1910.145(f)(5): When to Use Danger Tags
Danger tags must be used in major hazard situations where an immediate hazard threatens death or serious injury, and only in those situations.
Key takeaways
- 1910.145(f)(5) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $37,279 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: PA (3), VA (2), DE (1).
- Related part: 1910.145(f) Accident prevention tags (69 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.145(f)(5) ("Danger tags") is one requirement inside 1910.145 Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(5) Danger tags. Danger tags shall be used in major hazard situations where an immediate hazard presents a threat of death or serious injury to employees. Danger tags shall be used only in these situations. 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.145.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.145(f)(5).
At 2:53 p.m. on June 9, 2024, an employee working as a housekeeper for a hotel was leaving the building through a hotel stairwell exit door to take a smoke break. The employee fell into open pit falling to the hotel basement approximately 15 to…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: PA (3), VA (2), DE (1), NV (1), IN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ALLEN HARIM FOODS, LLC | HARBESON, DE | $9,576 |
| SEABOARD TRIUMPH FOODS | SIOUX CITY, IA | $8,372 |
| RHS1 LLC | PATERSON, NJ | $8,275 |
| BELLAGIO | LAS VEGAS, NV | $5,876 |
| 48FORTY-SOLUTIONS, LLC | PITTSBURGH, PA | $5,180 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.145(f)(5), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.145(f)(5).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.145(f) Accident prevention tags 69 citations
- 1910.145(f)(3) Use 45 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
When are danger tags used?
In major hazard situations where an immediate hazard presents a threat of death or serious injury.
Can danger tags be used for minor hazards?
No. Danger tags shall be used only in these situations.
Which rule is this?
29 CFR 1910.145(f)(5).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.145 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-23
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.