OSHA Pipe Labeling Color Codes
Pipe marking color codes and OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) highly recommends the standards set by the ASME (ANSI) that organizations must follow to ensure a safe workplace. Employer compliance with safety standards is a key aspect of federally protected workers’ rights in the United States and can apply to a variety of safety protocols such as pipe markers, protective equipment and employee training.
These standards are especially important when working with industrial pipes carrying everything from corrosive materials to potable water. The color, size and spacing of pipe markers can impact their visibility, safety and, ultimately, effectiveness. Unless clearly labeled, industrial pipes can cause injury to employees and damage to facilities.
OSHA directs readers to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for guidance on proper pipe marking. Complying with these standards helps to improve communication, avoid accidents and improve overall efficiency in the workplace.
Why OSHA oversees pipe marking
According to OSHA’s mission statement, the agency’s purpose is to “ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards.” OSHA fulfills this mission by setting standards and referencing other organization’s standards that create safe working environments for all workers, especially those who work in hazardous areas or near potentially harmful materials.
One simple and effective way to ensure safe working conditions is pipe marking. Pipe marking provides workers and management with a quick and easy way to identify the substances present in different pipes. For example, clear pipe marking helps a worker tell the difference between a flammable material and a fire-quenching material in an emergency.
In addition to pipe marking, OSHA supervises other aspects of the workplace, including hard hat labels and standards for other protective equipment such as eye protection, foot coverings and gloves. OSHA also regulates workplace safety training, safe entry and exit points, the availability of readily accessible fire extinguishers and safety signage in the workplace.
What are OSHA's general color codes?
OSHA sets different color codes that are used in the workplace. For example, Standard 1910.144(a) sets the color code for how hazards and protective equipment should be marked, including:
- Red: Red is the standard color for any fire protection tools.
- Yellow: Yellow signifies caution and should be used for any signs warning passersby of tripping and stumbling hazards.
What are the ASME (ANSI) Standard A13.1 color codes?
OSHA, ANSI and the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) also set color codes for labeling pipes. The codes that dictate pipe markers are meant to provide clarity in the workplace and equip employees to respond quickly and safely in emergency situations. These codes as set by ASME's (ANSI) standard A13.1 are:
- Red: Red labels with white text signify fire-quenching fluids.
- Orange: Orange labels with black text signify corrosive and toxic fluids.
- Yellow: Yellow labels with black text signify flammable and oxidizing fluids.
- Brown: Brown labels with white text signify combustible fluids.
- Green: Green labels with white text signify water lines, including potable and boiler lines, among others.
- Blue: Blue labels with white text signify compressed air.
Color Codes Chart
| 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 |
Beyond these colors, OSHA, ANSI and ASME also specify purple, gray, black and white as labeling colors. Each workplace is allowed to define independently what these four colors mean depending on the organization’s needs.
Consequences of not meeting OSHA standards
Not meeting OSHA’s standards for pipe marking or any other safety specifications can have serious consequences. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), there are differing levels of infractions and various levels of fines associated with violating OSHA standards, including:
- Other than serious violation: These are violations that would not cause death or serious injury, but impact the safety and health of employees.
- Serious violation: This type of violation has a high chance of causing death.
- Willful violation: This type of violation occurs when an employer knowingly violates safety standards and makes no effort to eliminate workplace risks.
- Failure to abate: This violation occurs when an employer fails to make positive changes after an inspection results in a citation.
- Repeat violation: These violations are ones that have occurred multiple times without being resolved.
Employers who are cited for violating OSHA standards may face fines from $15,625 to $156,259. Beyond the financial impact of OSHA violations, there can be serious consequences for worker health and safety. For example, improperly labeled pipes can cause workers to unknowingly come into contact with corrosive or toxic materials, which may have both short- and long-term health consequences.
Workers have rights that are set by the Occupational Safety and Health Act that are protected by OSHA. If an employer knowingly impedes the safety of an employee’s working environment, an employee has the right to report the employer to OSHA for inspection. This right is protected by federal law and can lead to serious consequences for an employer.
Pipe marking placement guidelines
When marking pipes in the workplace, it is important to understand pipe marking guidelines. These guidelines define:
- The size of pipe markers;
- The font size of lettering on pipe markers;
- The visibility and accessibility of pipe marker locations.
Investing in high-quality pipe markers that meet the requirements is vital in ensuring the safety of workers. Employers should also conduct their own research into best practices and standards for employee safety. For example, it may be a worthwhile time investment to reference the IIAR Guidelines for Ammonia Refrigeration Pipe Markers to understand pipe marking regulations completely.
By taking the time and effort to acquire high-quality pipe markers and learn about the safety standards associated with pipe marking, employers can improve employee safety and ensure compliance with required standards. These labels provide workers with vital information that limits exposure to hazards and significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in the workplace.
Uncertain about the number of pipe markers required for your task? Utilize our convenient Pipe Marker Calculator or reach out to Seton Contractor services for assistance. Let us handle the heavy lifting with our pipe marker take-off service. Call us at 800-243-6624.
