Frequently asked questions
When should I use card tags instead of plastic or metal tags?
Card tags are ideal for indoor applications, short term identification, temporary equipment marking and situations where you need an economical solution that's easy to write on and dispose of after use. They work well in offices, warehouses, clean manufacturing environments and for equipment that's not exposed to weather, oils or rough handling. Use card tags for temporary out of service notices, short term project tracking, inventory control in controlled environments and situations where the tag will be removed within weeks or months. For outdoor use, wet environments, long term identification or equipment exposed to chemicals and abrasion, you should use plastic, synthetic or metal tags instead.
How should card tags be attached to equipment to prevent loss?
Card tags typically come with pre punched holes or metal reinforced eyelets for attachment, with the reinforced eyelet version lasting much longer under repeated use. The most reliable attachment methods for card tags are brass or galvanised wire loops twisted tight, which resist both pulling and environmental degradation, or quality cable ties for applications where the tag won't be frequently removed and reattached. Avoid using string or thin cotton cord which deteriorates quickly, especially in outdoor or industrial environments. For equipment that moves or vibrates, use metal eyeleted tags with wire attachments, as tags with simple punched holes will tear out much faster under dynamic loading.
Are there specific Australian Standards that card tags must meet for workplace use?
Card tags used for safety critical applications like lockout tagout, scaffold inspection or equipment isolation must meet the content and format requirements specified in relevant Australian Standards and workplace procedures, though there's no specific standard governing the card material itself. The key requirement is that the tag remains legible and intact for its intended service period and clearly communicates essential safety information. For LOTO applications, tags must clearly indicate the isolation status, who applied the tag, date and contact details as required by your site procedures. Card tags are acceptable for these applications in controlled indoor environments, but Work Health and Safety regulations effectively require more durable materials for outdoor or harsh environment applications where card tags would deteriorate too quickly to maintain required legibility.
How long can I expect standard card tags to remain legible in warehouse environments?
In typical warehouse environments protected from weather and direct moisture exposure, quality card tags will remain legible for 6 months to 2 years depending on handling frequency and environmental conditions. Tags on equipment that's rarely moved and stored in clean dry areas can last several years, whilst tags on frequently handled items or equipment near loading docks, coolrooms or areas with temperature swings may deteriorate within 3 to 6 months. Factors that reduce card tag lifespan include exposure to humidity, temperature cycling, dust accumulation, oil or grease contact and physical abrasion from handling. Regular inspection of tags should be part of your equipment management procedures, with faded or damaged tags replaced immediately to maintain proper identification and safety records.
Can card tags be laminated or coated for better weather resistance?
Yes, card tags can be laminated or coated with protective films to significantly improve their resistance to moisture, oils and handling wear, though this increases cost and they still won't match the durability of purpose made synthetic tags. Laminated card tags work reasonably well for short term outdoor use or equipment in semi protected areas like covered workshops, but the lamination can peel or crack with prolonged UV exposure or temperature extremes. For applications requiring genuine weather resistance, it's usually more cost effective to use tearproof synthetic tags from the start rather than trying to protect paper based tags, as lamination doesn't fully overcome the limitations of cardboard core material.