1.

0 GENERAL

1.1 PURPOSE: This specification defines the method of identifying the contents and
potential hazards of piping systems.

1.2 SERVICE: This applies to all pipes used to convey gases, vapors, liquids and
pneumatically conveyed solids or solids handling.

1.3 REFERENCE STANDARDS:

1.3.1 ASME A13.1- 2015

1.3.2 ANSI Z535.1 Safety Color code

1.4 WORK NOT INCLUDED IN THIS SPECIFICATION

1.4.1 ELECTRICAL CONDUIT

1.4.2 OPEN SOLIDS CONVEYORS (OTHER THAN EITHER PNEUMATIC

TYPE OR SCREW FEED)

1.4.3 UNDERGROUND PIPES

1.4.4 EXHAUST DUCTWORK AND STACKS

1.4.5 AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING, AND VENTILATION DUCTWORK

1.5 PROHIBITED IDENTIFYING TECHNIQUES: For various reasons, the following

techniques shall not be used in identifying either contents or flow direction.

1.5.1 DECALS APPLIED DIRECTLY TO THE PIPE

1.5.2 STENCILING

1.5.3 HAND PAINTING

2.0 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

2.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: The pipe identification systems is composed of three

items; labeling, color coding, and posted explanatory signs.

2.1.1 LABELING: Pipe labeling is used to identify the contents of pipes. Labeling
is also used to denote pressure and temperature hazards by the use of terms
such as "hot" or "high pressure" as a part of the legend when appropriate.
rev date revision description prepared by approved by

- 10/01/86 original issue W. P. Rupert M. P. Day

C 05/17/217 Update based on Update ASME & ANSI Standards RD Powell Stds & Specs
engineering specification WBS
PIPING IDENTIFICATION AND COLOR CODING
Specification Number

® 15190
page 1 of 8
 Labeling is used to indicate direction of flow.

a) Location of Identification Markers: Labels shall be located/place so that

the markers can be viewed from a floor or level surface.

2.1.2 COLOR CODING: Color coding is used to identify the degree of hazard posed
by a pipe due to the chemical or physical properties of the pipe contents. It also
denotes the use or function of the piping system in the case of fire protection
piping.

2.1.3 EXPLANATORY SIGNS: Explanatory signs are posted at conspicuous

locations throughout the plant to explain the color code system and to define
certain words used on pipe labels such as "hot" and "high pressure". (These
signs are not part of this contract and are discussed here only to define the
complete identification system.)

2.2 TYPE OF LABEL (ACTIVE LINES): Semi-rigid snap-on labels preformed to specific
pipe diameters. Labels can be preprinted or blank with stick-on decal lettering.

2.2.1 SETON: Setmark Markers

2.2.2 BRADY: B-689 High Performance Pipe Markers

2.2.3 OTHERS: As approved by Owner's Representative

2.3 TYPE OF LABEL (ABANDONED LINES): NO COLOR; "Abandoned Pipe"

marking tape, 2 inch wide, BRADY B-725 or Owner-approved equal.

2.4 LABEL SIZE: The size of the letters and the minimum length of the field shall be based
on the outside pipe diameter, including insulation and jacketing, if any. If multiple pipes
are bundled and wrapped, the determining factor is the approximate outside diameter of
the bundle.
OUTSIDE DIAMETER MINIMUM LENGTH OF SIZE OF
OF PIPE OR COVERING COLOR FIELD LETTERS (INCHES)
(INCHES) (INCHES) “A” “B”
Less than 1 1/2 8 1/2
1 1/2 to 2 8 3/4
2 1/2 to 6 12 1 1/4
8 to 10 24 2 1/2
Over 10 32 3 1/2

rev C Specification Number 15190 page 2 of 8

2.5 LABEL/LETTERING COLORS: Color combinations of labels and lettering as follows:
FIELD COLOR LETTERING COLOR
Safety Green White
Safety Yellow Black
Safety Blue White
Safety Red White
Safety White Black
Safety Orange Black
Safety Purple White
Safety Brown White

2.6 DIRECTIONAL ARROWS: The direction of flow through a pipe shall be indicated by
use of directional arrows displayed as part of the label. The arrows can be preprinted on
the label or preprinted on the tape used to secure the label.

Directional arrows are not required where direction of flow is obvious, such at a
hose station.

Directional arrows are not to be used in the following cases:

2.6.1 LOOPED HEADERS

2.6.2 PIPE PRESSURIZED BY SUPPLY AT BOTH ENDS

2.6.3 PIPE WHERE DIRECTION OF FLOW CHANGES BY DESIGN

2.7 LOCATION OF IDENTIFICATION MARKERS

rev C Specification Number 15190 page 3 of 8

3.0 EXECUTION

3.1 COLOR SECTION GUIDELINES: The following outlines the general criteria for color
selection. Specific assignments are made in the next paragraph.

3.1.1 GREEN: FLUID SERVICE: Potable, cooling, boiler feed & other waters

a) Reserved for liquids have a low degree of hazard. For a liquid to qualify in
this category, it must have no chemical or physical properties which are
considered hazardous. The temperature must be less than 125F/ 52C and
the pressure must be less than 150 psig / 10.3 Bar. (NOTE: Water need
not be of a potable purity to quality in this category; it can contain
chemical or biological contaminants so long as the concentrations present
are considered a low hazard.)

3.1.2 BLUE: FLUID SERVICE: Compressed Gases

a) Reserved for gases having a low degree of hazard. For a gas to qualify in
this category it must have no chemical or physical properties which are
considered hazardous and must be at a temperature less than 125F/52C and
a pressure less than 150 psig/ 10.3 Bar. A gas does not have to be
breathable to qualify in this category because this guidelines assumes that
the use of plant compressed air for breathing and life support is prohibited
in all plants.

3.1.3 YELLOW: FLUID SERVICE: Flammable and oxidizing fluids

a) Flammability/Flash Point Less than 100F/ 38C

b) NFPA Flammability Code “3 or 4”

c) Also reserved for multiple pipes bundled together.

3.1.4 RED: FLUID SERVICE: Fire quenching fluids

a) Denotes fire protection or fire quenching fluids & systems. This includes
water systems, steam snuff systems, halon gas and carbon dioxide piping if
that piping is dedicated for fire protection or fire quenching. Please
NOTE: Steam, water, or carbon dioxide piping for other purposes does not
qualify in this category.

3.1.5 WHITE: FLUID SERVICE: Solids

a) Reserved for pneumatically conveyed solids having a low degree of

hazard. To qualify in this category the solids should have no chemical or
physical properties which are considered hazardous and should be
conveyed at a temperature less than 125F/ 52C and a pressure less than
150 psig/ 10.3 Bar.

3.1.6 ORANGE: FLUID SERVICE: Toxic and corrosive fluids.

a) Reserved for gases, vapors, liquids and pneumatically conveyed solids

which due to their chemical or physical properties are either toxic or
corrosive. This includes any pipe whose contents are at a temperature of
rev C Specification Number 15190 page 4 of 8
 125F / 52C or greater or whose pressure is at 150 psig / 10.3 Bar or
greater.

3.1.7 PURPLE: FLUID SERVICE: Water reactive fluids.

a) Reserved for Silanes and other chemicals that are reactive to water. This
piping should not be used if flushed with water unless thoroughly dried.
Failure to follow this restriction will create a scenario where a chemical
reaction will occur inside the piping.

3.1.8 BROWN: FLUID SERVICE: Reserved for fluids/materials that can burn but
are not flammable.

a) Flammability/Flash Point rating greater than 100F / 38C

b) NFPA Flammable Code “2”

3.2 COLOR ASSIGNMENTS: The following are color assignments for specific materials.
Multiple pipes bundled together inside a common wrapping shall be treated as
hazardous and color coded yellow.
GREEN
• Potable Water
• City Water
• Well Water
• Plant Service Water
• Softened Water
• Demineralized Water
• Distilled Water
• Reverse Osmosis Water
• Once-Thru Cooling Water
• Boiler Feedwater
• Recirculated Cooling Water
• Chilled Water
• Scrubber Water
• Washwater
• White Water
• Industrial Wastewater
• Process Wastewater
• Sanitary Wastewater
• Cullet Water
• Binder Reclaim Water
• CW Supply CW Return
• Process Cooling Water
• DI Water –AMBIENT
• Synthetic Oils Water Wash
• Process Water
BLUE
• Compressed Air
• Instrument Air
• Nitrogen

rev C Specification Number 15190 page 5 of 8

 • Oxygen
• Carbon Dioxide (except for fire protection)
YELLOW
• High Pressure Water (150 psig / 10.3 Bar or greater)
• Hot Water (125F / 52C or greater)
• Steam (except for fire protection)
• Steam Condensate
• Binders
• Resins
• Chemicals
• Dyes
• Flux
• Asphalts & Related Prod.
• Mineral Spirits and Other Solvents
• Hydraulic Fluids
• Heat Transfer Fluids
• Vacuum Lines
• Multiple Pipes Bundled Together Fuel Oils
• Diesel Oil
• Gasoline
• Propane
• Natural Gas
• Winder Lubricants
• DI Water- HOT
• Binders Additives
• Glycol
• PF Resin
• Mineral Oil
• Vegetable Oil
• Silicone
• Ammonium Sulfate
• Maltodextrine
• Surfactants
• Pigments
• RED
• Fire Water
• Steam Snuff Lines
• Carbon Dioxide (for fire protection only)
• Halon Gas
WHITE
• Batch Feed Lines to Furnaces
• Filler Lines
• Granule Lines
• Sheet Molding Compound Raw Material Feed Lines
• Trim Saw Add-mix Lines
ORANGE
• Acidic pH
• Caustic
• Basic pH
rev C Specification Number 15190 page 6 of 8
 • Lime Slurry
• Prilled Urea
• Liquid Urea
• Poly Phosphoric Acid
• Citric Acid
• Sodium Hypophosphate
• Sodium Hydroxide
• Ferric Chloride
PURPLE
• Silanes
• Water Reactive Chemicals
• Reactive Silicones
BROWN
• Mixed Binders
• Emulsions
• Binder Oils
• Mineral Oils
• Vegetable Oils
• Oil Emulsions

3.3 TEMPERATURE HAZARDS: Any pipe which conveys a material at a temperature of

125F/ 52C or greater shall be considered a temperature hazard. The label wording shall
start with the word "hot" to denote the temperature hazard unless the label wording
adequately conveys the temperature hazard without the use of this word. An example of
a label wording that does not require use of the word "hot" to indicate temperature
hazard is "steam".

3.4 PRESSURE HAZARDS: Any pipe which conveys a material at a pressure of 150 psig/
10.3 Bar or greater shall be considered a pressure hazard. The label wording shall
include the words "high pressure".

3.5 PIPE BUNDLES: Multiple pipes wrapped to form a bundle shall be labeled
"Caution...Multiple pipes under pressure".

3.6 MULTIPLE USE PIPES: When a pipe is used to convey various materials at different
times, then it shall be labeled as follows:

3.6.1 SIMILAR MATERIALS: If the various materials are similar in their physical
and chemical properties and present a similar type and severity of hazard, then
the label wording shall be a generic or general name which describes all the
various materials. Examples are "resins", "polymer" and "oil".

3.6.2 DISSIMILAR MATERIALS: If the various materials are dissimilar in their

physical and/or chemical properties and present differing types and/or
severities of hazards, then the label wording shall begin with the phrase "This
pipe may contain" and then list each of the various materials which might be
conveyed.

3.7 LABEL WORDING: The label wording or legend shall identify the pipe contents. The
number of words used shall be the minimum number required to identify the pipe
contents on a case by case basis. The use of specific wordings and legends shall be

rev C Specification Number 15190 page 7 of 8

 uniform throughout the plant. This means if a plant decides to label its potable water
supply as "City Water" it must use this label throughout the plant and not switch to any
other label such as "Domestic Water", "Drinking Water" or "Potable Water" at various
locations. In cases where the pipe contains a raw material, intermediate product, final
product or other chemical for which a Safety Data Sheet (S.D.S.) is required, the label
wording shall be either the product name, common name or chemical name as stated on
the Safety Data Sheet.

3.8 PLACEMENT OF LABELS: Location and frequency of labels as follows:

3.8.1 ACTUAL USE POINTS: A label shall be placed at each use point, or as close
to each use point as practical. Use points include but are not limited to
connections to equipment, machinery, tanks, vats, sumps, wet wells and hose
stations. This applies to both indoor and outdoor use points.

3.8.2 POTENTIAL USE POINTS: A label shall be placed at each potential use
point, including abandoned pipes and abandoned valves unless said potential
use points are permanently capped or plugged and valves are locked shut. This
applies to both indoor and outdoor potential use points.

3.8.3 TRANSITION POINTS: A label shall be placed at each point where a pipe
passes through a ceiling, wall or floor or where a pipe enters or surfaces from
the ground. This includes both indoor and outdoor locations. Label shall be
placed on the pipe on both sides of the intersection with the wall, floor or
ceiling.

3.8.4 MAIN AND HEADERS: Labels shall be placed on pipe mains and headers at
a suggested spacing of 50 feet and not to exceed 100 feet between signs.
Labels shall also be placed on mains and headers at all hand valves and branch
connections. Additional labels shall be used on mains and headers to
compensate for disrupted or obscured visibility due to structures, poor lighting
or other reasons.

3.8.5 MISCELLANEOUS VALVES: Labels shall be placed at all sampling cocks,

blowdown valves and drain valves; also at transfer valves and fittings such as at
truck or rail car loading and unloading stations.

3.8.6 PIPE BUNDLES: Where multiple pipes are wrapped by a common insulation
to form a bundle, a single label on the outside of the bundle shall be provided at
spacing not to exceed 100 feet. Label wording should be in accordance with
Paragraph 3.5. In addition, each individual pipe entering or existing the bundle
shall be labeled at its junction with the bundle. Individual pipe label wordings
shall be in accordance with Paragraph 3.7.

3.9 METHOD TO SECURE LABELS TO PIPE: Labels can be taped or adhesive-backed to

the pipe or secured by stainless steel worm-gear pipe clamps or nylon cable ties as used
in electrical work. BRADY B-689 markers (abandoned pipe) shall be installed by
wrapping tightly around the pipe and fastening with the self-adhesive strip.

END OF SECTION

rev C Specification Number 15190 page 8 of 8