Pipe marking plays a major role in the safety of facility workers, as well as emergency responders who need to quickly understand the purpose and contents of piping systems. Either self-printed or pre-made pipe marking labels are placed throughout facility pipe systems for quick, visual communication. Pipe markers are usually made with an adhesive, vinyl material that can withstand elements like moisture and heat.
Contents
Facility Evaluation
When implementing or updating a pipe marking system, facilities are toured with a camera, pen, paper, or digital note-taking devices. All building pipes are found and identified, sometimes using maps and building drawings as a guide.
What Is Looked For
Pipe Markers According to ANSI/ASME
The ANSI / ASME standard uses a pipe labeling standards color code chart with six standard color combinations, and four user-defined combinations.
The 6 standard areas are for
- Fire-quenching Fluids
- Toxic and Corrosive Fluids
- Flammable Fluids
- Combustible Fluids
- Potable, Cooling, or Other Water
- Compressed Air
ANSI/ASME standard suggests that all pipes be labeled regardless of situation, but be sure all pipes are marked when:
Pipe Marking Size, Colors, & Placement
The color and text on pipe markers are usually consistent throughout a facility dictated by what is flowing in the pipes.
Pipe marker label sizes should be large enough that all personnel can read from a reasonable distance. Note: Pipes that are too small for labels sometimes are marked with hanging tags instead.
Placement of pipe labels will vary facility to facility, but some general placement rules are: