Keeping You Safe Since 1970

1-888-326-9244

Favorites

Contact

Graphic Products
  • My Account
    No Account? Sign up
    Forgot password?
  • Cart ()
  • Printers & Supplies Printers
    Toro Max

    Toro Max

    NEW! portable all-in-one
    • Learn More
    • Toro Max Supplies
    Bronco Max

    Bronco Max

    NEW! reliable workhorse
    • Learn More
    • Bronco Max Supplies
    DuraLabel Kodiak

    DuraLabel Kodiak

    Multi-color, large format
    • Learn More
    • Kodiak Supplies
    DuraLabel Lobo

    DuraLabel Lobo

    Grab n' go labeler
    • Learn More
    • Lobo Supplies
    DuraLabel Toro

    DURALABEL TORO

    Mobile, stand-alone
    • Support
    • Toro Supplies
    DuraLabel Bronco

    DuraLabel Bronco

    Industrial, efficient
    • Support
    • Bronco Supplies
    DuraLabel Pro Series

    DuraLabel PRO 300

    Simple and reliable
    • Learn More
    • Pro Series Supplies
    Legacy Printers

    Legacy Printers

    Support and Supplies
    • Learn More
    • Shop All Supplies

    Quick Links

    All Printers

    Printer Kits

    Printer Supplies

    Printer Ribbons

    Accessories

    Printer Support

    Labeling Software

  • Safety Signs

    Compliance Signs

    • Chemical Signage
    • Confined Space Signs
    • Electrical Hazard Signs
    • Fire Signage
    • PPE Safety Signs
    • All Compliance Signs

    Facility Signs

    • Restricted Area Signs
    • Smoking Signs
    • Machinery Signs
    • Bathroom Signs
    • Clearance Signs
    • All Facility Signs

    Traffic Signs

    • Directional Signs
    • Exit Signs
    • Forklift Signs
    • Emergency Signs
    • All Traffic Signs

    Floor Signs

    • Blank Floor Signs
    • Exit Floor Signs
    • Fire Safety Floor Signs
    • First Aid Floor Signs
    • LOTO Floor Signs
    • All Floor Signs

    Related Resources

    PDF Icon EHS Manager's Guide
    PDF Icon OSHA Safety Signs Guide
    PDF Icon Labeling Your Facility for Safety
    PDF Icon Safety Labels vs. Signs
    SEE MORE
    Signs and Labels Banner
  • Floor Tape

    Floor Tape

    • 5S Floor Tape
    • Aisle Tape
    • Glow in the Dark Tape
    • Reflective Tape
    • Anti-Slip Tape
    • All Floor Tape

    Floor Signs

    • Blank Floor Signs
    • Exit Floor Signs
    • Fire Safety Floor Signs
    • First Aid Floor Signs
    • LOTO Floor Signs
    • All Floor Signs

    Floor Marking Shapes

    • Floor Marking Corners
    • Floor Marking T's
    • Floor Marking Footprints
    • Floor Marking Circles
    • Floor Marking Arrows
    • All Floor Marking Shapes

    Other

    • Discount Bundles
    • Floor Marking Accessories
    • Floor Laminate

    Related Resources

    PDF Icon Floor Marking Best Practices
    PDF Icon Floor Marking Color Chart
    PDF Icon What is Floor Marking?
    PDF Icon Floor Tape vs. Paint
    SEE MORE
    Floor Marking Banner
  • Pipe Markers

    Shop By Standard

    • ANSI A13.1 Pipe Markers
    • Ammonia (IIAR) Pipe Markers
    • Medical (NFPA 99) Pipe Markers
    • Marine (ISO 14726) Pipe Markers
    • European Pipe Markers
    • All Pipe Markers

    ANSI Pipe Markers

    • Fire Quenching
    • Flammable/Oxidizing
    • Toxic or Corrosive
    • Compressed Air
    • Various Water
    • All ANSI Pipe Markers

    Other

    • Pipe Marking Accessories
    • Valve Tags
    • Arrow Banding Tape

    Related Resources

    PDF Icon Pipe Marking Best Practices
    PDF Icon Facility Pipe Marking Guide
    PDF Icon Pipe Marking Basics
    PDF Icon Getting Started with Pipe Marking
    SEE MORE
    Pipe Marking Banner
  • COVID-19

    COVID-19 Solutions

    • Safety Signs
    • Printer Kits
    • Awareness Posters
    • A-Frame Signs
    • Sneeze Guards
    • All COVID-19 Solutions

    Social Distancing

    • Social Distancing Signs
    • Social Distancing Floor Signs
    • Social Distancing Floor Tape
    • All Social Distancing

    COVID-19 By Industry

    • Grocery & Retail
    • Medical & Healthcare
    • Office Settings
    • Restaurants & Food Service
    • Food Manufacturing
    • Construction
    • Manufacturing
    • Finance
    • Transportation
    • Education

    Related Resources

    Video Icon COVID-19 Safety At Work Webinar
    PDF Icon Social Distancing Reference Chart
    SEE MORE
    COVID Banner
  • Resources
  • Help
  • Free Samples
  • Quick Order
    Enter item SKU# and quantity
Graphic Products
  • My Account
  • Printers & Supplies
  • Safety Signs
  • Floor Tape
  • Pipe Markers
  • COVID-19
  • Resources
  • Help
  • Free Samples
  • Quick Order
  • Favorites
  • Contact Us
  • Back
  • MY ACCOUNT
  • Account
  • Orders
  • Track My Order
  • Addresses
  • Login & Security
  • Payment Methods
  • Carrier Accounts
  • Favorites Lists
  • Sign Out
  • Back
  • SIGN IN
  • No Account? Sign up
    Forgot password?
  • Back
  • Quick Order
Enter item SKU# and quantity
  • Back
  • Printers & Supplies
  • DuraLabel Toro Max
  • DuraLabel Bronco Max
  • DuraLabel Toro
  • DuraLabel Bronco
  • DuraLabel Kodiak
  • DuraLabel Lobo
  • DuraLabel PRO 300
  • Shop All Printers
  • Shop All Supplies
  • Shop All Ribbons
  • Labeling Software
  • Back
  • DuraLabel Toro Max
  • Toro Max Printer
  • Toro Max Supplies
  • Toro Max Ribbon
  • Toro Max Accessories
  • Toro Max Bundles and Kits
  • Toro Max Support
  • Shop All Printers
  • Shop All Supplies
  • Shop All Ribbons
  • Labeling Software
  • Back
  • DuraLabel Bronco Max
  • Bronco Max Printer
  • Bronco Max Supplies
  • Bronco Max Ribbon
  • Bronco Max Accessories
  • Shop All Printers
  • Shop All Supplies
  • Shop All Ribbons
  • Labeling Software
  • Back
  • DuraLabel Toro
  • Toro Supplies
  • Toro Ribbon
  • Toro Accessories
  • Toro Support
  • Shop All Printers
  • Shop All Supplies
  • Shop All Ribbons
  • Labeling Software
  • Back
  • DuraLabel Bronco
  • Bronco Supplies
  • Bronco Ribbon
  • Bronco Accessories
  • Bronco Support
  • Shop All Printers
  • Shop All Supplies
  • Shop All Ribbons
  • Labeling Software
  • Back
  • DuraLabel Kodiak
  • Kodiak Printer
  • Kodiak Supplies
  • Kodiak Ribbon
  • Kodiak Accessories
  • Kodiak Bundles and Kits
  • Kodiak Support
  • Shop All Printers
  • Shop All Supplies
  • Shop All Ribbons
  • Labeling Software
  • Back
  • DuraLabel Lobo
  • Lobo Printer
  • Lobo Supplies
  • Lobo Ribbon
  • Lobo Accessories
  • Lobo Support
  • Shop All Printers
  • Shop All Supplies
  • Shop All Ribbons
  • Labeling Software
  • Back
  • DuraLabel PRO 300
  • DLP 300 Printer
  • DLP 300 Supplies
  • DLP 300 Ribbon
  • DLP 300 Accessories
  • DLP 300 Bundles and Kits
  • DLP 300 Support
  • Shop All Printers
  • Shop All Supplies
  • Shop All Ribbons
  • Labeling Software
  • Back
  • Safety Signs
  • Compliance Signs
  • Facility Signs
  • Traffic Signs
  • Floor Signs
  • Shop All Safety Signs
  • Back
  • Compliance Signs
  • Chemical Signage
  • Confined Space Signs
  • Electrical Hazard Signs
  • Fire Signage
  • PPE Safety Signs
  • All Compliance Signs
  • Back
  • Facility Signs
  • Restricted Area Signs
  • Smoking Signs
  • Machinery Signs
  • Bathroom Signs
  • All Facility Signs
  • Back
  • Traffic Signs
  • Directional Signs
  • Exit Signs
  • Emergency Signs
  • Forklift Signs
  • All Traffic Signs
  • Back
  • Floor Signs
  • Blank Floor Signs
  • Exit Floor Signs
  • Fire Safety Floor Signs
  • First Aid Floor Signs
  • LOTO Floor Signs
  • All Floor Signs
  • Back
  • Floor Tape
  • General Floor Tape
  • Floor Signs
  • Floor Marking Shapes
  • Other
  • Shop All Floor Tape
  • Back
  • Floor Tape
  • 5S Floor Tape
  • Aisle Tape
  • Glow in the Dark Tape
  • Reflective Tape
  • Anti-Slip Tape
  • All Floor Tape
  • Back
  • Floor Signs
  • Blank Floor Signs
  • Exit Floor Signs
  • Fire Safety Floor Signs
  • First Aid Floor Signs
  • LOTO Floor Signs
  • All Floor Signs
  • All Floor Signs
  • Back
  • Floor Marking Shapes
  • Floor Marking Corners
  • Floor Marking T's
  • Floor Marking Footprints
  • Floor Marking Circles
  • Floor Marking Arrows
  • All Floor Marking Shapes
  • Back
  • Other
  • Discount Bundles
  • Floor Marking Accessories
  • Floor Laminate
  • Back
  • Pipe Markers
  • Shop By Standard
  • ANSI Pipe Markers
  • Other
  • Shop All Pipe Markers
  • Back
  • Shop By Standard
  • Standard (ANSI A13.1) Pipe Markers
  • Ammonia (IIAR) Pipe Markers
  • Medical (NFPA 99) Pipe Markers
  • Marine (ISO 14726) Pipe Markers
  • European Pipe Markers
  • All Pipe Markers
  • Back
  • ANSI Pipe Markers
  • Fire Quenching
  • Flammable/Oxidizing
  • Toxic or Corrosive
  • Compressed Air
  • Various Water
  • All ANSI Pipe Markers
  • Back
  • Other
  • Pipe Marking Accessories
  • Valve Tags
  • Arrow Banding Tape
  • Back
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Solutions
  • Social Distancing
  • COVID-19 By Industry
  • Shop All COVID-19 Solutions
  • Back
  • COVID-19 Solutions
  • Safety Signs
  • Printer Kits
  • Awareness Posters
  • A-Frame Signs
  • Sneeze Guards
  • All COVID-19 Solutions
  • Back
  • Social Distancing
  • Social Distancing Signs
  • Social Distancing Floor Signs
  • Social Distancing Floor Tape
  • All Social Distancing
  • Back
  • COVID-19 By Industry
  • Grocery & Retail
  • Medical & Healthcare
  • Office Settings
  • Restaurants & Food Service
  • Food Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Manufacturing
  • Finance
  • Transportation
  • Education
  • Home
  • Resources
  • Articles
  • Pipe Marking Basics

Pipe Marking Basics

BY KELSEY RZEPECKI

minute read

Pipes can put people and facilities in danger if no one knows what’s flowing through them. Pipe labels help provide essential information where it’s needed most to keep everyone safe. A comprehensive pipe marking system can benefit all types of facilities to support safety programs. 

Common Pipe Marking Standards

The purpose of pipe marking is to communicate the contents of pipes and provide important details if specific hazards exist, like extreme temperatures or pressure.

Pipe labels are also important for maintenance and emergency workers to help easily identify pipe contents to respond to issues quicker and safely. The pipe marking standard you choose will depend on your facility type and location. Some industries and jurisdictions will have additional legal requirements. Here’s an overview of the most common pipe marking standards a variety of industrial facilities and industries use:

General Pipe Marking: ANSI/ASME A13.1

pipe marking ANSI chart

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) offers a general approach for labeling piping systems in industrial and power plants in their Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems or ANSI/ASME A13.1. It’s the broadest and most common pipe marking recommendation in the United States and is an excellent starting point for most pipe marking projects in most industries.

It also applies to commercial and institutional facilities including buildings used for public assembly. However, it does not apply to buried pipelines or electrical conduits.

Are you outside of the United States?

If your facility operates in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and beyond, you’ll need to follow relevant standards. Get handy resources like a UK pipe marking chart, articles, and guides that cover pipe marking requirements in different countries on our pipe marking resources page.

OSHA

OSHA doesn’t have requirements for pipe labeling, although, it’s still a vital part of maintaining a safe workplace. Pipe labeling falls within the scope of OSHA’s General Duty Clause, which covers all potential hazards in the workplace.

In standard 1910.261(a)(3)(ii), OSHA recommends following ANSI/ASME A13.1 for best practices as well as labeling all pipes with their contents to help with general facility maintenance and communication.

Facilities whose pipes do not have labels may be subject to a citation if the following apply:

  • Pipes with contents that are hazardous, or could create hazardous conditions
  • Pipe serves a safety purpose, as part of hazard prevention or emergency response
  • If you need to redirect the flow, shut off, or adjust to allow for maintenance or other necessary work.
  • If the pipe or its contents could affect procedures during an emergency.

Confusion over pipe contents in these instances can result in injury and even death, which makes labeling them important.

Ammonia Pipe Marking: IIAR Bulletin 114

ammonia pipe label chart

It’s important that facilities with ammonia refrigeration systems use pipe labels to improve the visibility of the system’s parts to help reduce the chances of toxic ammonia exposure.

The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) provides guidelines for labeling ammonia piping and components in their Identification of Ammonia Refrigeration Piping and Systems Components standard, or IIAR Bulletin 114. It breaks down a color scheme, label format, sizing recommendations, and abbreviations for pipe markers.

These label requirements align with ANSI/ASME A13.1 for consistency and serve as the preferred style to identify pipes that carry toxic contents like ammonia.

Before you get marking, assess your piping system and challenges in your workplace. Once you determine the pipe labeling standard that’s right for your facility, you’ll need to understand the elements to include on the label.

Pipe Marking Best Practices
Keep your employees safe & meet compliance standards

The Components of a Pipe Label

There are five elements that make an effective pipe label, according to ANSI best practices. Luckily, most pipe marking standards use these same elements.

Text

Identify the pipe’s contents by name. You may also choose to list the temperature or pressure if either presents a hazard.

Size

Choose an appropriate size label and text size so it can be easily seen and understood. ANSI A13.1 outlines minimum label and text sizes based on a pipe’s outer diameter. Here’s a chart with minimum size suggestions:

pipe label chart

0.75 – 1.25 inches 1 x 8 inches 0.5 inches
1.25 – 2.0 inches 1 x 8 inches 0.75 inches
2 – 7 inches 2 x 12 inches 1.25 inches
7 – 10 inches 3 x 24 inches 2.5 inches
Over 10 inches 4 x 32 inches 3.5 inches

 

For pipes less than 0.75 inches in diameter, we recommend using a permanent tag to identify them for the best visibility.

Direction of flow

Use arrows to show the direction of the pipe’s contents flow. If the contents can flow in either direction, use multiple arrows.

Label placement

Always consider how someone will approach and view a pipe. Labels must be visible from a person’s point of normal approach. For example, if a pipe is directly overhead, apply the label below the centerline. If the pipe is below eye level, apply the label above the centerline for a clear view.

 

pipe label placement

Best practices for the most effective label placement include:

  • Every 50 feet on straight runs of pipe (or every 25 feet if more visibility is necessary)
  • On both sides of floor, wall, or ceiling penetrations
  • Next to all valves and flanges
  • Where pipes change direction

Color coding

ANSI/ASME A13.1 recommends implementing a pipe marking color code. A color code helps improve the recognition of pipes while helping quickly alert people to the type of hazard potentially posed by a pipe’s contents.

ANSI Z535.1 Safety Colors standard suggests color shades to use for the best level of identification to employees with normal and color-deficient vision. There are six predefined colors to identify broad types of pipe contents and four user-identified combinations that can be used separately by each facility using the standard.

pipe label color code

Pipe contents Colors User-defined colors
Fire quenching fluids Red marker with white text White on black
Toxic and corrosive fluids Orange marker with black text White on gray
Flammable and oxidizing fluids Yellow marker with black text Black on white
Combustible fluids Brown marker with white text White on purple
Other water (potable, cooling, boiling, etc.) Green marker with white text  
Compressed air Blue marker with white text  

 

To easily reference ANSI pipe label requirements wherever you are, download our handy pipe marking chart.

What to Do Before Getting Started

It’s a good idea to check with your local authorities to make sure you’re fully complying with the law before getting started pipe marking. There are a few important factors to consider that could significantly affect the success of your pipe marking system, including:

Size of your piping system: do you have a small or large piping system? Do you have multiple systems? This will help determine the most efficient method to implement to carry out your pipe marking system.

Condition of pipes: evaluate the physical condition of your pipes. Are the surfaces of pipes dirty, greasy, or rusty? You can mark pipes with hard-to-label surfaces like these with durable valve tags and pipe grabber sleeves that provide a clean surface.

Contents of pipes: do you have hazardous materials or extremely hot or cold contents running through your pipes? This will likely require certain supplies that can hold strong under high heat and harsh exposures to ensure your labels remain intact and legible.

Workplace environment: evaluate your facility for general hazards. Are there obstacles during day-to-day operations that could affect the condition or visibility of your labels? Consider things like potential exposures to weather, abrasion, and general wear and tear.

Evaluating your piping system before implementing pipe marking can help prevent potential hazards and accidents down the line.

Next Steps for Pipe Marking

To see how to implement a pipe marking system in your facility, see our in-depth article on getting started with pipe marking. You can also request our free Best Practice Guide to Pipe Marking for in-depth instructions and tools to help create an effective system.

During the process, you’ll find that choosing the right supplies is an important part of ensuring a successful system. Fortunately, there are high-quality solutions made to resist damage in challenging environments to ensure long-lasting labels.

When you’re ready to create pipe labels and other visual signals for your facility, you can rely on the DuraLabel line of industrial label and sign printers, and the PathFinder line of floor marking and safety tapes. Our products are all engineered to make long-lasting identification and markings for a variety of industrial needs, and they’re perfectly matched for pipe marking implementation.

Ready to get started with pipe marking in your facility? Read our How to Get Started with Pipe Marking article for comprehensive instructions on implementing a pipe marking system.

Pipe Marking Best Practices
Keep your employees safe & meet compliance standards

Related Resources

How to Get Started with Pipe Marking & Labeling

How to Get Started with Pipe Marking

See how to get started with a pipe marking project, including which standard to follow and how to create the labels you need.

Read
Pipe Marking Infographic

Pipe Marking Infographic

Understand the color code and proper placement of ANSI style pipe markers

View
Practical Pipe Marking

Practical Pipe Marking

In 20 minutes, our compliance expert describes how to use ANSI/ASME A13.1 or a specialized standard to mark your facility's piping system

Watch
  • Keep your employees safe & meet compliance standards
Get the latest deals straight to your inbox
Trusted by These Companies
Starbucks
GM
Du Pont
Amazon
Disney
3M
Pepsi
NASA
Chevron
AT&T
Toyota
Coca-Cola
UPS
Target
  • Graphic Products, Inc.
    9825 SW Sunshine Ct
    Beaverton, OR
    97005 USA

  • Business Hours:
    Monday - Friday
    5:30am - 5pm Pacific

  • 1-888-326-9244 (U.S./Canada)
  • +1-503-644-5572 (International)
  • Products
  • Printers
  • Printer Supplies
  • Safety Signs
  • Safety Labels
  • Floor Marking
  • Pipe Markers & Tags
  • Catalog
  • Support
  • Shipping & Returns
  • Manage Account
  • Printer Support
  • Warranties
  • Content Usage Guidelines
  • Resources
  • Resource Center
  • Guides
  • Articles
  • Video Library
  • Safety Blog
  • Infographics
  • Webinars
  • Company
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Become a Dealer
  • Find a Dealer
  • Press Room

Need Help?

Give us a call at 1-888-326-9244 and speak with an expert.

Customer Reviews
  • Copyright © 2023
  • All Rights Reserved
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Shipping and Returns
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Data