Topics Map > Accounting & Budgeting > Financial Reporting
Topics Map > Accounting & Budgeting > Accounting & Financial Reporting
Topics Map > Equipment Management > Maintaining Equipment Records
Topics Map > Equipment Management > Biennial Inventory
Property Accounting: Affixing Physical Labels
Guidelines for Placing Labels on Equipment
All physical labels should be affixed to an item so that the label markings remain undamaged and legible, without defacing the item. To affix a label, peel off the label backing, place the label on the item, and apply pressure. Label position will vary for different types of equipment or for different uses, but you should follow the guidelines below to place physical labels:
- Make sure equipment is in good working order before placing a label.
- Place the label on a permanent part of the equipment.
- Place the label where it receives the least damage and wear.
- Place the label where it is least likely to be concealed.
- Place the label where it can be easily seen.
- Place labels on each major component of valuable scientific or technical apparatus.
- Whenever possible, the label should be placed on the lower right corner of the item.
Do not place a physical label:
- on ornamentation, cornices, or curved surfaces of molding,
- in any manner that adversely affects the aesthetic appearance of an item, or
- where it interferes with the use or repair of an item.
What do do when you are unable to place a physical label:
If you are unable to place a physical label on a fixed asset item (for example, a sensitive piece of scientific equipment whose use would be affected by a label), you should keep the label on file with any paperwork for the fixed asset. You should also append the asset description in FABweb to note that the physical label is on file. Auditors may check for this information. The label should be kept on file for as long as your department has custody of the fixed asset.