Frequently asked questions
What makes tearproof tags different from card tags?
Our tearproof tags are made from a synthetic material, polypropylene, which resists tearing, water damage and chemical exposure, unlike standard card or paper tags which deteriorate quickly in harsh conditions. You should use tearproof tags whenever equipment is exposed to weather, moisture, oils, solvents or rough handling on construction sites, outdoor installations, mining operations or industrial plants. Paper tags become illegible or fall apart within days in these environments, whilst tearproof tags maintain their integrity for months or years, ensuring critical inspection records and safety information remain readable throughout the equipment's service life.
Can tearproof tags be written on with normal pens & markers?
Yes, most tearproof tags accept writing from standard ballpoint pens, permanent markers and even pencils, though the specific writing compatibility depends on the surface finish and environment. For maximum durability, use waterproof permanent markers or industrial grade pens that won't smudge or fade when exposed to oils, solvents or UV light. Always test your writing method on a sample tag first if you need the information to remain legible in extreme conditions.
Are tearproof tags suitable for outdoor use in Australian conditions?
Our tearproof tags made from polypropylene are excellent for Australian outdoor conditions and will withstand intense UV exposure, temperature extremes from minus 40 to plus 80 degrees Celsius, heavy rain and coastal salt spray without fading or deteriorating. Standard paper tags fail within weeks when exposed to the harsh Australian sun and wet season conditions. For the best outdoor performance, select tags specifically rated as UV resistant with chemical resistant inks, and ensure they include reinforced eyelet holes with metal grommets to prevent tearing where the attachment point experiences constant movement or wind loading.
How long do tearproof tags typically last in industrial environments?
In typical industrial environments, tearproof tags will remain legible and intact for 1 to 3 years. The actual lifespan depends on exposure to chemicals, abrasion, UV light and handling frequency. Tags used on indoor equipment in relatively clean environments can last indefinitely, whilst those on outdoor equipment exposed to weather, oils and constant handling may need replacement every 12 to 36 months. Regular visual inspections should be part of your maintenance routine to replace tags that show signs of fading, cracking or reduced legibility before critical information becomes unreadable.
Are tearproof tags compliant with Australian workplace safety regulations?
Our tearproof tags meet Australian workplace safety requirements when properly specified for the application, though compliance depends on ensuring the tags remain legible throughout their service life and contain all required information. Work Health and Safety regulations require that equipment inspection records, isolation tags and warning notices remain visible and readable at all times, which is why tearproof tags are preferred over paper tags in harsh environments. For scaffold tags, rigging inspection tags and other safety critical applications, always verify that your tags meet the specific format, colour coding and information requirements outlined in relevant Australian Standards and your site specific procedures.