Pipe Marking Made Simple and Easy
A pipe marker is a visual aid that is used to identify the contents of a pipe, as well as the direction of flow and other important information. Pipe markers are typically used in industrial and commercial settings, such as factories, warehouses, and power plants, where the transport of various types of fluids or gasses is a common occurrence. Pipe markers are designed to be highly visible and are typically made of durable materials that …
Marking pipes in industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities can help make a workplace safer and more efficient. When pipes are clearly labeled, fewer accidents involving injuries and damage to property occur. If the people working in your facility—and even visitors and emergency responders—cannot easily see what flows through a pipe, this problem can lead to dangerous situations. Pipes might be misidentified, or someone might not even consider the hazards related to a particular substance because …
Identifying and tagging the valves in your facility is an important component to any pipe marking strategy. There can be very serious consequences if someone from the maintenance crew or an operator is working to repair a pipe and opens the wrong valve because it’s not tagged. Taking the time to audit the pipes and valves and properly tag them will work to improve not only safety in the workplace, but also efficiency. Valve tags …
Pipe marking regulations are not always as straightforward as others like PPE or HazCom standards. While OSHA has not put out specific regulations and standards for labeling pipes, OSHA does reference the ANSI/ASME standards. Following the ASME/ANSI A13.1 standard will keep you in compliance with OSHA recommendations. Where to put pipe labels There are four places on a pipe that should be labeled: Every 25’ to 50’ intervals along straight runs At all changes in …
Arguably the most important component of a label is the color. People working with or near a pipe will need to know the pipe’s contents and color can immediately communicate that. While OSHA does not have a set and sealed requirement for pipe marking, there are industry standards to draw from. Probably the most commonly used (and recommended by OSHA) standard is the ANSI/ASME A13.1 standard, which explains colors, text, size, and placement for pipe …