Labelilng Pipes with Pipe Markers

Safety should always be the first concern in any work environment, especially those that have pipes and containers holding dangerous substances. Visually communicate potential hazards, pipe contents, and direction of flow with pipe labels. Safety signs and labels inform emergency personnel and employees all of the information they need to know before approaching or interacting with the pipeline.

FREE Pipe Marking Guide

Pipe marker labels indicate which pipelines are dangerous, direction of flow, and pipe contents.

According to the ASME and ANSI A13.1 code, Pipe markers must follow certain standards and requirements.

Labels on pipes must :

• Indicate direction of the contents flow using arrows at one or both ends
• Be visible when they are approached from a common direction
• Be placed at any and all line entry or re-entry point
• Be placed near flanges, valves, and any changes in pipe direction
• Be placed on both sides of wall, floor, or ceiling penetrations
• Be placed on pipes at least once every 50 feet on straight pipe runs

Valve Tags should be used:

• If pipeline is located above the normal line of vision, the label needs to be placed below the horizontal center line of the pipe to maximize visibility
• If pipeline is located below the normal line of vision, the label needs to be placed above the horizontal center line of the pipe to maximize visibility
• Pipe Grabber™ Sleeves should be used when the pipe is too dirty or greasy and cannot be cleaned. Pipe Grabber Sleeves could also be used if the label won't stick because the pipe is covered with rust, scale, un-lagged insulation, etc

Labels should be maintained to make sure they are always easy to see and read. Abbreviations will help maximize the space and convey the correct message for the situation. Under typical conditions, labels will last at least five years. Certain environmental conditions could influence a shorter or longer label life.