OSHA and Pipe Labels
Requirements and Enforcement
During facility inspections, OSHA examines pipe markings and other hazard identification with an eye toward answering three questions:
- Do employees understand potential hazards?
- Do employees know how to avoid hazards?
- Do employees know what to do in the event of an emergency?
OSHA does not, in most cases, mandate specific guidelines for pipe markers. (The pulp and paper industry is an exception; OSHA requires pulp and paper plants to follow specific guidelines under 29 CFR 1910.261.) Instead, OSHA focuses more on the results of a pipe marking program—increased safety. Pipe labels should contain all the information employees need in order to make intelligent decisions regarding the contents of a pipe or conduit.
For most plants, OSHA's pipe marking requirements will be met by compliance with ANSI / ASME A13.1. OSHA does not mandate the use of this consensual industry standard, but it provides a simple, clear, and consistent system for labeling pipes. Failing to following ANSI / ASME A13.1 (which allows variations from the standard, as long as they are established in writing) can result in OSHA citations under the General Duty Clause.
Large plants or those with many different chemicals may need additional pipe markings, such as right-to-know (RTK) labels, for adequate safety. In addition, certain special applications such ammonia refrigeration and medical gas distribution systems have industry-specific standards which should be followed instead of ANSI / ASME A13.1. In evaluating a facility's pipe-marking system, OSHA looks at both industry consensus standards (which indicate known hazards) and the special requirements of the facility.
In addition to providing label printers and supplies for almost every pipe marking need, PipeLabels.com offers a free guide to OSHA-accepted pipe marking. For more information about implementing OSHA pipe marking in your facility, give us a call or email us using the button below.
