In an industrial setup, pipe systems are very common. They are used in production processes. And because of this, they usually carry harmful substances and toxic chemicals that may be a risk to the workers’ health. Since there are a lot of accidents that can happen in an industrial work place, the use of labels and warnings signs is very important. It is recommended by many health and safety practitioners to avoid serious sickness and illnesses.
ASME standards
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. In order to make sure that you are compliant with the ASME (ANSI) A13.1–2007 standard, there are a few decisions you need to make: pipe marker style, marker size, choosing the right pipe marker color for your application needs as well as determining the quantity of markers needed to allow for proper marker visibility.
Did you know that there is a variety of pipe markers available to suit your various applications needs? Self-Adhesive Markers are vinyl pipe markers that are so easy to install, just peel the back layer off and stick directly onto the pipe. These markers are suitable for indoor or outdoor pipes that are dry and clean. Snap-Around Markers save you time on installation since you do not have to clean the pipes before you “snap” them on. These pipe markers are ideal for dirty, oily, greasy and rough-surfaced pipes, indoors or out. High-Performance Markers are markers that are specially designed to withstand the harsh outdoor environments. These pipe markers resist abrasion, chemicals, high humidity and outdoor weather and are ideal for dirty, oily, greasy and rough-surfaced pipes including stainless steel.
ANSI pipe sizes
For pipes ranging from 3/4" to 1.25" in diameter, they require a marker with a letter size of 1/2" and the color field length should be 8". Larger pipes that are 1.5" to 2" in diameter require a marker with a letter size of 3/4" and the color field length should also be 8". Pipes with a 2.5" to 6" diameter should use a marker with the letter size of 1.25" and the color field length shall be 12". 8" to 10" diameter pipes should use a pipe marker with letters that are 2–1/2" and the length of color field of that marker should be 24". For larger pipes with a diameter of 10" and over, the pipe marker letter size should be 3 1/2" while the length of the color field on the marker should be 32".
ANSI color codes
Another critical part of the ANSI Standard A13.1–2007 for pipe markers recommends a pre determined color scheme. This secondary piece of pipe identification has been specifically revised in the latest 2007 revision of the standard. In addition, since pipe marking labels are not actually as simple as sticker labels, it is recommended for a business to have at least their own label printer. Marking labels for pipes are designed and manufactured specifically to withstand external elements like sun exposure. They may also be made according to existing national standards for piping identification and are also specific to above-ground piping systems and color schemes. They may also be applied to designate flammable fluids with compressed air. They are usually printed in neon colors so the workers can instantly recognize pipe contents even from afar.
Choosing manufacturers of pipe markers that specialize in industrial-grade markers is important as well. This ensures quality made markers that are resistant to high temperatures, UV exposure, and even chemicals. As an economical option to relying on established manufacturers, you could invest in a label maker so you’re able to have the ease and expediency of printing your own pipe markers, when you need them.
Another important thing about pipe markers is that they need to be customized according to the diameter of the pipe. The height of the text and the length of the marker need to effectively communicate the markings of facilities. It can’t be too small or too large that it prevents workers from identifying pipe contents. Pipe markers do more than just identify pipe contents. They keep facilities safe, eliminating potential errors. They save time and money through reduced maintenance and downtime.
There are many places available where a do it your self, you can purchase pipe markings from. Many regional and national home improvement stores will carry a wide variety of these items to give their customers the biggest selection available. Almost anywhere that carries pipes will have pipe markings located nearby so that the customer will not have to search for them.
The prices for pipe markings can vary from retailer to retailer and from region to region. Some individuals consider the cost to be too insignificant to worry about while some others are always looking for the best deal for their money. If consumers are interested in finding the best prices, they may want to compare price and quality between several different stores and make the decision based on which store provides the best value.
There are several different types of pipe markings available at most of the retailers that carry this type of product. The type used will vary according to the conditions of the industrial improvement project being undertaken. Some individuals that have worked with pipes before may have a preference for one type or another, so that may be a factor in the type of pipe markings they choose.
Most brands of pipe markings are pretty similar in quality so different brands of the same item will have most of the same qualities. Some brands may be made of a slightly superior material or last longer under certain conditions, so it is important to choose the one that is right for the customer’s needs. The differences between the brands will be listed on the outside of the package to give the consumer the information at a glance.
If the person is interested in purchasing pipe markings in bulk quantities, there are a number of different manufacturers that will ship the items to the customer directly. These companies generally sell much of their merchandise in stores, but will ship products directly to the customers that prefer their brands. The customer will generally pay a reduced rate for purchasing the items in bulk, but will have to pay a shipping charge to have the items delivered to their home or business.
Many of the companies that will sell pipe markings directly to the customer can be found on the internet with many of them having websites that display their products and gives a small amount of information about their company. It is important to ensure that the company on the Internet is actually a legitimate business and not a scam set up to separate honest individuals from their money. In many cases, it is best to first find a brand that is preferred in the stores and then use the company’s website to continue obtaining the product and find out about new products the company is developing that they may like.
There may also be interesting reviews of the different types of pipe markings found on different websites on the Internet. There are certain websites on the internet that allow average consumers to rate the products that they purchase and some of these websites focus exclusively on pipes and pipe accessories. The reviews on these websites are the consumer’s actual opinion about the product that they purchased.
It is important not to base the choice of which type of pipe markings to use on a single bad review because many people can be dissatisfied with different product for different reasons. Some individuals do not follow the directions properly while other individuals may use the items in situations that they are not recommended for. It is best to read several different reviews for each brand to be able to make an objective decision as to which one provides the best value for the money.
All industries have to follow certain safety regulations that have been set by the American Government. Part of those regulations state that clearly and accurately marking the factory appliances and equipment to avoid any avoidable accidents is an absolute necessity and failure to do so could lead to some harsh penalties on the company. There are several options that have come up when it comes to pipe marking. You can either order your own pipe markers to be printed by a printing company, or you can simply buy colored tape and mark them as required. Alternatively, you can buy your own label maker and print your own markers.
The first option is always preferred because the markers will come already well marked with the type of chemical or gas flowing in the pipe, as well as the direction of flow. However, buying your own label maker could prove to be a much cheaper option, especially because you will be able to print your own labels at your own convenience whenever the need arises. If neither of these options appeals to your current situation, buying tape that is made in solid colors will get you on your way to fulfilling the labeling regulations. An important note to make when it comes to labeling is that there are color codes that must be followed while marking pipes. These colors were formulated to coincide with different services rendered by the tanks. Below is a table highlighting the color codes:
Pipe banding tapes are a great idea for those who want to comply with the safety regulations but do not want to invest in pipe markers. They are made from self adhesive tapes, which are easy to use; some of them even come with arrows so that you can indicate the direction of flow. The banding tapes come in flat and reflective colors so that you can see the markings from different angles and in different light intensities. Manufacturing environments are riddled with dirt and oil that sometimes may make it difficult for tape to stick securely to the pipes. This is why the snap-around pipe marker is another great option for such environments. The name snap-around comes from the fact that the tape is pre coiled to snap securely in place over pipes of various sizes and shapes, without using any adhesive. This means it is a more durable and reliable option than any tapes in the market.
Pipe valves
A pipe marker is a pretty simple, but extremely important item. Basically, it is a label, decal or tag that is affixed to a pipe or pipe valve. There are several reasons for visually marking the pipes that run throughout your facility…
Simple Identification: The application of pipe markers allows your workers to quickly and easily identify the plethora of pipes in your facility. Chances are that your facility has in it any combination of pipes for hot & cold water, steam, gases, refrigerants, heating fuels, sewage waste, returns and many more.
Maintenance: Periodically replacing certain plumbing lines can help to prevent leakage and ruptures due to corrosive chemicals or residue buildup. Identifying and tracking the dates of maintenance is much easier when your pipes are clearly labeled with pipe markers.
Emergencies: Bad things can happen. Pipes can leak, freeze, break or rupture at any time. Harmful chemicals and gases run through pipes, and in the event of a leak of rupture, need to be identified and dealt with immediately. The use of pipe markers and valve tags allows maintenance workers or emergency personnel a quick way to identify the compromised pipe and take the appropriate actions.
Pipe color code standards
Pipe markers and valve tags are made from various materials, including plastic, brass, stainless steel and others. It is important to choose the material that best withstands the particular environment in which it will be applied. Custom decals and wrap-around plastics are also available and it is simple to add your own numbers, letters and messaging. Choose the pipe marking solution that best meets the requirements of your business, warehouse or facility.
Finally, to solidify your compliance when pipe marking a facility, the standard offers pipe marker visibility recommendations. The standard suggests that the pipes shall be marked adjacent to all valves and flanges as well at both sides of the floor or wall penetrations. In addition, pipes shall be marked adjacent to changes in directions and every 25' to 50' intervals on straight runs.
