Benefits and Problems with ANSI A13.

1
Benefits Of ANSI A13.1 Pipe Marking
The ANSI A13.1 pipe marking standard is the pipe marking standard that applies to most
facilities. Although ANSI can not enforce the use of the A13.1 standard, and OSHA only
requires compliance for a few industries, because of the huge safety benefits of
complying with ANSI A13.1 its use is, in effect, required by OSHA through the General
Duty Clause.
What are the benefits of ANSI A13.1 pipe marking?
It starts with safety. Not being fully aware of the materials carried by pipes, and their
associated hazards, can lead to major equipment damage and accidents. Significant
environmental accidents, as well as accidents that have injured or killed workers, have
resulted simply because a wrong valve was opened (or closed) or by cutting into the
wrong pipe.
Labeling of some valves is required by ANSI A13.1
The code defines valves as being part of the piping system. Thus, since the ANSI pipe
marking standards cover piping systems, this includes valves. However, it does not make
sense to label all valves indiscriminately. This could actually be counterproductive and
result in confusion. Use valve tags to label isolation valves and control valves. However,
valves that cannot be actuated from outside the pipe, or for which the function is obvious,
typically are not labeled. Examples would be check valves, plumbing fixture faucets, shut
off valves at plumbing fixtures, and interior and exterior hose bibs.
Valves must be marked using the same color coding and text as pipes. In most cases the
valve shape does not allow a self-adhesive label to be used, so a valve tag is attached to
the valve body. Never attach a valve tag to a hand-wheel, actuator or valve stem.
With valves properly labeled in compliance with ANSI A13.1, operators and emergency
personnel will be able top identify the valve and know - for sure - whether they are
operating the correct valve.
In addition to valve tags, pipe labels are critical for finding and operating the correct
valve. To shut off the flow of material through a pipe requires going upstream and
closing the upstream valve. ANSI compliant pipe markers include arrows showing the
direction of flow, making it simple to determine the upstream direction.
ANSI A13.1 pipe markers improve efficiency and reduce costs
Having pipes clearly marked in compliance with ANSI A13.1 allows plant staff to
quickly and easily find pipes and valves. When instruments need to be calibrated or
samples taken, pipe markers help staff find the right locations and eliminate the need to
trace pipes. ANSI pipe markers also help to reduce maintenance outages and cut repair
time. Maintenance staff and contractors can quickly find locations within piping systems
and perform needed maintenance or repairs with the assurance they are working on the
correct pipe or valve.
Pipe marker quality impacts pipe marker benefits
Having pipe markers that are in compliance with ANSI A13.1 is actually the second step
of maximizing the benefits resulting from pipe markers. Before you make your pipe
markers, you need to ensure you are making quality, durable pipe markers. That means
having a DuraLabel label printer.
DuraLabel printers make both pipe markers and valve tags, and printing them is quick
and easy. But, what is needed are pipe markers that are durable and long-lasting. That's
exactly what you get with DuraLabel. Pipe markers made with DuraLabel vinyl, the most
common labeling material used for pipe markers, are warrantied to last five years. No
other label printer brand even offers a warranty on the actual pipe marker labels. Tough
tested DuraLabel supplies are the only labeling supplies that can give you this assurance
of long life. Not only that, DuraLabel printers are warrantied for three years. No other
printer has that type of warranty. That's because DuraLabel quality stands out above all
others. And that means you get long-lasting, quality pipe markers when you use
DuraLabel printers and supplies.
Problems With ANSI A13.1 Pipe Marking
The ANSI A13.1 pipe marking standard is simple. There are rarely problems with
complying with ANSI A13.1. However, at times there may be questions.
ANSI A13.1 Pipe Marking Problems - What is the color code for steam?
The following is the pipe marking color coding specified in ANSI A13.1:
Fire-quenching fluids - White text on red
Toxic and corrosive fluids - Black text on orange
Flammable fluids - Black text on yellow
Combustible fluids - White text on brown
Potable, cooling, boiler feed, and other water - White text on green
Compressed air - White text on blue
Where do steam pipes fit into this?
This is a pipe marking problem. Some facilities use yellow for steam pipe markers
because yellow indicates caution and steam presents a hazard. Others use green because
steam is evaporated water. Whether you use yellow or green is up to you. However, pick
one color and stick with it throughout your facility.

Pipe Marking Color Reference Guide
A complete reference guide to Pipe Marking

ANSI A13.1 Pipe Marking Problems - What if the pipe is less than 3/4 inch
in diameter - too small for a pipe marker label?
The same DuraLabel tags as used for valves should be used for small pipes and tubing
that can not be labeled with a pipe marker.
Pipe Marker Installation Issues Are The Biggest Problems
The biggest problems with ANSI A13.1 pipe marking have nothing to do with the
requirements of ANSI A13.1. The problems are encountered when trying to apply pipe
markers or with pipe marker durability.
Pipe Marking Problem - Difficult to reach pipes: Is it necessary to place labels on
difficult to reach pipes?
What OSHA will look at is whether pipe markers have been used to communicate safety
and hazard information where it is needed. Outside of pulp and paper mills OSHA does
not have specific pipe marking requirements. So the question is, are pipe markers needed
in those hard to reach areas in order to ensure safety? If the answer is no, and you can
document for OSHA that they are not needed for safety, then you do not need to place
pipe markers in those locations. However, keep in mind that justifying to yourself that the
pipe markers are not needed for safety is not sufficient, you must be able to demonstrate
to OSHA that all potential hazards were evaluated and the pipe markers in those locations
would not have contributed to safety in any way.
Pipe Marking Problem - Pipe markers subjected to harsh environments and
chemical wash-downs don't last:
This is an issue of selecting the right materials for your pipe markers. Pipe marker
durability problems are easily solved if you have a DuraLabel printer. DuraLabel has
more that 50 types of supplies available. You can always get the right supply for the job.
Pipe marker durability in a harsh environment depends on the the harsh environment.
DuraLabel has labeling materials available that are resistant to harsh chemicals, or
weathering, or extreme temperatures. Call 1-888-326-9244 and talk with a DuraLabel
representative to get the right labeling material for the locations in which you need pipe
labels.
Pipe Marking Problem - Pipes that cannot be cleaned:
Ordinarily the surface should be thoroughly cleaned before a label is applied to a pipe.
However, in some cases this may not be possible or the cost may be prohibitive.
DuraLabel has a number of solutions.
Label materials are available that can be applied to oily surfaces, low energy plastic pipe,
or rusty surfaces, and you'll have durable, long-lasting labels. Another option is to use
Pipe Grabber pipe marking sleeves. These are pre-coiled plastic sleeves that snap into
place around the pipe. A pipe marker can be applied to the Pipe Grabber and then the
Pipe Grabber easily placed on the difficult to label pipe. No problems or hassles.
DuraLabel makes your job easy.
For more information about DuraLabel printers and problem solving pipe marker
supplies, call 1-888-326-9244. While you are on the phone ask about the special
DuraLabel pipe marker kits.


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