Replacement timing is simple: a lifting tag gets replaced whenever the record it carries is no longer trustworthy. In practice that means four situations.
The four replacement triggers
- Re-inspection. When gear is re-inspected, the tag is updated or replaced with the new dates — this is the routine trigger.
- Illegibility. Sun, chemicals and handling fade and abrade print. If you can't confidently read the date, replace the tag.
- Damage or loss. A torn or missing tag = untagged gear = gear that can't be used until re-tagged.
- Status change. Gear moved to quarantine or out of service gets a new tag immediately, so nobody relies on a stale record.
Make replacement cheap and fast
Keep a stock of blank or pre-numbered tags on site so re-tagging happens on the spot instead of waiting for an order. If you use numbered tags, order the next number range before the current one runs out.
Prime Tags supplies lifting and rigging tags and inspection tags with sequential numbering, shipped daily Australia-wide from Pakenham VIC. Free samples available.