ANSI Pipe Marking Specifications
Pipe Markers | Pipe Marker Applications | ANSI Pipe Marking
By Steve Hudgik
Pipe marking standards are provided by both the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Code. Both organizations have published the same code and both have numbered it A13.1. Labels on pipes and valves provide important safety information. They inform staff, vendors, contractors, customers, and emergency response teams about the contents of the pipe, the hazard it poses, and the direction of flow through the pipe.
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The pipe contents in above-ground piping systems are separated into three hazard categories and have different color-coded labels associated with them.
- High-Hazard Materials - All high-hazard materials use black characters on a yellow background
- Low-Hazard Materials - The low-hazard materials are divided into two different color schemes depending on physical state: Liquid materials are labeled using white lettering on a green background | Gaseous materials are labeled using white characters on a blue background
- Fire Suppression Materials - Labels for fire suppression materials use white letters on a red background
A label must be placed on a pipe in a manner that makes it easy to read. Labels should be placed on the lower side of the pipe if the employee has to look up to the pipe, on the upper side of the pipe if the employee has to look down at the pipe. Labels have to be applied on all differing piping segments, including pipes that change direction or pass through walls and floors. They must also be placed at regular intervals on long runs of straight pipe. Learn more about Pipe Marker Inspections and Maintenance.
You can create your own fully compliant pipe markers using DuraLabel PRO Continuous Vinyl and ribbons with either the DuraLabel PRO or PRO 300 printer. This industrial quality supply comes in all of the colors needed for making pipe markers and is resistant to UV, moisture, chemicals and scratching.
