TAG LINE SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK
A tag line controls the load; it should never pull the worker into danger.
Control of suspended loads from a safe distance.
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Toolbox Topic
TAG LINE SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 minutes
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Prevent entanglement, pulling and line-of-fire exposure while controlling suspended loads with tag lines.
WHY IT MATTERS
Incorrect tag-line handling can pull a worker toward a moving load.
Wrapping rope around the hand or body can cause serious injury during sudden movement.
A tag line does not compensate for poor communication or operator visibility.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
A worker wrapped the tag line around his wrist while guiding a load.
The load moved suddenly in the wind and pulled him off balance.
Keeping the line free and maintaining safe position would have prevented the incident.
REMEMBER
Never wrap a tag line around your hand, wrist or body.
KEY HAZARDS
Rope wrapped around hand or wrist.
Load pulling the worker.
Crushing between load and structure.
Standing beneath suspended loads.
Tag line too short.
Wind effects.
Tag line snagging on equipment.
Communication loss.
CONTROLS
Use a tag line of suitable length.
Never wrap the line around the body.
Stand outside the load movement path.
Never stand beneath suspended loads.
Stay clear of pinch points.
Ensure the line cannot snag on equipment.
Reassess lifting during strong wind.
Follow banksman instructions.
Release the tag line if the load becomes uncontrolled.
Do not use tag lines where they are not required.
SUPERVISOR MESSAGE
Team, tag lines are designed to keep us away from the load. We will not wrap them around ourselves and we will release them if load control is lost.
TEAM QUESTIONS
Is a tag line required?
Is the length suitable?
Where will we stand?
Are pinch points present?
Will wind affect the load?
What do we do if the load becomes uncontrolled?
FIELD VERIFICATION
Tag line suitable
Length adequate
Position safe
Outside line of fire
Pinch points understood
No access under load
Wind acceptable
Banksman ready
Communication clear
Crew briefed
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource – Permit conditions, risk assessments and site procedures take priority.