QTAG Standardization Practices
Overview
QTAG standardization practices ensure consistent labeling and numbering across all asset types in your organization. This systematic approach improves asset tracking, reduces errors, and enhances overall operational efficiency.
By implementing standardized QTAG numbering, you can:
- Uniquely identify every asset with a simple six-digit number (000001, 000002, …)
- Maintain consistent records across all sites
- Simplify scanning and tracking with zero-padded numbers
- Improve compliance with safety regulations
- Enable better reporting and analytics
QTAG Numbering System
Our standardized numbering system uses a single organisation-wide sequence of six-digit numbers. All asset types (electrical, fire safety, ladders, lifting & rigging, and general equipment) use the same format. This system is simple, scalable, and ideal for scanning and tracking.
Standard Format
First asset in your organisation
Sequential
Numbers continue in order (000002, 000003, …)
Scanning
Six digits, zero-padded for reliable scanning
Asset type (Electrical, Fire, Ladder, Lifting & Rigging, General) is stored separately in the system. You identify the equipment type from the asset record, not from the QTAG number. This keeps numbering simple and avoids duplicate number ranges across categories.
Australian HRW Licence Codes & Inspection Prefixes
1. Official Australian High Risk Work Licence Codes
Scaffolding, Dogging & Rigging
| Code | Licence |
|---|---|
| SB | Basic Scaffolding |
| SI | Intermediate Scaffolding |
| SA | Advanced Scaffolding |
| DG | Dogging |
| RB | Basic Rigging |
| RI | Intermediate Rigging |
| RA | Advanced Rigging |
Forklift & EWP
| Code | Licence |
|---|---|
| LF | Forklift |
| LO | Order Picking Forklift |
| WP | Boom-type EWP (11m+) |
| RS | Reach Stacker |
Cranes
| Code | Licence |
|---|---|
| CT | Tower Crane |
| CS | Self-Erecting Tower Crane |
| CD | Derrick Crane |
| CP | Portal Boom Crane |
| CB | Bridge & Gantry Crane |
| CV | Vehicle Loading Crane |
| CN | Non-slewing Crane |
| C2 | Slewing Crane ≤20T |
| C6 | Slewing Crane ≤60T |
| C1 | Slewing Crane ≤100T |
| CO | Slewing Crane >100T |
Hoists, Boilers & Steam
| Code | Licence |
|---|---|
| HM | Materials Hoist |
| HP | Personnel & Materials Hoist |
| PB | Concrete Placing Boom |
| BS | Standard Boiler |
| BA | Advanced Boiler |
| TO | Steam Turbine |
| ES | Steam Engine |
2. Recommended Inspection Category Prefixes
Optional short codes for naming inspection categories, registers, or asset descriptions in QTAG.
Electrical
| Prefix | Inspection |
|---|---|
| ELE | Electrical Equipment |
| PAT | Portable Appliance Test |
| RCD | RCD Testing |
| SWB | Switchboard |
| INS | Insulation Test |
| EST | Electrical Safety Test |
| TAG | Test & Tag |
Ladders
| Prefix | Inspection |
|---|---|
| LAD | Ladder |
| STEP | Step Ladder |
| EXT | Extension Ladder |
| PLAT | Platform Ladder |
Rigging
| Prefix | Inspection |
|---|---|
| RIG | Rigging Equipment |
| SLG | Sling |
| SHK | Shackle |
| HOOK | Hook |
| CHN | Chain Sling |
| WRS | Wire Rope Sling |
| SYN | Synthetic Sling |
Lifting Equipment
| Prefix | Inspection |
|---|---|
| LFT | Lifting Equipment |
| CHB | Chain Block |
| LVR | Lever Hoist |
| WIN | Winch |
| JIB | Jib Crane |
| GAN | Gantry |
| MON | Monorail |
| VAC | Vacuum Lifter |
| MAG | Magnetic Lifter |
| BEAM | Lifting Beam |
| SPR | Spreader Beam |
Fire Equipment
| Prefix | Inspection |
|---|---|
| FIRE | Fire Equipment |
| EXT | Fire Extinguisher |
| HYD | Hydrant |
| HOSE | Hose Reel |
| FIP | Fire Indicator Panel |
| DET | Smoke Detector |
| SPR | Sprinkler |
| EXIT | Exit Light |
| EML | Emergency Light |
| ALM | Fire Alarm |
Height Safety
| Prefix | Inspection |
|---|---|
| WAH | Working at Heights |
| ANC | Anchor Point |
| LIFE | Lifeline |
| HAR | Harness |
| LNY | Lanyard |
| SRL | Inertia Reel |
Pressure Equipment
| Prefix | Inspection |
|---|---|
| PRV | Pressure Relief Valve |
| VSL | Pressure Vessel |
| AIR | Air Receiver |
| CMP | Compressor |
Plant
| Prefix | Inspection |
|---|---|
| PLT | Plant |
| EXC | Excavator |
| EWP | Elevated Work Platform |
| FLT | Forklift |
| CRN | Crane |
| GEN | Generator |
| CMP | Compressor |
| WLD | Welder |
Vehicles
| Prefix | Inspection |
|---|---|
| VEH | Vehicle |
| UTE | Utility |
| TRK | Truck |
| TRA | Trailer |
| BUS | Bus |
PPE
| Prefix | Inspection |
|---|---|
| PPE | Personal Protective Equipment |
| HAR | Harness |
| HEL | Helmet |
| GLO | Gloves |
| VIS | Hi-Vis |
| RESP | Respirator |
| SCBA | Breathing Apparatus |
Gas Detection
| Prefix | Inspection |
|---|---|
| GAS | Gas Detector |
| CAL | Calibration |
| BUMP | Bump Test |
Confined Space
| Prefix | Inspection |
|---|---|
| CSE | Confined Space Equipment |
| TRI | Tripod |
| WIN | Rescue Winch |
| RET | Retrieval System |
First Aid
| Prefix | Inspection |
|---|---|
| FAK | First Aid Kit |
| AED | Defibrillator |
| EYE | Eyewash |
| SHW | Safety Shower |
Source document: Australian_HRW_Licence_Codes_and_Inspection_Prefixes.docx (also linked from Tips and the User Manual).
Benefits of Standardization
Easy Identification
Unique six-digit numbers make every asset easy to find and scan
Better Tracking
Improved asset tracking and inventory management
Staff Training
Simplified training for new employees and contractors
Compliance
Enhanced compliance with safety and regulatory requirements
Reporting
More accurate and consistent reporting across all sites
Automation
Easier integration with automated systems and processes
Implementation Guide
Step-by-Step Implementation
- Audit Existing Assets: Review all current assets and ensure they are categorised correctly in the system.
- Use Sequential Numbers: New assets receive the next available number (e.g. 000001, 000002). The system assigns these automatically; no duplicate numbers.
- Print New Labels: Generate and print QTAG labels using the six-digit format (000001, 000018, etc.).
- Update Database: Ensure existing asset records use the standardized QTAG numbers where applicable.
- Physical Labeling: Apply new labels to all assets, removing old ones.
- Staff Training: Train all staff members on the numbering format (six digits, zero-padded) and scanning.
- Documentation Update: Update all procedures, manuals, and documentation to reference the new format.
- Verification: Conduct a thorough audit to ensure all assets are properly labeled and no duplicate numbers exist.
Label Specifications
For optimal results, QTAG labels should meet the following specifications:
Physical Requirements
- Size: Minimum 50mm x 25mm (2" x 1")
- Material: Weather-resistant vinyl or polyester
- Adhesive: Permanent adhesive suitable for the asset surface
- Print Quality: High contrast, fade-resistant printing
Typography
- Font: Clear, sans-serif font (Arial or similar)
- Size: Minimum 8pt for readability
- Color: Black text on white background, or white text on black background
- Format: Six-digit number, zero-padded (e.g. 000001, 000018, 000042)
Best Practices
Labeling Guidelines
- Apply labels to a clean, dry surface
- Ensure labels are visible and not obstructed
- Use consistent placement across similar asset types
- Replace damaged or faded labels immediately
- Keep a record of all label applications
Data Management
- Maintain a central register of all QTAG numbers
- Update asset records immediately when labels are applied
- Conduct regular audits to verify label accuracy
- Document any changes or corrections to the numbering system
- Train all users on proper data entry procedures
Support and Resources
Need help implementing QTAG standardization in your organization? Our support team is here to assist you.
Phone Support
Call +61 0410625235 for immediate assistance
Email Support
Email support@qtag.com.au for detailed inquiries
Templates
Download Excel templates for bulk asset entry
Training
Schedule training sessions for your team