attachment point is unsafe, a Do Not Use or Danger Tag sends a direct message and buys time for proper repair. That’s how teams stay in motion without compromising safety—and that’s the kind of practice that keeps the job moving forward with confidence.