Out Of Order Machine Safety Sign Stickers

An Out Of Order sign means the equipment is not functioning correctly and should not be used until it has been repaired and cleared for use. It is one of the most universally recognized equipment status messages across industries and languages, immediately communicating to any worker that the equipment is unavailable, without requiring additional explanation.

Out Of Order is appropriate for a quick, informal communication that equipment is not working, suitable for any equipment, tool, or machine in any facility. Out Of Service is more appropriate in formally managed equipment programs where a documented out-of-service status is tracked in maintenance systems. For most warehouse and manufacturing environments, either sign communicates the message effectively. Use Out Of Service when your equipment management program requires a formal designation; use Out Of Order for quick, visible communication that equipment is not available.

Post at the primary operator position, control panel, power switch, or main operator interface, so it is the first thing a worker sees when approaching the equipment. For equipment accessible from multiple points, post at each access location. For smaller tools and devices, attach the sign directly to the item or at its storage or charging location to prevent it from being picked up and used.

An Out Of Order sign is a recognized administrative control for communicating equipment status, consistent with OSHA General Industry guidance on identifying defective equipment. However, for equipment where a formal energy isolation lockout is required before servicing, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 (Control of Hazardous Energy / Lockout Tagout) procedures must be followed, the Out Of Order sign does not replace lockout devices or energy control procedures. Use both together when equipment requires energy isolation in addition to status communication.

Establish a clear facility policy on who is authorized to remove Out Of Order signs and under what conditions. Communicate this policy to all workers during safety training. For critical equipment where accidental removal could create a serious hazard, consider using a sign with a tamper-evident attachment or pairing it with a physical lockout device that requires a key or combination to remove, ensuring only authorized personnel can return the equipment to service.