DA Form 7912 PDF: DANGER / CAUTION TAGOUT INDEX – US Army personnel responsible for equipment maintenance, watercraft operations, or workplace safety rely on strict lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures to prevent serious injuries. DA Form 7912, officially titled DANGER / CAUTION TAGOUT INDEX, serves as the central log that tracks every active danger and caution tag applied to machinery and systems.
If you search for “DA Form 7912 PDF download,” “Army Danger Caution Tagout Index,” or “how to complete DA Form 7912,” this guide delivers the most current, authoritative information based on official Army publications. The latest version (May 2023) is prescribed for use with TM 4-15.21 (Army Watercraft Safety / Maritime Standards and Safety), with the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) as the proponent agency.
What Is DA Form 7912?
DA Form 7912 – DANGER / CAUTION TAGOUT INDEX is an official Department of the Army form used to maintain a single, auditable record of all equipment and machinery placed under danger or caution tagout procedures.
It functions as the master index (or log sheet) for an entire unit, vessel, or shop. Every time a Danger Tag (for immediate life-threatening hazards) or Caution Tag (for potential damage or lesser risks) is applied, the details are logged on this form. It also records periodic audits to ensure tags remain current and procedures are followed.
This form is the Army-specific equivalent of the Navy/Coast Guard “Danger/Caution Tag-Out Index and Record of Audits” and directly supports the Army’s implementation of hazardous energy control.
Why DA Form 7912 Matters for US Army Safety
Unexpected energization or release of stored energy during maintenance causes thousands of injuries and fatalities each year across industries. The U.S. Army follows 29 CFR 1910.147 (Control of Hazardous Energy – Lockout/Tagout) and AR 385-10 (The Army Safety Program).
DA Form 7912 provides:
- Accountability — A clear history of every tagout.
- Audit trail — Documented inspections (typically every two weeks or as required).
- Compliance — Proof that your unit meets OSHA, AR 385-10, DA PAM 385-10, and TM 4-15.21 requirements.
- Rapid reference — Anyone on the vessel or in the shop can instantly see what equipment is locked/tagged out and why.
In Army watercraft operations, where engines, valves, electrical systems, and hydraulic equipment are frequently serviced underway or in port, this index is mission-critical.
It is commonly used together with DA Form 7911 (Lock Out / Tag Out Record Sheet), which provides the detailed step-by-step procedure for each individual tagout.
When and Where to Use DA Form 7912?
- Army watercraft (all classes of harbor boats, landing craft, etc.)
- Maintenance shops performing servicing on powered equipment
- Any location where lockout/tagout is required under the unit safety program
- During periodic safety inspections and command audits
The form must be kept readily available at the work center or on the vessel and retained according to Army records management policies.
How to Complete DA Form 7912? (Overview of Key Sections)
Although exact block-by-block instructions appear in TM 4-15.21, the May 2023 version follows the standard Army tagout index format. Typical columns and entries include:
- Log/Serial Number — Unique identifier for each tagout.
- Date Issued — When the tag was placed.
- Type — Danger or Caution.
- System/Component ID & Location — Clear description of the equipment (e.g., “Port Engine Fuel Isolation Valve – Engine Room Forward”).
- Reason for Tagout — Brief description of work or hazard.
- Work Permit / Authorization Reference — Links to the specific maintenance order.
- Date Cleared / Removed — When the tag was safely removed.
- Audit Record Section — Columns for audit dates, inspector initials, remarks, and corrective actions.
Pro tip: Always use legible block letters or the electronic fillable PDF. The authorizing officer and a second qualified person usually verify entries. Keep the index current—outdated or missing entries are common findings during safety inspections.
Related Regulations & Best Practices
- AR 385-10, Chapter 10 – Army Safety Program (Hazardous Energy Control)
- DA PAM 385-10 – Army Safety Program guidance
- 29 CFR 1910.147 – Federal LOTO standard (adopted by the Army)
- TM 4-15.21 – Primary reference for watercraft-specific procedures
- EM 385-1-1 (USACE) – Additional Corps of Engineers safety requirements for contractors and certain facilities
Best practices:
- Train all authorized and affected employees annually.
- Use only approved Danger (red) and Caution (yellow) tags.
- Never remove another person’s lock or tag without proper authorization.
- Conduct and document audits at the frequency required by your command or TM 4-15.21.
- Store completed indexes with the unit’s safety records.
Download the Official DA Form 7912 PDF (Latest Version)
Direct official download (May 2023 edition – fillable):
https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/ARN38139-DA_FORM_7912-000-EFILE-1.pdf
This is the authoritative source hosted by the U.S. Army Publishing Directorate. Always verify you are using the current revision before printing or submitting.
Pro tip for units: Many Army installations now use digital LOTO software that can auto-populate or replace paper indexes, but paper DA Form 7912 remains the required backup for most watercraft and field maintenance activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is DA Form 7912 only for watercraft?
A: It is prescribed under TM 4-15.21 (Army Watercraft Safety), but the principles apply to any Army activity using formal tagout procedures.
Q: What is the difference between Danger and Caution tags on this form?
A: Danger tags indicate immediate serious hazards (do not operate under any circumstances). Caution tags warn of potential equipment damage or lesser risks.
Q: How long must I keep the completed DA Form 7912?
A: Follow your local records retention schedule (usually tied to the associated maintenance records).
Final Thoughts
Proper use of DA Form 7912 – DANGER / CAUTION TAGOUT INDEX is more than paperwork—it is a proven layer of protection that saves lives and equipment. Every US Army safety officer, watercraft master, and maintenance supervisor should keep a copy of the current form and the supporting technical manual readily available.
Bookmark this page and the official download link for quick reference. Share it with your safety team or shop personnel to strengthen your unit’s LOTO program.
Need the companion form? Search for DA Form 7911 Lock Out / Tag Out Record Sheet on armypubs.army.mil.