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Industrial Pipe Marking Pipe and Valve Identification

Specialists

SPECIFICATIONS

ASME (ANSI) Standard A13.1-2007

The ASME (ANSI) Standard for pipe identification is a widely used guideline in determining pipe

identification requirements. The purpose of the standard is to "assist in identification of hazardous

materials conveyed in piping systems and their hazards when released into the environment." "Pipes

are defined as conduits for the transport of gases, liquids, semi-liquids or fine particulate dust."

Supports, brackets and/or other accessories are specifically excluded from the application of this

standard.

Methods of Identification Pipe marking

Plastic pipe marking

Engraved Plastic Laminate Signs

Stencil

Valve Tags

Utility Marking Tape

Pipe Marking

-Identify your pipes with self-adhesive pipe markers.

-Pipe labels can be invaluable in an emergency situation, and will also help you comply with A13.1

standards.

-Adjust size of marker and letters to accommodate the outside diameter, including insulation, of the

pipe identified. Follow the guidelines published in ANSI A13.1 for marker/lettering size and color.

-Lettering: Include standard preprinted nomenclature that best describes piping system in each

instance, for review by the Architect/Engineer/owner.

-Pipe marker with arrows indicate direction of flow, either integrally with piping system service

lettering (to accommodate both directions), or as a separate unit of plastic.

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Plastic Pipe Marking -Snap-on or strap-on type vinyl markers with integral flow arrows and factory applied graphics.

-No tape or adhesives necessary and no need to clean or degrease pipes.

-Arrows are included on every marker and each marker is reversible so

you don't need to know the flow direction before you order.

-UV resistant inks and heavy vinyl withstand harsh environments.

Engraved Plastic Laminate Signs

-Provide 1/8” thick plastic laminate engraved with 1/4” high letters, block font, black with white core

(letter color). Approximate size: 4-1/2" x 6", or as required to accommodate lettering.

-Wording shall indicate device identification number and description.

-Attach with stainless steel screws or contact type permanent adhesive where screws should not

penetrate the substrate

Stencil Painted Identification Materials

Types of Stencils

Fiberboard Stencil

Mylar Plastic Stencil

DuraLast: PVC Stencil

Brass Stencil

Stencil Paint

Standard exterior type stenciling enamel; black,

except as otherwise indicated; either brushing

grade or pressurized spray-can form and grade.

-Standard stencils, prepared for required applications with letter sizes generally complying with

recommendations of ANSI A13.1 for piping and similar applications but not less than 1-1/4" high

letters for ductwork and not less than 3/4“ high letters for access door signs and similar operational

instructions.

Valve Tags Plastic Tags

Standard 1-1/2” – 2” diameter, 3/32" gauge.

Economical and very easy to use.

Chemical and weather resistant.

Customize and color-code on the spot.

Have a smooth write-on surface.

Not recommended for outdoor use.

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Brass Valve Tags

Standard 1-1/2” – 2” diameter, 19” gauge.

Withstand high temperatures up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Relatively inexpensive while providing sufficient stability.

Aluminum Tags

Standard 1-1/2” – 2” diameter 18” gauge.

Withstand high temperatures up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Impervious to moisture and will not rust.

Designed to survive in harsh environments.

Stainless Steel Tags

Standard 1-1/2” – 2” diameter, 20” gauge.

Withstand about 2700 degrees Fahrenheit.

Completely rust resistant.

Very strong and can survive in extreme environments.

Utility Marking Tape -Alerts excavators that buried utility lines are present.

-Underground Warning Tapes come in non detectable polyethylene styles or detectable (metallic

tape) that can be located with a metal detector and shall continuously identify the pipe with big,

bold, black lettering.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Piping System Identification

As a minimum, locate pipe markers as follows:

Provide a pipe marker at each valve to

indicate proper identification of pipe

contents. Where several valves exist on one

(1) header, it is necessary to mark only the

header.

Every 25 feet in exposed and concealed

areas on all piping systems. Provide at least

one (1) pipe marker in each room on all

piping systems.

At each branch or riser take off on piping

systems, excluding short takeoffs for fixtures

and terminal units.

Provide a pipe marker and an arrow marker

at every point of pipe entry or exit where the

pipe penetrates a wall, floor, service column

or enclosure.

At access doors, manholes and similar access

points that permit view of concealed piping.

Near major equipment items and other points of

origination and termination.

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ASME (ANSI) Color Recommendations -Unmarked pipes mean danger - to both life and property. Numerous injuries have occurred through

ignorance of pipe contents, particularly when outside agencies are called in under emergency

conditions.

-Safety Color Code, ANSI Z535.1

ASME (ANSI) Size Recommendations -The A13.1-2007 standard also makes recommendations as to the size of letter height and length of

color field for various pipe diameters.

-These recommendations are shown in the table.

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Mechanical Equipment Identification

-Install an engraved plastic laminate sign on or near each major item of mechanical equipment.

1. Main control and operating valves, including safety devices

2. Meters, gauges, thermometers and similar units

3. Fuel-burning units including boilers, furnaces, and heaters

4. Pumps, compressors, chillers, condensers and similar motor-driven units

5. Heat exchangers, coils, evaporators, cooling towers, heat recovery units and similar

equipment

6. Fans, blowers, primary balancing dampers and VAV boxes

7. HVAC central-station and zone-type units

8. Tanks and pressure vessels

9. Air conditioning indoor and outdoor units

10. AFD's and transmitters and Control Boxes

11. Other items as specified by Project Manager

Underground Pipe Identification

Burial Depths:

Maximum detectable burial range is as follows:

-Install pipe identification tape 12" above all underground pipe installations.

-Install 2"wide tape for pipe ≤ 24" deep; 6"wide tape for pipe > 24“ deep.

Color Code:

Blue Water & Associated Lines

Brown Force Mains & Associated Lines

Green Sanitary & Associated Lines

Orange Telecommunications & Telephone Lines

Purple Reclaimed Water Lines

Yellow Gas & Associated Lines

Red Electric & Associated Lines

Ductwork Identification

-Identify air supply, return, exhaust, intake, and relief ductwork with stenciled signs and arrows,

showing ductwork service and direction of flow, in black or white (whichever provides most contrast

with ductwork color).

-Label all ducts in mechanical equipment rooms and in congested corridors when concealed by ceilings.

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MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS

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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

-Can I still use my current pipe marking system based on the older version of the standard or do I

have to change my color scheme to meet ASME A13.1 2007?

Existing schemes for identification shall be considered as meeting the requirements of the

standard if the schemes are described in writing and employees are trained in the operation

and hazards of the piping system.

-What if I have a pipe smaller than 3/4" diameter?

For pipes of less than 3/4" in diameter the use of a permanently legible tag is recommended.

-Are particular shades of yellow, green, red and blue required for pipe labels?

Yes, ANSI/ASME A13.1- recommends the color code featured in the ANSI Z53.1- Safety Color

Code for Marking Physical Hazards. The color shades recommended are intended to give

highest level of recognition to employees with both normal and color-deficient vision.

-Has this ANSI pipe marking standard been adopted by OSHA?

No, it is still considered an industry consensus standard, which is only a recommendation.

Even though it has not been specifically adopted by OSHA, industry consensus standards may

be evidence that a hazard is recognized and there is a feasible means of correcting such a

hazard. If you do not follow a consensus standard, it is possible to be cited under the General

Duty Clause.