Pipe Marking 101, by Creative Safety Supply has been created to help newbies and even old dogs, to bone up on Pipe Marking regulations and/or suggested practices. While this Pipe Marking slideshare is not as comprehensive as our main pipe marking guide, it shows more than enough information to get you well on your way to being safe and compliant with both OSHA and ASME pipe marking suggested techniques and practices. From EU ISO formats to OSHA/ASME guidelines, you'll find suggested color coding, label and type sizes as well as common styles used for various fluid contents. As well, the LabelTac Thermal Labeling Pinter is reviewed and discussed as an example of a high-end, yet cost-effective solution for those who want full control over the creation, production and deployment of their pipe marking labels. An explanation of the different types of printing substrates and materials, including colored printing ribbons and label supply is also presented in full color and schematics. We hope our efforts in creating this publication bring you that much closer to creating your own effective pipe marking campaign at great savings. The Creative Safety Supply Team 7737 SW Cirrus Drive Beaverton, OR 97008 For more information on pipe marking and pipe labeling please visit: https://www.creativesafetysupply.com/pipe-marking/ Pipe marking Infographic: https://www.creativesafetysupply.com/infographics/pipemarking-compliance Pipe marking article and ANSI/ASME A13.1 https://www.creativesafetysupply.com/articles/pipe-colorcodes/ Other Pipe Marking Resources: https://www.creativesafetysupply.com/resources/pipe-marking

1. PIPE MARKING 101
Important First Steps In
Understanding Pipe Marking

2. Why Pipe Marking Requires
Your Attention:
Pipe Marking 101 www.CreativeSafetySupply.com
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1. SAFETY
• Accidents from untrained staff or individuals ignorant of
safety protocol are greatly reduced or eliminated altogether
• Errors in pipe identification are avoided or minimized
• Pipe markings help emergency response teams or external
parties to know what contents they are dealing with in the
case of an emergency

3. Why Pipe Marking Requires
Your Attention:
2. EFFICIENCY
• Maintenance personnel do not have to waste time tracing pipes
back to their source
• Overall savings of time, as there is no second guessing what
the contents of the pipes in the facility are
• Pipe markings give immediate indication of flow direction
Pipe Marking 101 www.CreativeSafetySupply.com 3

4. Why Pipe Marking Requires
Your Attention:
3. COMPLIANCE
• Adhering to national and international regulations reduces
company liability and eliminates fines.
• Commerce and business are better supported and maintained
when everyone is working by the same rules.
Pipe Marking 101 www.CreativeSafetySupply.com 4

5. PIPE LABELS -
GUIDELINES AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Pipe marking guidelines regulate four
main arenas:
1. Format of the standard being
used
2. The color schemes of the pipe
application
3. The height of the text which is
based on the pipe size
4. Visibility - placement of the
pipe marking labels

6. Pipe Label Standards/Formats
US Standard/Format (ASME)
ISO 14726
EU Standard/Format
Pipe marker label standards and formats vary from country to country.
Be sure to ask your label provider about available options.

7. INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY PIPE STANDARDS:
ASME A13.1-2007
Specifies content of pipe and associated hazards
Health & Safety Signs Regulation (1.4.96)
ISO 14726
Specifies main colors in identifying the substances in
pipes. This particular standard is usually referred to as
Marine pipe identification in ship & offshore sites.
ISO (DIS) 14726-2
Further specifies additional color codes for the “in support
of more detailed identification of substances”
ASO 1345-1995
This standard address the elements of design as well as
specifies the location of the markers/adjacent distances
OSHA - 29 CFR 1910.261 (a)(3)(ii)
IIAR
International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration

8. EXAMPLES OF PIPE CLASSIFICATIONS:
(ASME (ANSI) STANDARD A13.1-2007)
Color Scheme Recommendation (ASME)
Classification Example Color Scheme
Potable, Cooling,
Boiler Feed and
Other Waters
WASTE WATER WHITE ON
GREEN
Flammable Fluids BLACK
GAS ON YELLOW
Compressed Air WHITE ON
AIR 100 PSI BLUE
Fire-Quenching Fluids WHITE
HALON ON RED
Toxic/Corrosive Fluids BLACK ON
HCL ORANGE
Combustion Fluids WHITE ON
VAPOR BROWN
Acids & Alkalis WHITE ON
PURPLE
Non-Flammable Gas WHITE ON
GRAY
DEFINED BY USER
Air Ventilation System BLACK ON
WHITE
Waste Media WHITE ON
BLACK

9. Ĵ ķ ĸ
9
Text Height is important!
Text height and minimum pipe marker label lengths should follow
these recommended guidelines - readability is important!
Pipe OUTER
Diameter
Height of
Letters
Label Length
PIPE OUTER DIAMETER HEIGHT OF LETTER MINIMUM LABEL LENGTH
inches mm inches mm inches mm
0.75 - 1.24 19 - 32 0.5 13 8 200
1.25 - 2.4 38 - 51 0.75 19 8 200
2.5 - 7.9 64 - 150 1.25 32 12 300
8 - 9.9 200 - 250 2.5 64 24 600
10+ 250+ 3.5 89 32 800

10. Pipe Marker
Visibility
Guideline Four
Pipe markers should be
readily visible to personnel
and visitors entering the
facility from the normal entry
point.
Pipe markers
should be visually
accessible upon
entering the area.

11. The ASME (ANSI) Standard
A13.1-2007
Below are just some of the examples of how
classification and content can help you determine
which color to use for labeling.
These represent a few standard color recommendations:
Pipe Marking
Pro Tip:
Even abandoned
pipes could be
clearly marked to
avoid confusion.

12. Guideline #1
Pipes should be marked
as close to all valves or
flanges as possible.
Guideline #2
Pipes should be marked
as close to directional
changes as possible.
Minimal
effective
distance
Minimal
effective
distance
Visibility of Pipe Markers Based on Flow Direction
Guideline #3
Pipes should be marked at points where they
have penetrated walls or dividers.
Minimal effective
distance
Guideline #4
Pipes should be marked every 25’ to 50’ interval
on straight runs.
Keep letter height in mind!

13. Pipe Marker Environmental Criteria
Below are some of the challenging environments pipe markers are expected to perform and be used in.
Ambient
Conditions
Temperature
Ranges
Pipe
Surface
Chemical
Resistance
Special
Properties
Indoor
Outdoor
Humid
Dry
Minimum Installation
Temp: 40°F, 5°C
Upper Temperature
Limitation: 248°F, 120°C
Lower Temperature
Limitation: -40°F, -40°C
Dirty, Dusty
Rough, Rusty
Insulated
Unevenly Painted
Wet
Greasy, Oily
Low PVC
Pipe contact point
Whole marker
Low Halogen
Pipe contact point
whole marker
Meets ASME (ANSI)
A13.1 standards
Organic Solvents:
MEK, Acetone, Toluene
Acids:
Sulfuric, HCL, Acetic
Alkalis:
Sodium Hydroxide
Alchohols:
Methanol, Isopropanol
Grease, Oils:
SAE 20, ASTM #3
Pipe Marking 101 www.CreativeSafetySupply.com 13

14. Pipe Marking Label Sources
Where can you find Pipe Marking Labels?
1. Standard Order
Pre-Made Labels
2. Custom Order
3. Print Your Own*
*On-Site, On-Demand
Most vendors will present you with a
dropdown menu showing all of the color
options, message and sizes.
If unsure, take the time to call them!
Initiate a label inventory to identify which
labels you need. Make note of the
message, height of lettering and colors
required to create your pipe marking. Call
the vendor before ordering, to discuss.
Your most economical and easiest
option. Usually thermal printers come
with a vast library of pipe marking labels
ready to be printed out and used. A
trustworthy vendor offers full support.

15. 1. The Standard Order
A good supplier will
offer you a quick way
to contact a trained
representative.
A true-to-life, realistic
representation should
be provided.
Make sure your options
are plentiful and you are
able to order what you
NEED.
And who does NOT like
free shipping!?
If possible, see what
kinds of social signals
they have - are their
customers happy?
Be sure to look for
a “best price”
guarantee.
Are any customer
ratings available for
your review?
What to look for if ordering online:

16. 2. Custom Order
Custom orders online
should allow you to:
(a) Provide the text you need
(b) Choose options, such as
flow arrows in various directions
(c) As well, you will want to
see the applicable examples
of color (red on white, white
on green, etc.)
How to get what you need:
(a)
(b)
(c)

17. 3. Print Your Own Economical, easy - the Pipe Marking Package:
How to start...
Invest in a complete pipe marking
label printing package like the one
seen at the right.
This saves you from having to second
guess what you may or
may not need, because everything
comes pre-bundled.
Reaching your goal of pipe marking
compliance throughout your facility is
important and you do not want to waste
time and money on the wrong materials.
Savings Tip: Bundling supplies with a printer can save you money!
LabelTac ®
4 Pro
Pipe Marking Package
*for more info visit LabelTac.com/labeltac-packages

18. The Thermal-Transfer Printer
Overview of what a good Thermal-Transfer Label Printing System offers:
The Thermal-Transfer Printer
The Label Supply
Print Ribbons
Software / Support
The Thermal-Transfer
Printer is the heart of the
your label printing
campaign.
Composed of a thermal
print head and holding two
spools of material; the label
supply and the print ribbon.
The label supply should be
of highest available quality.
This ensures that they will
last not only over the
average period of 5-7
years, but that they will
also withstand possible
environmental stress.
Label supplies created for
extreme temperatures or
environments will ensure
that the labels will last for
the duration.
Not all print ribbons are
created equal. Avoid
using sub-par ribbons
with your printer.
Despite cheaper price,
they will more than likely
only last a fraction of the
time.
Be sure to ask your
vendor for a guarantee or
at the very least proof of
product quality.
Another big part of your
ongoing success with your
Pipe Marking campaign will be
finding a vendor who believes
in good customer support.
Your printer vendor should
include software that is easy to
use and offer a large library of
pre-formatted label templates
to save you time and
frustration.
Interior - From the LabelTac 4 S®eries

19. Thermal-Transfer Label Printer
Your Thermal-Transfer Label Printer should be easy to use
and maintain. While it is a fairly simple tool, it should have
these minimum traits/capabilities:
1. Easy to load both the label supply and printer ribbon
2. Easy to maintain with a few simple steps such cleaning the
platen, print head and rollers
3. Ability to handle several label supply widths
4. A label creation software with a library of templates and
custom designs allowing you to get started immediately
with your pipe marking campaign
The LabelTac ®
4
series can easily accommodate
label supplies from 1/4” to 4”
inches wide.

20. Label Supply - A Few Sticking Points
Use labeling supplies that adhere easily and last a long time
Stays
Put!
This is a no-brainer.
You will want your
label to adhere for a
long time for highest
ROI.
Make sure supplies
you purchase are of
the highest quality.
Rainbow
Of Colors
You will also need a
variety of safety colors
for both the label
supply as well as the
printer ribbon.
Remember to combine
your colors correctly -
follow the standards!
Show The
Flow
Pipe marking often
requires directional
arrows to clearly show
directional flow of the
pipe’s content.
Your thermal-transfer
printer will be able to
produce these.
Quality,
Quality!
As in any industry,
there are cheap(er)
ribbons and stock to
be found and used.
BEWARE: These can
lead to printer failure
or fading as they
simply can’t hold up.

21. Label Supplies
LabelTac
Print
Ribbons
are made
to resist...
•Smearing
•Smudges
•UV
•Water
•Chemicals
•Stains
PRINT
LABEL
SUPPLIES
RIBBONS
Print Ribbons
LabelTac
Label Supplies
can resist...
•Smearing
•Smudges
•UV
•Water
•Chemicals
•Stains
•Heat
•Cold
From
1/4” to 9”
widths
®
®

22. COLOR YOUR MESSAGE - by design
1 2 3
Color Coordinated
The print ribbon is used to print the
message on your labels. It should be a
contrasting color to your label supply.
See Slide 8 for color combination
recommendations.
High Yield/Quality
Your print ribbon should offer
full opaque coverage and long
lasting light-fast qualities.
Beware of cheap materials that
scratch off.
Durability
Other factors to consider are those
of temperature and humidity or
dryness. Extreme temperatures can
quickly cause the your signage to
fade, crack or peel off.

23. The Thermal-Transfer Label Printer
A quick overview of a Thermal-Transfer Label Printing System (LabelTac 4 shown)
The LabelTac 4
Thermal-Transfer Label Printer is
a small but versatile pipe marking
label printer.
Printer Ribbon
USB Cable
LabelTac Thermal-Transfer
Label Printers will always come
packaged with everything you
need for easy setup.
®
Software for setup & template
library of
pre-defined labels
Instruction Manual
Power Supply/Cord
®
®
Pipe Marking 101 www.CreativeSafetySupply.com 23

24. The Thermal-Transfer Label Printer
A quick overview of a Thermal-Transfer Label Printing System
Visit www.LabelTac.com/printers to
view the complete available lineup.
The thermal-transfer label
printer should always produce
a very sharp and clear label
without “stair-stepping” of the
image or text - often seen
with low resolution imagery.
The same printer can also
create warning labels. Use
them to help warn people of
potential dangers in your
facility.
This example: printed on
pre-printed header stock,
adding a second color.
Pipe Marking 101 www.CreativeSafetySupply.com 24

25. The Thermal-Transfer Label Printer
Using your printer for much more than just pipe marking labels!
Way Signage:
Create a true visually safe workplace
by creating way signage and directional
signage for your facility!
5S Signage:
Use your label/sign printer to help
support your 5S efforts and create
that lean environment you want.
OSHA Compliance:
Make OSHA happy and your workers
safe by printing and posting safety
compliance signage.
Pipe Marking 101 www.CreativeSafetySupply.com 25

26. LABEL CREATION MOBILITY
The LabelTac Label Design Workstation - a stand-alone label creation solution
The LabelTac Label Design
Workstation (LDW) is a
laptop that allows more
flexibility and portability for
your pipe marking team.
The LT LDW comes pre-loaded
with all of the LT software and
an extensive library of templates
and custom label designs.
Details about the LT LDW can be found at:
www.labeltac.com/lt-label-design-workstation/
Pipe Marking 101 www.CreativeSafetySupply.com 26

27. QUESTIONS? Our knowledgable sales team can help
you find a solution for your needs.
Just Call: 1-866-777-1360
Additional guides, such as Marine Pipe Marking,
Arc Flash Labeling and more can be downloaded
for free at: www.CreativeSafetySupply.com