Construction workers use scaffolding as a temporary platform to stand on and

perform work above ground level. Due to the intricate nature of its
construction and the many parts needed for proper assembly, a three-colored
tag system has been devised to notify bystanders and workers of the status of
the scaffolding, thus maximizing safety and efficiency.

Scaffolding for working off the ground

Identification
Due to the intricate design of scaffolding and the many individual parts
needed for proper assembly, a tag system has been developed regarding the
construction and modification of scaffolding that is widely recognized. It
consists of three colored tags, and is described as follows:
 Green This color tag signifies the scaffold is safe for its intended use.

Yellow A yellow tag placed on a scaffold indicates the scaffold was

constructed in a manner outside the norm in order to meet specific work
conditions or requirements. All attempts should be made to restore a yellow
tag to a green tag as soon as is practicable.

Red This color tag indicates the scaffold is unfit for use.

Requirements
Green tags are often placed on scaffolding after each section has been
constructed and inspected. Yellow tags must list the nature of the
modifications made to the scaffold, what preventive measures should be
taken to diminish risk, and the name of the individual or representative
responsible for modification of the scaffolding. Red tags placed on
scaffolding shall state "DANGER UNFIT FOR USE", and the tag shall list
the project number and name and date of the inspection, as well as the reason
for the red tag (i.e., "erection in progress," "dismantling in progress," "repairs
required.")

Regulation
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) currently has no
rules in place requiring the use of scaffolding safety tags. However, OSHA is
the agency charged with ensuring procedures exist for the proper erection,
modification and dismantling of scaffolding.

Considerations
Before placing the appropriate tag, a competent person must inspect the
scaffolding. According to OSHA, a competent person means one who is able
to recognize hazardous conditions or situations and has the authority to take
corrective measures. Hazardous conditions include nearby power lines,
unstable ground, or damaged scaffold parts.

Warning
To ensure the proper colored safety tags are always in place, it is generally
accepted that competent persons should inspect scaffolding every seven days
from erection until it is taken down, after any periods of wet weather or high
winds which may have weakened the scaffolding, and after any modifications
or additions.