bagging & tagging

Bagging and Tagging is the term used for unterminated cables that have been housed in equipment enclosures that may have energised parts or are part of an installation that has been energised.

A tag is not an effective isolation device and is only acts as a means of providing information to others at the workplace or to the direct work crew. A lock should be used as an isolation device, however where a lock is used a tag should also be incorporated to explain the purpose of the lockout, and this would include at the point of isolation of the destination of the isolation. 

An isolation procedure is a set of steps to be followed to keep the equipment and its components from being energised. When developing electrical isolation procedures, employers should consult with health and safety representatives (HSRs), Electrical workers and people who adjust, clean, maintain, repair or inspect the electrical equipment. If possible, plant manufacturers, suppliers and people who designed and installed the electrical system should also help develop the procedure. 

The effectiveness of isolation procedures relies on: 

Having the isolation procedure documented and accessible to the relevant people in the switch room or worksite .
Providing information, instruction and training to workers involved with the electrical system.
Appointing a person as the ‘Responsible Person’ to ensure all personnel follow the isolation isolation procedures.