PIPE MARKING 101

Important First Steps In Understanding Pipe Marking

Pipe Marking 101 www.CreativeSafetySupply.com

Why Pipe Marking RequiresYour Attention:

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1. SAFETY

• Accidents from untrained staff or individuals ignorant of safety protocol are greatly reduced or eliminated altogether

• Errors in pipe identification are avoided or minimized

• Pipe markings help emergency response teams or external parties to know what contents they are dealing with in the case of an emergency

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2. EFFICIENCY

• Maintenance personnel do not have to waste time tracing pipes back to their source

• Overall savings of time, as there is no second guessing what the contents of the pipes in the facility are

• Pipe markings give immediate indication of flow direction

Why Pipe Marking RequiresYour Attention:

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3. COMPLIANCE

• Adhering to national and international regulations reduces company liability and eliminates fines.

• Commerce and business are better supported and maintained when everyone is working by the same rules.

Why Pipe Marking RequiresYour Attention:

PIPE LABELS -GUIDELINES ANDRECOMMENDATIONSPipe marking guidelines regulate four main arenas:

1. Format of the standard being used

2. The color schemes of the pipe application

3. The height of the text which is based on the pipe size

4. Visibility - placement of the pipe marking labels

Pipe Label Standards/Formats

Pipe marker label standards and formats vary from country to country.Be sure to ask your label provider about available options.

US Standard/Format (ASME)

ISO 14726

EU Standard/Format

INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY PIPE STANDARDS:

ASME A13.1-2007

Health & Safety Signs Regulation (1.4.96)

ISO 14726

ISO (DIS) 14726-2

ASO 1345-1995

OSHA - 29 CFR 1910.261 (a)(3)(ii)

IIAR

Specifies content of pipe and associated hazards

Specifies main colors in identifying the substances in pipes. This particular standard is usually referred to as Marine pipe identification in ship & offshore sites.

International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration

Further specifies additional color codes for the “in support of more detailed identification of substances”

This standard address the elements of design as well as specifies the location of the markers/adjacent distances

EXAMPLES OF PIPE CLASSIFICATIONS:(ASME (ANSI) STANDARD A13.1-2007)

Color Scheme Recommendation (ASME)

Potable, Cooling, Boiler Feed andOther Waters

WASTE WATER WHITE ONGREEN

Flammable Fluids BLACKON YELLOWGAS

Compressed Air WHITE ONBLUEAIR 100 PSI

Fire-Quenching Fluids WHITEON REDHALON

Toxic/Corrosive Fluids BLACK ONORANGEHCL

Combustion Fluids WHITE ONBROWNVAPOR

Acids & Alkalis WHITE ONPURPLE

Non-Flammable Gas WHITE ONGRAY

DEFINED BY USERAir Ventilation System BLACK ON

WHITE

Waste Media WHITE ONBLACK

Classification Example Color Scheme

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Text Height is important!Text height and minimum pipe marker label lengths should followthese recommended guidelines - readability is important!

Pipe OUTERDiameter

Height ofLetters

Label Length

PIPE OUTER DIAMETERPIPE OUTER DIAMETER HEIGHT OF LETTERHEIGHT OF LETTER MINIMUM LABEL LENGTHMINIMUM LABEL LENGTHinches mm inches mm inches mm

0.75 - 1.24 19 - 32 0.5 13 8 2001.25 - 2.4 38 - 51 0.75 19 8 2002.5 - 7.9 64 - 150 1.25 32 12 3008 - 9.9 200 - 250 2.5 64 24 600

10+ 250+ 3.5 89 32 800

Pipe MarkerVisibilityGuideline Four

Pipe markers should be readily visible to personnel and visitors entering the facility from the normal entry point.

Pipe markers should be visually accessible upon entering the area.

Pipe markers should be visually accessible upon entering the area.

The ASME (ANSI) Standard A13.1-2007Below are just some of the examples of how classification and content can help you determinewhich color to use for labeling.

These represent a few standard color recommendations:

Pipe MarkingPro Tip:

Even abandonedpipes could be

clearly marked toavoid confusion.

Visibility of Pipe Markers Based on Flow Direction

Guideline #1

Pipes should be markedas close to all valves orflanges as possible.

Guideline #2

Pipes should be markedas close to directional changes as possible.

Minimaleffectivedistance

Minimaleffectivedistance

Guideline #3Pipes should be marked at points where they have penetrated walls or dividers.

Minimal effectivedistance

Guideline #4Pipes should be marked every 25’ to 50’ interval on straight runs.

Keep letter height in mind!

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Pipe Marker Environmental CriteriaBelow are some of the challenging environments pipe markers are expected to perform and be used in.

AmbientConditions

TemperatureRanges

PipeSurface

ChemicalResistance

SpecialProperties

Indoor

Outdoor

Humid

Dry

Minimum InstallationTemp: 40°F, 5°C

Upper TemperatureLimitation: 248°F, 120°C

Lower TemperatureLimitation: -40°F, -40°C

Dirty, Dusty

Rough, Rusty

Insulated

Unevenly Painted

Wet

Greasy, Oily

Low PVC Pipe contact point Whole marker

Low Halogen Pipe contact point whole marker

Meets ASME (ANSI) A13.1 standards

Organic Solvents:MEK, Acetone, Toluene

Acids:Sulfuric, HCL, Acetic

Alkalis:Sodium Hydroxide

Alchohols:Methanol, Isopropanol

Grease, Oils:SAE 20, ASTM #3

Pipe Marking Label SourcesWhere can you find Pipe Marking Labels?

2. Custom Order

3. Print Your Own* *On-Site, On-Demand

1. Standard Order Pre-Made Labels

Most vendors will present you with adropdown menu showing all of the coloroptions, message and sizes.

If unsure, take the time to call them!

Initiate a label inventory to identify which labels you need. Make note of the message, height of lettering and colors required to create your pipe marking. Call the vendor before ordering, to discuss.

Your most economical and easiest option. Usually thermal printers come with a vast library of pipe marking labels ready to be printed out and used. A trustworthy vendor offers full support.

1. The Standard Order

A good supplier will offer you a quick way to contact a trained representative.

A true-to-life, realistic representation should be provided.

Make sure your options are plentiful and you are able to order what you NEED.

If possible, see what kinds of social signals they have - are their customers happy?

And who does NOT like free shipping!?

Are any customer ratings available for your review?

Be sure to look fora “best price” guarantee.

What to look for if ordering online:

2. Custom Order

Custom orders onlineshould allow you to:(a) Provide the text you need

(b) Choose options, such as flow arrows in various directions

(c) As well, you will want tosee the applicable examplesof color (red on white, white on green, etc.)

How to get what you need:

(a)

(b)(c)

3. Print Your Own Economical, easy - the Pipe Marking Package:

Invest in a complete pipe marking label printing package like the one seen at the right.

This saves you from having to second guess what you may ormay not need, because everything comes pre-bundled.

Reaching your goal of pipe marking compliance throughout your facility is important and you do not want to waste time and money on the wrong materials.

How to start...

Savings Tip: Bundling supplies with a printer can save you money!

LabelTac 4 ProPipe Marking Package

*for more info visit LabelTac.com/labeltac-packages

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The Thermal-Transfer Printer

The Thermal-Transfer PrinterThe Label Supply

Print RibbonsSoftware / Support

The Thermal-Transfer Printer is the heart of the your label printing campaign.

Composed of a thermal print head and holding two spools of material; the label supply and the print ribbon.

The label supply should be of highest available quality.

This ensures that they will last not only over the average period of 5-7 years, but that they will also withstand possible environmental stress.

Label supplies created for extreme temperatures or environments will ensure that the labels will last for the duration.

Not all print ribbons are created equal. Avoid using sub-par ribbons with your printer.

Despite cheaper price, they will more than likely only last a fraction of the time.

Be sure to ask your vendor for a guarantee or at the very least proof of product quality.

Another big part of your ongoing success with your Pipe Marking campaign will be finding a vendor who believes in good customer support.

Your printer vendor should include software that is easy to use and offer a large library of pre-formatted label templates to save you time and frustration.

Overview of what a good Thermal-Transfer Label Printing System offers:

Interior - From the LabelTac 4 Series®

Thermal-Transfer Label PrinterYour Thermal-Transfer Label Printer should be easy to use and maintain. While it is a fairly simple tool, it should have these minimum traits/capabilities:1. Easy to load both the label supply and printer ribbon2. Easy to maintain with a few simple steps such cleaning the

platen, print head and rollers3. Ability to handle several label supply widths4. A label creation software with a library of templates and

custom designs allowing you to get started immediately with your pipe marking campaign

The LabelTac 4series can easily accommodate label supplies from 1/4” to 4”

inches wide.

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Label Supply - A Few Sticking PointsUse labeling supplies that adhere easily and last a long time

StaysPut!

This is a no-brainer.You will want your label to adhere for a long time for highest ROI.

Make sure supplies you purchase are of the highest quality.

You will also need a variety of safety colors for both the label supply as well as the printer ribbon.

Remember to combine your colors correctly - follow the standards!

RainbowOf Colors

Pipe marking often requires directional arrows to clearly show directional flow of the pipe’s content.

Your thermal-transfer printer will be able to produce these.

Show TheFlow

As in any industry, there are cheap(er) ribbons and stock to be found and used.

BEWARE: These can lead to printer failure or fading as they simply can’t hold up.

Quality, Quality!

Label Supplies

LabelTac Print Ribbonsare made to resist...•Smearing•Smudges•UV•Water•Chemicals•Stains

PRINT RIBBONS

LABELSUPPLIES

Print Ribbons

LabelTac Label Supplies can resist...•Smearing•Smudges•UV•Water•Chemicals•Stains•Heat•Cold

From1/4” to 9”

widths

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Color CoordinatedThe print ribbon is used to print the

message on your labels. It should be a contrasting color to your label supply.

See Slide 8 for color combination recommendations.

High Yield/QualityYour print ribbon should offer full opaque coverage and long

lasting light-fast qualities. Beware of cheap materials that

scratch off.

DurabilityOther factors to consider are those

of temperature and humidity or dryness. Extreme temperatures can quickly cause the your signage to

fade, crack or peel off.

1 2 3

COLOR YOUR MESSAGE - by design

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The Thermal-Transfer Label PrinterA quick overview of a Thermal-Transfer Label Printing System (LabelTac 4 shown)

The LabelTac 4 Thermal-Transfer Label Printer isa small but versatile pipe marking label printer.

LabelTac Thermal-Transfer Label Printers will always come packaged with everything you need for easy setup.

Software for setup & template library of pre-defined labels

Instruction Manual

USB Cable

Power Supply/Cord

Printer Ribbon

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Pipe Marking 101 www.CreativeSafetySupply.com 24

Visit www.LabelTac.com/printers to view the complete available lineup.

The thermal-transfer label printer should always produce a very sharp and clear label without “stair-stepping” of the image or text - often seen with low resolution imagery.

The same printer can also create warning labels. Use them to help warn people of potential dangers in your facility.

This example: printed on pre-printed header stock, adding a second color.

The Thermal-Transfer Label PrinterA quick overview of a Thermal-Transfer Label Printing System

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The Thermal-Transfer Label PrinterUsing your printer for much more than just pipe marking labels!

Way Signage:Create a true visually safe workplaceby creating way signage and directionalsignage for your facility!

5S Signage:Use your label/sign printer to helpsupport your 5S efforts and createthat lean environment you want.

OSHA Compliance:Make OSHA happy and your workerssafe by printing and posting safetycompliance signage.

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LABEL CREATION MOBILITYThe LabelTac Label Design Workstation - a stand-alone label creation solution

The LT LDW comes pre-loadedwith all of the LT software andan extensive library of templatesand custom label designs.

Details about the LT LDW can be found at: www.labeltac.com/lt-label-design-workstation/

The LabelTac Label Design Workstation (LDW) is a laptop that allows more flexibility and portability for your pipe marking team.

QUESTIONS? Our knowledgable sales team can helpyou find a solution for your needs.

Just Call: 1-866-777-1360

Additional guides, such as Marine Pipe Marking,Arc Flash Labeling and more can be downloaded

for free at: www.CreativeSafetySupply.com