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Pipe Marking Guidelines

ANSI Pipe Labeling: 7 Must-Do’s for Pipe Labeling Standards

Clearly labeled pipes instantly inform and help keep everyone safe, especially during maintenance, safety and emergency situations. OSHA doesn’t specifically outline pipe labeling standards. But it does recommend the ASME (ANSI) A13.1 scheme for identification of pipe systems. This includes guidance on colors, size, visibility and placement. Let’s take a look at what the standard says, and how you can easily implement it in your facility, with this handy pipe marker guide.

1. Know the Pipe Marking Standards and Governing Bodies

OSHA (what you must do)

OSHA doesn't specifically require pipe labeling. However, pipe marking can be vital to maintaining a safe workplace, and may fall within the scope of OSHA's General Duty Clause, which states that “Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” Therefore, an accident involving pipes could open the door to citations under this clause. OSHA standard 1910.261(a)(3)(ii) acknowledges the ASME (ANSI) standard A13.1 as a recommended scheme for identifying pipe systems. OSHA color codes for pipe marking

ASME (ANSI) A13.1 (how you should do it)

The ASME/ANSI A13.1 Standard is widely recognized as the industry guideline for pipe marking. ANSI pipe labeling provides comprehensive recommendations for the identification of pipe systems in different settings. Key elements outlined by ASME/ANSI A13.1 include:


  • Text legend
  • Color coding
  • Flow direction arrows
  • Label sizing
  • Label placement

While ASME/ANSI A13.1 is a widely accepted standard, it is not a legal requirement enforced by OSHA, nor is it the only standard available for recommendations on pipe marking. However, complying with this standard is generally considered best practice and demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety and compliance.

2. Color code for quick recognition

Assign specific colors to different pipe contents, such as hazardous materials, fire protection systems or potable water. Consistent color coding simplifies identification and reduces the risk of accidents. Here’s the color-coding system recommended under ASME/ANSI A13.1


Fluid Service Color Scheme
Fire Quenching Fluids White on Red
Toxic & Corrosive Fluids Black on Orange
Flammable & Oxidizing Fluids Black on Yellow
Combustible Fluids White on Brown
Potable, Cooling, Boiler Feed, & Other Water White on Green
Compressed Air White on Blue
Defined by User White on Purple
Defined by User Black on White
Defined by User White on Grey
Defined by User White on Black

3. Match length and letter height to pipe diameter

Ensure that your pipe markers are appropriately sized for optimal visibility. Follow these guidelines by pipe size.


Fits Pipe Outer Diameter 0.7" - 1.3" (18 - 33 mm) 1.4" - 2.4" (34 - 61 mm) 2.5" - 6.7" (62 - 170 mm) 6.8" - 10" (171 - 254mm) Over 10" (Over 254 mm)
Length of Color Field 8" (203 mm) 8" (203 mm) 12" (305 mm) 24" (610 mm) 32" (813 mm)
Letter Height 0.5" (13 mm) 0.7" (19 mm) 1.3" (32 mm) 2.5" (64 mm) 3.5" (89 mm)

Note: For pipes less than 0.7" diameter, a permanently legible tag is recommended


4. Place markers in key, high-visibility areas

Position pipe labels on pipes to achieve the best visibility. Install pipe labels below or above the horizontal centerline of the pipe when pipes are located above or below the normal line of vision, respectively. Consider placing pipe markers both near the ceiling and near the floor of your facility. In addition, mark pipes:


  • Adjacent to all valves and flanges
  • At both sides of floor or wall penetrations
  • Adjacent to changes in directions
  • At least every 50 feet on straight runs

Proper placement of marker on pipes
Mark pipes adjacent to all
valves and flanges.
Proper placement of markers on pipes separated by a wall
Mark pipes at both
sides of floor.
Proper placement of markers on pipes with horizontal and vertical orientation
Mark pipes adjacent to
change in direction.
Proper distance of markers on the same pipe
Mark pipes every 25 to 50 foot
intervals on straight runs.

5. Use clear, concise wording and arrows

Straightforward and standardized text on your pipe markers enable quick identification and helps you better conform to sizing requirements. Employ easy-to-understand abbreviations and include essential information about pipe contents, directional flow and safety instructions.


Grey gas pipe with yellow Natural Gas 75psi marker installed


6. Harness the power of GHS pictograms

You can also incorporate Globally Harmonized System (GHS) pictograms into your pipe marking system. These standardized symbols help identify hazards associated with chemicals, enhancing safety and compliance with labeling regulations. By integrating these universally recognized symbols, employees can quickly recognize more detail and warnings about potential risks.


Health Hazard GHS Image
Health Hazard

Identifies chemicals with the following hazards: carcinogen, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitizer, target organ toxicity, aspiration toxicity

Flame GHS Image
Flame

Identifies chemicals with the following hazards: flammables, pyrophorics, self-heating, emits flammable gas, self-reactives, organic peroxides

Exclamation Mark GHS Image
Acute Toxic

Identifies chemicals with the following hazards: irritant (skin & eye), skin sensitizer, acute toxicity (harmful), narcotic effects, respiratory tract infection, hazardous ozone layer (non mandatory)

Gas Cylinder GHS Image
Gas Cylinder

Identifies chemicals with the following hazards: gasses under pressure

Corrosion GHS Image
Corrosive

Identifies chemicals with the following hazards: Skin corrosion, eye damage, corrosive metals

Exploding Bomb GHS Image
Explosive

Identifies chemicals with the following hazards: explosives, self-reactives, organic peroxides

Flame Over Circle GHS Image
Flame Over Circle

Identifies chemicals with the following hazards: oxidizers

Skull & Cross Bones Pictogram
Severe Toxic

Identifies chemicals with the following hazards: acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)

Environment pictogram
Environment
(Not mandated in US)

Identifies chemicals with the following hazards: aquatic toxicity



7. Gather information up-front to streamline the process

Follow these simple steps to make your pipe marking project seamless:


1. Obtain a legend list of all pipe contents in your plant.

2. Collect the following data on your piping systems (this may require tracing lines to determine quantities and sizes):

  • Pipe contents
  • Outside diameter of pipe (including insulation)
  • Quantity of markers needed per ASME/ANSI A13.1 or other standards
  • Pressure
  • Temperature
  • To/From information
  • Location of specific legends by area (for aid in installation) Note: You may be able to use blueprints or P&IDs if they are current instead of walking down all of your lines. Seton also offers Take-Off Services to help you determine your pipe marking needs.

3. Assign colors to markers.


Seton is your successful pipe marker partner

From high-quality pipe markers purpose-built for specific environments to our comprehensive pipe marking service, Seton has everything you need to complete your next project successfully. If you’re in need of a specific marker, check out our custom pipe markers.




Seton Opti-Code® markers

Opti-Code®

Opti-Code® Self-Adhesive Pipe Markers are a perfect way to quickly communicate pipe contents. Best when used on clean, dry pipes - simply peel off the back liner and stick it to the pipe for either indoor or outdoor use. All these markers meet the ANSI/ASME A13.1 standard when used with Arrows-On-A-Roll™ tape or Pipe Marker Directional Arrows to indicate flow direction. Available in various sizes, colors and fully customizable for any application or need.



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Seton Setmark® markers

Setmark®

Identify difficult-to-mark pipes with Seton’s Setmark® snap-around pipe markers.Also known as wrap-around pipe markers, these labels are designed to identify dirty, oily, greasy, and rough pipes in less than ideal environments. Because these pipe markers snap onto pipes, a clean surface or proper adhesion is not required, making them ideal for harsh indoor/outdoor applications.



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Seton Ultra-Mark® markers

Ultra-Mark®

Ultra-Mark® High Performance Pipe Markers are the ultimate pipe marker for dirty, oily, greasy or rough surfaces. These self-adhesive markers are strong enough to stand up to harsh environments - even standing up to chemicals, high-humidity, freezing temperatures and abrasion. They meet ANSI (ASME) A13.1 pipe marking guidelines, and have customizable options.



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