Effective, Highly Visible Pipeline Markers

The purpose of a pipeline marker is to show the location and identify the ownership of a buried pipeline, and to decrease the potential for accidental damage to that pipeline. To accomplish this objective pipeline markers need to be permanent and highly visible.

The type of pipeline marker used will vary based on the location and environment. Pipeline markers in densely populated areas may tend to look more like a traditional safety sign. Those used in remote areas may be more like posts.

If the pipeline will be monitored from the air, then pipeline markers visible from the air need to be used. Air surveillance is used to improve safety by spotting unauthorized activities, in particular the use of excavation equipment close to the pipeline.

Pipeline markers need to be resistant to weather, including "wind whip." Because a tubular shape is resistant to wind whip, durable and produces a pipeline marker that is visible from any direction, PVC pipe is often used to make rugged, long-lasting, and effective pipeline markers. Labels can easily and permanently be applied to any size of PVC pipe to provide the required information. White PVC pipe is highly visible and the addition of color labels that contrast with the environment will increase their visibility. If needed, striping on the marker, such as reflective stripes, can be used to further increase marker visibility.

When using PVC pipe for pipeline markers be sure to cap the top of the pipe. Birds will see the open top as an "ideal" location for nesting. Once inside the pipe they will be unable to get out and will starve to death. Capping the pipe will also help make it more visible from the air.

In densely populated locations traditional signs, mounted on a sturdy post, make effective pipeline markers. They are easy to read and provide information in a format people are familiar with. Using standard CAUTION signs (yellow caution header with a white body) will warn people about the pipeline in a way that will be noticed and understood.

Click here to learn more about ANSI pipe markers and to order a free guide to ANSI pipe marking.

Insight into Pipe System Labeling

DuraLabel printers are perfect for making labels for use on PVC pipe pipeline markers. With over 50 types of supplies available for DuraLabel printers, you can always get the right supply for the job. DuraLabel premium vinyl is commonly used to place information on PVC tubing used as pipeline markers. With a unique five-year warranty on the vinyl label itself, there is no labeling material that matches DuraLabel tough-tested vinyl for durability. DuraLabel reflective tape can be added to increase visibility. DuraLabel phosphorescent tape may be used to create pipeline markers that can be spotted and identified in the dark.

DuraLabel printers are also excellent for making traditional signs used for pipeline markers. Two-color custom vinyl caution signs can be quickly made using a DuraLabel PRO or DuraLabel TORO printer. Tough-tested DuraLabel vinyl is resistant to outdoor conditions including moisture, sunlight, wind and abrasion. When it comes to making long-lasting signs and labels, there is nothing like a DuraLabel.

Call 1-888-326-9244 for more information about using DuraLabel printers and supplies for making pipeline markers.