AF Form 981 Out of Order Tag: Guide & Download (2026)

AF Form 981 Out of Order Tag: Guide & Download (2026) – The AF Form 981, officially titled the “Out of Order Tag”, is a critical safety tool in the U.S. Air Force mishap prevention program. It serves as a visible warning that a piece of equipment, machinery, utility, or system is defective or non-operational and that attempting to use it could create a hazard.

This tag helps prevent accidents, injuries, and equipment damage by clearly signaling that the item must not be operated until repaired and cleared for use. It is part of the broader family of mishap prevention tags governed by Department of the Air Force guidance.

What Is AF Form 981 Used For?

AF Form 981 is specifically for indicating hazardous equipment outages. It alerts personnel that the tagged item is out of service and unsafe to use.

Key applications include:

  • Defective machinery or tools in maintenance shops
  • Non-functional utilities or systems
  • Equipment awaiting repair where operation could cause injury or further damage
  • Temporary marking of items removed from service

Important distinction: For reparable equipment, a Technical Order (TO)-prescribed green tag may sometimes replace the AF Form 981. In such cases, annotate the applicable equipment records. If the equipment involves hazardous energy sources, follow lockout/tagout procedures per DAFMAN 91-203, Chapter 21.

The tag is not a general warning or caution label—other forms handle those purposes (e.g., AF Form 979 for Danger, AF Form 980 for Caution, AF Form 982 for Do Not Start).

Regulatory Background and Compliance

The use of AF Form 981 aligns with:

  • DAFMAN 91-203 (Air Force Occupational Safety, Fire, and Health Standards) — Chapter 17 covers mishap prevention safety signs, tags, and labeling.
  • DAFI 91-202 (The Department of the Air Force Mishap Prevention Program)
  • OSHA-equivalent standards, including 29 CFR 1910.145 (Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs and Tags)

Tags must meet color, wording, and design requirements for visibility and standardization. The responsible on-duty supervisor typically provides the tag text and completes the reverse side.

Units should maintain adequate supplies of these tags and coordinate placement with safety offices when Risk Assessment Codes (RACs) are involved.

How to Properly Use and Fill Out AF Form 981?

  1. Attach the tag securely to the defective equipment in a prominent, visible location.
  2. Complete the front with clear, concise information indicating the item is “Out of Order.”
  3. Fill out the reverse side with details provided by the supervisor, including:
    • Description of the defect or reason for removal from service
    • Date and time tagged
    • Name/rank of the person applying the tag
    • Any additional instructions or references (e.g., work order number, TO reference)
  4. Do not remove the tag until the equipment has been repaired, inspected, and officially cleared for use.
  5. For equipment that could release hazardous energy, combine with proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures.

Best practice: Document the tagging in maintenance records or equipment logs to ensure traceability and compliance during inspections or audits.

Failure to use or respect these tags can lead to safety violations, mishaps, or disciplinary action. Supervisors must ensure personnel are trained on the mishap prevention tag system.

  • AF Form 979 — Danger Tag (for immediate hazards)
  • AF Form 980 — Caution Tag (for potential hazards)
  • AF Form 982 — Do Not Start Tag
  • AF Form 983 — Danger Equipment Lockout Tag (specific to LOTO scenarios)

These tags work together to create layered safety controls in maintenance, operations, and facility management.

Where to Download AF Form 981?

Official versions of AF Form 981 are available through the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing website (www.e-publishing.af.mil). Search the forms catalog for the most current fillable PDF.

Direct download links (as provided):

Always verify you are using the latest version from the official e-Publishing site, as forms and guidance can be updated. Third-party sites may not guarantee currency or compliance.

For detailed instructions on mishap prevention tags, refer to the latest DAFMAN 91-203 on the e-Publishing portal.

Why Proper Use of AF Form 981 Matters?

In high-tempo Air Force environments—whether on the flight line, in maintenance back shops, or support facilities—clear communication prevents unintended use of faulty equipment. The AF Form 981 provides an immediate, standardized visual cue that protects Airmen, civilians, and mission assets.

Regular safety training, including Hazardous Energy Control and mishap prevention programs, reinforces the correct application of these tags. Units should include tag usage in local safety briefings and audits.

Bottom line: Treat every AF Form 981 as a non-negotiable safety barrier. If you see one, respect it. If you need to tag equipment, do it correctly and document it.

For the most current guidance, always consult official Department of the Air Force publications on e-Publishing and coordinate with your unit safety office.

This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force publications as of 2026. Policies can change—verify with current DAFMAN 91-203, DAFI 91-202, and your local safety authorities.