If you manage an industrial plant, the utilities at an apartment complex, or anywhere else where a series of pipes or conduit is involved, pipe labeling is an important part of the job. If there is an issue with any components of facility infrastructure, using pipe marking labels makes it easy to identify which pipes need attention.This is especially true when hazardous materials are being transferred overhead or in heavy traffic areas where pipes may be bumped pallet jacks, forklifts, or other equipment. A burst pipe due to an accident is a lot more manageable if you know what you're dealing with. Water is one thing, ammonia refrigeration is something else entirely.Marking RequirementsIn many fields, identification of pipe systems and other labeling requirements mean pipe marking is a necessity. While they don't have any specific points to make about pipe marking, OSHA's General Duty Clause states than every employer to provide for workplace safety. Additionally, OSHA does reference ANSI ASME a13.1 for many industries.A feature of these pipe marker requirements includes color-coded markers to provide quick information on potentially hazardous leaks. For example, if pipe contents are toxic or corrosive pipe markers are orange while flammable or oxidizing materials are marked in yellow. These colors may also be found on other parts of the system, including valve tags.Pipe markers can also be used to label specific pipe contents. A green pipe marker means "other water," but facilities will print what that other water may be in white. Fire-quenching materials are marked in red, but also use white text to indicate precise materials. Black text is used on orange or black markers.Other usesThese markings, including arrows that define which way the materials are running, are all designed to make the workplace safer for its employees. Of course, not all facilities are carrying hazardous materials inside or outside of a building.In addition to the standard colors used throughout the United States, there are also several user-defined colors for pipe markers. Purple, white, gray, and black are reserved for building managers to use as they see fit. For example, a hospital may use a white pipe marker to indicate a medical waste vacuum.Easy UpgradesPipe markings also make any repairs or upgrades more efficient by clearly labeling what pipes do what. Of course, before any updates are made, workers must have an understanding of how the system was first constructed and how they operate. That being said, pipe markers will make the job much easier.Imagine dealing with a cluster of 14 of 15 pipes, each carrying a different material to a different area of the facility. With pipe markers, maintenance workers won't constantly have to check and double-check which pipes need attention.No matter what you're using pipe markers for, contact Precision Label Products. In addition to tape, we also provide printers, thermal printer ribbon, die-cut labels, and other specialty labels for your business. If you don't find what you're looking for on our site, feel free to call us at 800-944-2368 and we'll find it for you. We look forward to hearing from you.
