In Louisiana, a service tag is more than a record of work performed—it is an official document required by the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM). A properly completed service tag provides a permanent history of maintenance performed on a life safety or property protection system and demonstrates compliance with state licensing requirements. An incomplete or improperly filled-out tag can create compliance issues for your company and may become a concern during inspections, audits, or legal proceedings.

Whenever service is performed on a fire alarm, security alarm, special locking system, or other regulated life safety equipment, technicians should take the time to complete every required field before leaving the job site. Remember that apprentices may not sign service tags. The licensed technician who performed the work must personally sign the tag—preprinted signatures or initials are not permitted. The service date must be punched only once for the correct day, month, and year, and the tag must be attached so it does not interfere with the operation of the equipment.

Just as important as the information on the front of the tag is the information on the back. The rear of the service tag should clearly describe the specific work completed, such as "replaced smoke detector," "repaired motion detector," or "programmed new keypad." This detailed record can be invaluable during future service visits and provides documentation of exactly what work was performed. The owner's name and the system address must also be recorded on the back of the tag.

To help ensure consistency, technicians and employers can download a sample service tag image and a company information template from the LLSSA website. The template can be used to create a standard stamp or printed label containing your company's required information, including the company name, address, telephone number, and Louisiana State Fire Marshal certificate number. Using a standardized template helps reduce errors, saves time in the field, and ensures every service tag contains the required company information.

Service Tag Completion Checklist

Before leaving the job site, verify that you have completed each of the following:

• ☐ Technician's name is listed.
• ☐ Technician's Louisiana State Fire Marshal license number is entered.
• ☐ Technician has personally signed the tag (no initials or preprinted signatures).
• ☐ Correct day, month, and year have been punched one time only.
• ☐ "Service" has been identified as the type of work performed.
• ☐ Firm name, address, telephone number, and Louisiana State Fire Marshal certificate number are present (or applied using the approved company template).
• ☐ Serial number of the special locking system control panel is recorded, if applicable.
• ☐ Owner's name and property address are completed on the back of the tag.
• ☐ Detailed description of the service performed is written on the back of the tag.
• ☐ Tag is securely attached without interfering with the operation of the system.

Properly completed service tags are an important part of every installation and service call. Taking a few extra moments to verify each required field has been completed protects your company, assists future service technicians, and demonstrates the professionalism expected of Louisiana's life safety and property protection industry.

Download the sample service tag image and company information template below to help your technicians complete every tag accurately and consistently.

Tag Used: Avery Laser/Inkjet Multipurpose Labels, Clear, 32 Labels/Sheet, 10 Sheets/Pack (94219) / Avery 1" x 1.5" Glossy Clear rectangle Labels.