Flagging (tape)

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Flagging is a colored non-adhesive tape used in marking objects. It is commonly made of PVC or vinyl, and wood fibre cellulose-based biodegradable flagging also exists.

Uses

Surveying

Flagging is used in surveying to mark utility lines, survey stakes and other boundary markers.

Forestry

In forestry flagging is commonly used to mark trees for various purposes. It can be used to mark trees for logging, to mark dangerous or unhealthy trees, or to mark saplings.

Wildland fire suppression

Flagging is widely used in wildland fire suppression both as a navigational aid for firefighters and to mark trees. When walking to a wildfire a crew may use flagging to flag their way to the fire, both to aid other firefighters in quickly finding the site and so they can find their way back out easily. Specially marked flagging also exists for fire use, imprinted with terms such as "spot fire" or "escape route".

Triage

In triage, flagging is used in lieu of a triage tag to mark patients in a mass casualty disaster situation. Four colors of flagging are typically used:

Black - deceased
Red - seriously injured, in need of immediate medical attention to save life
Yellow - seriously injured but not immediately life-threatening, medical attention can be delayed
Green - non-serious injuries or "walking wounded"

Outdoor recreation

Flagging is used as a navigational aid by hunters, hikers, geocachers, spelunkers, and other uses such as paintball.

References

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