Do Not Start, Men Working Tag

Do Not Start, Men Working Tag for Personnel Protection During Machinery Work

The Do Not Start, Men Working Tag is a punched hang-tag used aboard ships and in port and terminal facilities to warn against starting a machine while personnel are physically working on, inside, or in close proximity to it. This tag carries a higher level of urgency than the general Do Not Start Tag, since it specifically indicates that people are present on the equipment and at direct risk of injury if it is energised.

When to Use This Tag

Attach the Do Not Start, Men Working Tag to the start control, switch, or handwheel of any machine, engine, winch, or conveyor while personnel are carrying out repair, inspection, cleaning, or adjustment work on or inside it. It is a critical component of lockout/tagout (LOTO) and permit-to-work systems, providing an unmistakable warning that goes beyond a routine maintenance hold, because human safety at the machine itself is directly at stake.

Design and Materials

Each tag features a red prohibition circle-and-slash symbol above a bold “DO NOT START, MEN WORKING ON MACHINE” panel, printed on fire-retardant, photoluminescent laminated card stock a long-duration afterglow. This ensures the warning remains visible during power loss or in poorly lit compartments such as engine rooms, workshops, and machinery spaces. The card is waterproof and resistant to saltwater exposure, making it suitable for prolonged use in marine and offshore environments. A reinforced punched hole at the top allows the tag to be secured with a cable tie or wire loop.

Installation and Use

Loop a cable tie or wire tie through the punched hole and secure the tag directly to the start control, switch, or handwheel of the machine being worked on, ensuring the warning panel faces outward and remains clearly legible to anyone approaching the controls. The “Authorised by” and “Date” fields at the base of the tag should be completed by the person applying it, providing a simple accountability record consistent with standard lockout/tagout and permit-to-work documentation practices. The tag should only be removed once all personnel are confirmed clear of the machine and it is safe to restore power.

Compliance and Standards

The tag’s pictogram and wording follow internationally recognised hazard communication conventions used across the maritime and industrial safety sectors, aligning with IMO Resolution A.1116(30) guidance on shipboard signage and supporting broader isolation and lockout/tagout obligations such as those set out by Safe Work Australia. Vessel operators should confirm the tag meets any flag-state or class-specific requirements applicable to their permit-to-work and isolation procedures.

Ordering Information

This Do Not Start, Men Working Tag is supplied under IMPA code 33.2527 and ISSA code 47.525.27, sized 150x75mm. It forms part of Safety Sign Hub’s full Tie Tags range, which covers the complete set of lockout/tagout and hazard-identification tags used across marine vessels, offshore installations, and port facilities. Contact Safety Sign Hub for bulk ordering or custom tag requirements.