AF Form 983: DANGER Equipment Lockout Tag – Download PDF – AF Form 983, officially titled “DANGER – Equipment Lockout Tag,” serves as a critical safety tool in the U.S. Air Force’s hazardous energy control program. It helps prevent accidental energization, startup, or release of stored energy during equipment servicing or maintenance, protecting personnel from serious injuries or fatalities.
This red “DANGER” tag works in conjunction with lockout devices (and sometimes tagout) to clearly communicate that equipment is isolated and must not be operated until the authorized person removes the tag. It aligns with Department of the Air Force standards and federal OSHA requirements under 29 CFR 1910.147, The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout).
Why AF Form 983 Matters in the Air Force?
The Air Force maintains a robust occupational safety program governed primarily by DAFMAN 91-203, Air Force Occupational Safety, Fire, and Health Standards (Chapter 21 covers Hazardous Energy Control). This manual requires using AF Form 983 (or approved DoD/commercial equivalents) with energy-isolating devices to identify locked-out machinery.
Key purposes include:
- Preventing unexpected equipment startup that could cause crushing, electrocution, or other injuries.
- Ensuring only authorized employees (trained and qualified) apply and remove locks/tags.
- Supporting compliance during maintenance, repairs, or when equipment is out of service.
The tag emphasizes that “this lock/tag may only be removed by” the person who applied it, reinforcing the principle of individual accountability. Locks must be singularly keyed, with only authorized personnel holding the keys.
Note: AF Form 983 is specifically for lockout scenarios involving energy isolation. Separate forms exist for other warnings, such as AF Form 979 (Danger Tag), AF Form 980 (Caution Tag), or AF Form 982 (Do Not Start Tag).
How to Download the Official AF Form 983?
The current official version of AF Form 983 is available as a PDF from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site:
→ Direct Download: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_se/form/af983/af983.pdf
Always obtain forms from the official e-Publishing.af.mil portal to ensure you have the latest revision. The form is designed for printing and manual completion, with clear fields for essential safety information.
Key Sections and How to Fill Out AF Form 983
While the exact layout is printed on the form (a bold red “DANGER” header with warning text), typical fields based on Air Force guidance and usage include:
- Installation/Facility — Name of the base, building, or location.
- Equipment — Clear description of the machine, system, or component (e.g., “Hydraulic Press, Serial #XYZ-123, Shop 45”).
- Reason for Lockout — Specific reason (e.g., “Maintenance – bearing replacement,” “Repair – electrical fault,” or “Awaiting parts”).
- Date and Time Applied — When the lockout was initiated.
- Expected Completion Date — Estimated time when work will finish and equipment can be restored.
- Applied By — Printed name, signature, and organization of the authorized employee.
- Removed By — Space for the person removing the tag (must be the same individual or under strict group procedures).
- Additional notes or warnings as needed.
Best Practices for Completion:
- Use permanent marker or pen for legibility.
- Be specific and concise — vague entries reduce effectiveness.
- Attach the tag securely to the energy-isolating device (e.g., breaker, valve, or switch) using a durable fastener or tie.
- Coordinate with the work supervisor and ensure all affected employees are notified.
- Never remove someone else’s lock/tag without proper authorization and verification.
Guidance from safety resources stresses gathering all details upfront (facility, equipment ID, reason) before applying the tag.
The Air Force Hazardous Energy Control (LOTO) Procedure
DAFMAN 91-203 outlines an eight-step process for lockout/tagout (simplified checklist often referenced):
- Prepare for shutdown (identify all energy sources).
- Notify affected employees.
- Shut down the equipment.
- Isolate energy sources.
- Apply locks and AF Form 983 tags.
- Release or control stored/residual energy.
- Verify isolation (try to start the equipment).
- Perform servicing/maintenance.
Release Procedure (typically three steps):
- Inspect the area and remove non-essential items.
- Ensure all personnel are safely positioned.
- Remove the lock/tag only by the authorized employee who applied it, then notify others before re-energizing.
For complex procedures or group lockout, additional controls and documentation apply. Annual training and periodic inspections of the program are mandatory.
OSHA Alignment and Broader Compliance
The Air Force program follows or exceeds OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, which requires:
- Written energy control procedures.
- Employee training (authorized vs. affected employees).
- Use of substantial locks/tags.
- Periodic program reviews.
Tags must be durable, legible, and not easily removed without deliberate action. In the military context, DAFMAN 91-203 integrates these with service-specific requirements.
Common Questions About AF Form 983
Q: Can I use a commercial “Danger – Do Not Operate” tag instead?
A: Yes, DoD or commercial equivalents are allowed when they meet the requirements in DAFMAN 91-203, but the official AF Form 983 is preferred for standardization.
Q: Who is authorized to apply/remove the tag?
A: Only trained authorized employees. Affected employees must be notified but should never remove locks/tags.
Q: Is training required?
A: Yes — initial training, refresher as needed, and annual verification for authorized employees. Documentation often uses AF Form 55 or electronic systems.
Q: What if the equipment cannot be locked out?
A: Tagout may be used with additional protective measures, but lockout is preferred whenever possible.
Stay Safe and Compliant
Proper use of AF Form 983 is a simple yet powerful step in preventing workplace incidents. Always reference the latest DAFMAN 91-203 (available on e-Publishing.af.mil) and your local safety office for unit-specific procedures.
For the official form:
Download AF Form 983 PDF here
Related Resources:
- Air Force Safety Center – Hazardous Energy Control page
- OSHA Lockout/Tagout Overview
- DAFMAN 91-203 (full manual)
Maintaining a strong lockout/tagout culture saves lives and ensures mission readiness. If you supervise maintenance activities, make AF Form 983 training and availability a priority in your shop or squadron.
This article is for informational purposes and does not replace official Air Force instructions or training. Always consult current DAF publications and your safety officer for authoritative guidance.