Frequently asked questions
What are flange tags & why are they critical for pipeline safety?
Flange tags are multi section inspection tags specifically designed to track and verify each step of the flange joint breaking, inspection, reassembly and torquing process in pipeline systems. They're critical because improper flange assembly is a leading cause of leaks, fires and environmental incidents in oil and gas, chemical processing and other industries handling hazardous materials under pressure. Each flange tag section corresponds to a specific stage in the procedure such as bolt removal, gasket inspection, cleaning, reassembly and final torque verification, with sections torn off as each stage is completed to provide both visual confirmation of progress and a permanent audit record that all steps were followed correctly.
How do the tear off sections on flange tags work?
Flange tags use colour coded perforated sections that are sequentially torn off as each stage of the flange procedure is completed, leaving behind a diminishing tag that shows at a glance which stages are done and which remain. A typical 3 stage flange tag might start with red, yellow and green sections all attached, with red torn off after joint breaking, yellow removed after inspection and cleaning, leaving only the green section when the flange is properly reassembled and torqued. The torn off sections are typically retained as audit records with dates and signatures, whilst the remaining tag portion stays on the flange as visual confirmation that the work is either in progress or completed. This system prevents skipping steps because the next section can't be removed until the previous work is genuinely finished.
What colour coding system should be used for flange tags?
The most common colour coding for flange tags uses red for the initial breaking and separation stage, yellow or orange for the inspection and preparation stage, and green for the final reassembly and torque completion stage, though organisations should establish their own standardised system. The colour progression provides intuitive visual communication with red indicating danger or incomplete work, yellow signalling caution or work in progress, and green meaning safe and complete. Some operations use additional colours for more complex procedures or to differentiate between different types of flanges, pressures or services. Whatever system you adopt, it must be documented in your procedures, clearly visible from a distance and consistent across your entire operation so workers can immediately understand a flange's status just by seeing which colour section remains on the tag.
Where exactly should flange tags be attached & how?
Flange tags should be attached to one of the flange bolts using stainless steel wire, heavy duty cable ties or purpose designed tag attachments, positioned so the tag is clearly visible and accessible to workers performing the procedure without requiring the tag to be removed to read it. For critical flanges in hazardous service or large diameter joints with multiple bolt ups being performed simultaneously, some operations use one tag per bolt up crew to ensure each tradesperson has signed off their work, though one tag per flange is the minimum requirement. The tag must remain attached throughout the entire procedure from initial breaking through to final closeout, only being removed once all sections are torn off and the joint is verified complete. For blinds or spades being installed, a separate blind identification tag should be used in addition to the flange procedure tag.
What information must be included on flange tags to meet industry standards?
Flange tags must include unique sequential identification numbers for traceability, spaces for recording who performed each stage of work with dates and times, the specific flange location or identifier, and clear instructions or checkboxes for each required step in your procedure. Many operations also include the project number, permit number, isolation certificate reference, torque specification, gasket type and material details. Each tear off section should have its own space for sign off to create a chain of custody showing different tradespeople completed their respective work stages. For ASME PCC 1 compliance in critical applications, tags should document bolt tightening pattern, sequence and final torque values achieved. The tag design needs to align exactly with your written flange management procedure to ensure nothing is missed.