Pipe Marking Applications and Standards
By Steve Hudgik
What are the Pipe Marking Requirements to be ANSI/ASME compliant?
Almost every facility has a piping system running through it that could be carrying dangerous substances. These pipes need to be properly labeled to let people know what the pipe contents are, the direction of flow, potential hazards, and preventative measures. Following the correct requirements and standards, while using high quality DuraLabel supplies, will ensure that the facility is ANSI/ASME and OSHA code compliant.
Not only do hazardous materials flowing through pipes have an affect on workers, they also affect the environment. Anytime there is a spill or leak, the substance is likely to flow into a body of water, into the soil, absorb into the atmosphere, or come in contact with wildlife. Check out this article on Leak detection and repair (LDAR) services to learn more.
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Common Pipe Marking Standards:
ANSI A13.1 Pipe Markers - This code is the same as the AMSE A13.1 code. These are the standards that apply to most facilities and pipe markers. Whether it is an oil refinery or a gourmet restaurent, ANSI A13.1 applies.
Ammonia Pipe Markers (IIAR) - This standard is published by the International Institute For Ammonia Refrigeration. It applies to ammonia pipes used in cooling and refrigeration systems. This standard has also been adopted by some facilities for ammonia pipes used for other applications.
Medical Gas Pipe Markers (CGA) - this standard applies to medical gases used in hospitals and other medical facilities. The ANSI A13.1 standard applies to the non-medical gas pipes in these same facilities. Medical gas pipe marking is a critical application because of the severe consequences than can result from mistakes.
HVAC Pipe Markers - ANSI standards for pipe marking also apply to Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment. However, additional requirements for container HVAC related labeling are set by ASHRAE and ARI.
Marine Pipe Markers - Marine pipe markers use an international standard (ISO 1476-2) that defines the color and design of pipe markers used on ships.
Facility Pipe Markers - Facility Pipe Marking in commercial, public, school & retail buildings.
Code Compliant Pipe Marking - What are some general rules-of-thumb to follow when inspecting or installing pipe markers? This link goes to a web page that provides an outline of what should be done to assure complete, code compliant pipe marking.
Australian Pipe Marking Standards - All pipes and containers of hazardous substances must be appropriately labeled to provide a safe work environment. Using color to identify the contents of pipes, conduits, and ducts should follow the Australian Standard AS 1345.
British Pipe Marking Standards - The Health and Safety (Safety Signs & Signals) Regulations 1996 require employers to properly mark visible pipes in the workplace which contain or transport dangerous substances. Using colour to identify the contents of pipes, conduits, and ducts should follow the British Standard BS 1710.
European Pipe Marking Standards - Visible pipes containing or transporting dangerous substances and preparations, must be labeled in accordance with directives 67/548/EEC and 88/379/EEC.
Learn The Importance Of Following Pipe Labeling Regulations
What is a Pipe/Piping System?
As defined by the ASME/ANSI A13.1 (2007) standard, a pipe is a conduit used to convey, distribute, mix, separate, discharge, meter, control, or snub fluid flows. A pipe system includes piping of any kind including fittings, valves, and pipe coverings.
• Existing pipe markers
• Are they still physically damaged,
deteriorated, dirty, discolored or in a location
or conditionlikely to result in future
physical damage?
• Are they accurate?
(Name, flow direction, label color)
• Pipes with missing pipe markers
• New equipment
• New pipes that redirect contents to/from
new equipment
• Areas where maintenance is performed
• Traffic areas
• The contents of pipes could affect
procedures
during emergency situations
• The contents of pipes are hazardous
• The flow direction is unknown
• The destination of the contents is unknown
• The flow needs to be redirected for
maintenance
• One or more valves need to be shut off for maintenance.In conducting your inspection. Use a pipe schematic and piping drawings to plan your inspection. Consult your facility's pipe schematics to ensure accurate labeling of contents and direction of flow.
