AF Form 982 Danger Tag: Do Not Start – Air Force Guide

AF Form 982 Danger Tag: Do Not Start – Air Force Guide – AF Form 982, officially titled “Danger Tag: Do Not Start”, is a critical safety tool used across the Department of the Air Force (DAF) to prevent accidental startup of equipment during maintenance or hazardous conditions. This red danger tag serves as a temporary visual warning to alert personnel to the risks associated with restarting energized or hazardous equipment.

For Airmen, civilian employees, contractors, and safety professionals in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, understanding proper use of AF Form 982 helps maintain compliance with occupational safety standards, reduces mishap risks, and supports effective lockout/tagout (LOTO) programs.

What Is AF Form 982?

AF Form 982 is a standardized Danger Tag specifically designed for short-term use. It warns against operating or starting equipment until proper energy isolation (lockout) can be applied. Unlike longer-term lockout tags, the “Do Not Start” tag is intended for brief periods when immediate lockout is not yet feasible.

It belongs to a family of mishap prevention tags that includes:

  • AF Form 979 — Danger Tag (for immediate hazards)
  • AF Form 980 — Caution Tag
  • AF Form 981 — Out of Order Tag
  • AF Form 983 — Danger – Equipment Lockout Tag (for full LOTO)

These tags align with DAFMAN 91-203 (Occupational Safety, Fire, and Health Standards, updated February 24, 2026) and federal OSHA requirements under 29 CFR 1910.145 (Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs and Tags).

Purpose of the AF Form 982 Danger Tag

The primary purpose of AF Form 982 is to alert personnel to the hazards associated with restarting equipment. It acts as a temporary barrier until the energy-isolating device can be properly locked out.

Key points from official guidance:

  • Use it only for a very short time until the switch or control can be locked out.
  • It helps prevent unexpected energization that could cause injury, equipment damage, or mishaps.
  • The tag may be used in conjunction with AF Form 979 (Danger Tag) when needed for added protection.

This tag supports broader hazardous energy control procedures outlined in DAFMAN 91-203, Chapter 21, and related training materials like the Hazardous Energy Control Qualification Training Package (QTP 1S0X1-2).

When to Use AF Form 982?

Use the AF Form 982 “Do Not Start” tag in situations such as:

  • Temporary shutdowns where equipment needs quick isolation but full lockout is pending.
  • Scenarios involving energized equipment where the starting mechanism must be blocked or clearly marked.
  • Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or other systems where accidental startup poses immediate risk (Risk Assessment Code 1–3 hazards).
  • In conjunction with safe clearance procedures (e.g., under AF Form 269 for electrical facilities in older guidance, though current standards emphasize DAFMAN 91-203).

Do not use it as a permanent solution—transition to proper lockout/tagout devices (such as AF Form 983 with locks) as soon as possible. Supervisors must ensure tags meet visibility and durability requirements.

Important restriction: Never operate or remove equipment tagged with AF Form 982 without explicit authorization from the on-duty supervisor or appropriate authority. Violating tagged equipment can lead to serious safety violations.

How to Properly Use and Place AF Form 982?

  1. Attachment — Attach the tag conspicuously and effectively. Position it to block the starting mechanism if the equipment remains energized. Use sturdy attachment methods (e.g., nylon ties or grommets) to ensure it stays in place.
  2. Completion — The responsible on-duty supervisor provides the tag text and completes the reverse side with details such as:
    • Reason for the tag
    • Date and time applied
    • Name or identification of the authorizing person
    • Any additional hazard information
  3. Placement rules — Ensure the tag is visible and cannot be easily bypassed. It must comply with mishap prevention tag standards in DAFMAN 91-203, Chapter 17 (Mishap Prevention Safety Signs, Tags, and Labeling).
  4. Coordination — Contact the local safety office if there is any doubt about proper application. Risk Assessment Codes (RAC) may need verification per DAFI 91-202.

On-duty supervisors bear responsibility for attachment and proper documentation.

AF Form 982 integrates into the Air Force’s overall mishap prevention and hazardous energy control program:

  • Full Lockout/Tagout — Use AF Form 983 (Danger – Equipment Lockout Tag) with singularly keyed locks for authorized employees only.
  • Training — All affected and authorized personnel receive training on LOTO procedures, including tag usage.
  • Compliance — Follow DAFMAN 91-203 and DAFI 91-202 (The Department of the Air Force Mishap Prevention Program).

These procedures align with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 (The Control of Hazardous Energy) while incorporating DAF-specific requirements.

Download AF Form 982

Official copies of AF Form 982 (and related publications) are available through the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing system.

Always verify you are using the most current revision by checking the official e-Publishing website (www.e-publishing.af.mil). Local reproduction may be authorized in some cases, but ensure tags meet durability and visibility standards.

For the full DAFMAN 91-203 (February 2026 edition), search the e-Publishing portal or safety office resources.

Why Proper Use of AF Form 982 Matters?

Accidental equipment startup remains a leading cause of workplace injuries and mishaps in industrial and maintenance settings. In the Air Force environment—where aircraft, ground support equipment, electrical systems, and heavy machinery are common—strict adherence to tagging procedures saves lives, protects valuable assets, and ensures mission readiness.

Using AF Form 982 correctly as a temporary “Do Not Start” warning contributes to a strong safety culture and helps units meet inspection requirements, including those in mishap prevention signs and tags checklists.

Stay Compliant and Safe

All DAF personnel (Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and U.S. Space Force) must follow these standards. Supervisors and safety professionals should conduct regular training and audits to verify correct tag application.

For questions or clarification on AF Form 982 usage:

  • Consult your unit safety office.
  • Reference the latest DAFMAN 91-203.
  • Review Hazardous Energy Control training materials.

Bottom line: AF Form 982 “Danger Tag: Do Not Start” is a simple but powerful tool that prevents tragedy when used properly and promptly transitioned to full lockout procedures.

This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force publications as of 2026. Always refer to the most current official guidance on e-Publishing.af.mil and consult your local safety office for unit-specific procedures.