Pipe Marking

Guide
A guide to marking the pipes in your facility according
to OSHA/ANSI and other standards.
Content
s
1 Introduction

2 Where labels are required

3 Assess your facility

4 Label formatting requirements

5 How to place labels for maximum visibilty

6 How to make pipe labels

7 Additional Resources

1-866-777-1360 | creativesafetysupply.com
Creative Safety Supply is the leader in visual safety. We aim to
help you create a safer, more efficient and compliant workplace
using visual tools such as floor marking tapes, signs, labels, 5S
& Lean products, and safety merchandise. Find and follow us
©2017 Creative Safety Supply, All Rights Reserved
Introduction
Marking pipes in industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities can
help make a workplace safer and more efficient. When pipes are clearly
labeled, fewer accidents involving injuries and damage to property
occur.

This pipe marking guide will explain the best practices for creating
a visual pipe marking system to increase safety and efficiency in
your workplace.

Why it's important to label pipes in your facility.

If the people working in your facility—and even visitors and emergency
responders—cannot easily see what flows through a pipe, this
problem can lead to dangerous situations. Pipes might be
misidentified or someone might not even consider the hazards
related to a particular substance because they do not know it’s
present. Improperly labeled pipes can also compromise the
efficiency of your workplace, a s employees may need to spend extra
time figuring out what travels through a pipe during repairs.

Furthermore, many industries have specific standards for labeling. For

example, health care facilities are subject to specific requirements for
pipes carrying medical gases, while marine vessels must use special
color-coding.

Most facilities, however, should follow the ASME/ANSI A13.1 standard

for pipe marking, which requires an employer use labels that state what
a pipe contains and what possible hazards are related to that
substance. By following this standard, facilities can remain compliant
with OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.261 (a)(3)(ii)) as well.

Chapter 1 creativesafetysupply.com/guides
Where labels are
required
The first step to proper pipe labeling is to understand where labels are
needed. This step is actually fairly straightforward, as you only need
to place pipe markers in four main places:

A Every 25’ to 50’ along straight

runs

B At all changes in direction (on

both sides of the turn)

C At both sides of entry points

through floors and walls

D Next to all flanges and

valves

Chapter 2 creativesafetysupply.com/guides
ASME/ANSI pipe marking standards recommend
labeling all pipes, but at the very least you must
label pipes under the following circumstances:

 If pipes contain hazardous

substances

 If contents of pipes could impact emergency

procedures

 If the flow direction or destination of contents is

unknown

 If regular maintenance requires that valve(s) be shut off

or flow be redirected

Chapter 2 creativesafetysupply.com/guides
Assess your
facility
With the key requirements for pipe marking in mind, do a walkthrough
of your facility to document your pipe systems. Use your facility’s
blueprints to help you identify any areas that may not be easily
visible.

Take note of general information including what’s in your pipes, what

direction that substance is flowing, where the substance goes, and
when the pipes change direction. Also make notes of possible
hazards associated with the substances flowing through your pipes.

Look more closely at any labels you may

already have in place:
Are they up-to-date?

Are they in good condition?

Consider areas where labels may be missing:

Have new pipes been added?

Is there new equipment that uses pipes?

Has repair work been performed near

pipes?

Chapter 3 creativesafetysupply.com/guides
 Label formatting
requirements
The design of a label must comply with pipe marking regulations, which
aim to make labels as visible as possible. Your labels must incorporate
three main elements: label color, label size, and text size.

COLOR
GUIDELINES
Content Type Description Required Colors Example

Fluids that are a vapor or produce

FLAMMABLE vapors that can ignite and continue to Black on Yellow HYDROGEN
burn in air.

Fluids that may burn but are not

COMBUSTIBLE flammable.
White on Brown ACETIC ACID

Fluids that are corrosive or toxic or

TOXIC/CORROSIVE will produce corrosive or toxic Black on Orange NITRIC ACID
substances.

Water and other substances used in

FIRE QUENCHING sprinkler fire-fighting piping White on Red HALON
systems.

Any other water except for water

OTHER WATER us ed in sprinkler & fire-fighting White on Green BOILER WATER
piping systems.

Any vapor or gas under pressure that

COMPRESSED AIR does not fit a category above.
White on Blue COMPRESSED AIR

OTHER Definable by user. White on Purple

OTHER

OTHER Definable by user. White on Black

OTHER

OTHER Definable by user. Black on White OTHER

OTHE Definable by user. White on Gray OTHER

R

Chapter 4 creativesafetysupply.com/guides
LABEL AND TEXT SIZE GUIDELINES
The size of a label should correspond to the size of a pipe; larger pipes
will always require larger labels. When you size labels according to
ASME/ANSI standards, people will notice them and be able to see
them from an appropriate distance.

Pipe Diameter Min. Label Size Min. Text

Height
0.75” to 1.25” 1” x 8” 0.5”
(19 - 32 mm) (25 x 203 mm) (13 mm)

1.25” to 2.5” 1” x 8” 0.75”

(38 - 51 mm) (25 x 203 mm) (19 mm)

2.5” to 8” 2” x 12” 1.25”

(64 - 203 mm) (51 x 305 mm) (32 mm)

8” to 10” 3” x 24” 2.5”

(203 - 254 mm) (102 x 610 mm) (64 mm)

10”+ 4” x 32” 3.5”

(Over 254 mm) (153 x 813 mm) (89 mm)

Chapter 4 creativesafetysupply.com/guides
COMMON LABEL ABREVIATIONS
When labeling the contents of your pipes, some text may be too long
to fit on a label. When that is the case, use standardized abbreviations
from the following list.

ABE Aux. Building CC Component Cooling Water/

D Equipment Drains W Closed Cooling Water
ABED Aux. Building CD Condensate
T Equipment Drain Tank CDB Condensate Booster
ABF Aux. Building Floor Drain CD Chemical Drain Tank
D
ABFD Aux. Building Floor Drain T
CHAM Chamber
T Train
CHAN Channel
AC Air Circuit Breaker
B CHN Change
AC Acknowledge
G
CHRG Charging
K
ACT Actuate
CJB Cold Junction Box
ADJ Adjust
CKT Circuit
AFW Auxiliary Feedwater
CL Cold Leg
ALM Alarm
CLN Cooling
AMB Ambient
G
CMPT Computed
ANAL Analyzer
CNMT Containment
AO(V) Air Operated (Valve)
COM Common
AV Average
G COM Component
BA Boric Acid
P
CON Concentration
BA Bar Graph
C
CON Condenser/Condensate
R
BA Boric Acid Tank / Battery
D
CONDT Conductivity
T
BD Blow Down
Y
CON Controller
BIST Bistable
T
CONT Control Rod
BIT Boron Injection Tank
ROD
CONT Control
BK Breaker
R
CO Correction
R
B Black
R
COR Correlation
L
BO Liquid
Balance of Plant
R
COUN Count
P
BTM Bottom
T
CPM Counts Per Minute
BTU British Thermal Unit
CP Central Processing Unit
BU Backup
U
CPU Central Processing Units
P
C Centigrade (aka. Celsius)
S
C Control Room
C/ C Condensate/Cond. Booster
R
CR Chemical Recovery Boiler
B
C1M Cumulative One Minute
B
CRO Control Rod Drive
CAB Cabinet Mechanism
M
CAL Calibration/Calorie C Containment Spray
CAU Cause S
S

Chapter 4 creativesafetysupply.com/guides
CS Cable Spreading Room GR Group
R
CS Condensate Storage Tank P
GS Gland Steam Condenser
T
C Circulating Water C
G Governor Valve
W
CW Circulating Water Pump V
HG(A) Mercury (absolute)
P
CY Cylinder HGHT Height
L
D/ Diesel Generator HIDP High Differential Pressure
G
DE Degrees HL Hot Leg
G
DEMIN Demineralizer HO Hydraulic Operated Valve
DE Detector V
HP High Pressure
T
DE Deviation HR(S Hour
V
DIV Division )HRS Heat Recovery Steam
D Diesel Fuel Oil G Generator
O
DO Dirty Oil Tank HT RT Heat Rate
T
DSC Discharge HTNG Heating
H
DT Delta Temperature HU/CD Heatup/Cooldown
ECC Emergency Core Cooling HUT Hold up Tank
S System HYD Hydraulic
ED Equipment Drain Tank I/ P Current to Pressure
T
EFC Effect I/ V Current to Voltage
T
EFLN Effluent IA Instrument Air
T
EH Electro Hydraulic Control Identification/Insid
C
ELE Electrical I e Diameter
C
E Equipment INB
D Inboard
Q O
INC Increase
EQUI Equipment
P
E Extraction Steam ESS INF Influent
S Essential Service INIT Initial
ES Engineered Safety Feature INL Inlet
F
EXH Exhaust/Exhauster INSERTIN Insertion
EXPAN Expansion INST Instrument/Instantaneous
S
EXT Extracted Extractor/ INT Internal
R Extraction INTER Intermediate
F Fahrenheit M
IO Iodine
FC Flow Control Valve D
ISO Isolation
V
FD Forced Draft L
JUNCT Junction
Fuel Handling K Kilo
FH
FLW Flow LN Long/Liquified
F Fuel Oil G Natural Gas
O
FRE Frequency LO FLW Low Flow
Q
FRN Front M/ G Motor Generator Sets
T
FW Feed Water MAINT Maintenance
GO Governor MAX Maximum
V
GPM Gallons Per Minute

Chapter 4 creativesafetysupply.com/guides
MC Main Control Room PM Permanent Magnet
R
MFP Main Feed Pump G Generator
MIN Minutes/Minimum PNE Pneumatic
U
POR Power Operated Relief
MOIS Moisture
T V Valve
MPH Miles Per Hour
PO Positive
MPS Miles Per Second S
PO Potentiometer
MS Main Steam/Moisture T
Separator PPB Parts per Billion
MSIV Main Steam Isolation PPM Parts per Million
Valve PR5 Process Radiation Monitor
MS Moisture Separator 8 58
R Reheater P REAM Preamplifiers
MTR Motor P
PR Purge
MU Makeup G
PR Primary
MVBL Movable IPRO Process
NAOH Sodium Hydroxide C
PR Pressurizer Relief Tank
NAR Narrow T
PS Power Supply
NAR RNG Narrow Range PS Lbs Per Square Inch
NBL Noble IP S I Lbs Per Square
NE Negative A Inch Absolute
G
NEUT Neutron PSI Lbs Per Inch Gauge
G
PSI Lbs Per Square
NIS Nuclear Instrumentation
System O Inch Differential
NR Narrow Range PT Point
NU Nuclear PTL Pull-To-Lock
C
O Off-Gas PUL Pulverizer
G
OO Out of Service PW Primary Water
S
O Over Pressure PWR Power Range
P RNG
PR Pressure Relief Valve
OPE Operator/Operating
R V
PZ Pressurizer Relief Tank
O Over Temperature
T R
R Reactor Coolant
OT- Over Temp-Over
OP Pressure C
RCD Reactor Coolant Drain Tank
OU Output T
RCF Reactor Containment Fan
T
OUTB Outboard C Cooler
D
OUTL Outlet RC Reactor Coolant Loop
T L
RC Reactor Coolant System
OVERLD Overload
S
RD Reheater Drain Tank
OVERTEMP Over Temperature
T
RECOMB Recombiner
OVRPWR
Overpower PART REGE Regenerative
N
REL Relative
Partial
PARTIC Particulate
PCT Percent RESI Residual
D
RH Residual Heat
PCV Pressure Control Valve
PENET Penetration

Chapter 4 creativesafetysupply.com/guides
RH Residual Heat Removal THST Thrust
R
RHT Reheat TREP Reference Temperature
RL Rela TRNA Train A (B, C, etc.)
Y
RN y
Range/Running TRNSN Transient
G
RO Rate of Change T
TR Trip
C
RT Resistance Temp. P
TTD Terminal Temp. Difference
D Detector TURB Turbines
RTN Return S
UNCONT Uncontrolled
RVLI Reactor Vessel Level VA Vacuum
S Indication System C
VAL Values
R Radwaste
S
VAP Vapor
W
RWST Refueling Water Storage Tank
VA Variance
S/G Steam Generator
R
VC Volume Control Tank
SA Service Air
T
VIB Vibration
Service Building
VNT Vent
SB
SE Second
C VO Volume
SE Select
L
W Wide Range
L
SE Separator
R
XF Transfer
P
SERV Service
R
XMTR Transmitter
SF Service Fuel Pump
P
SGT Steam Generator Tube
R Rupture
SI Safety Injection
SPE Specificatio
C
STD n
Steady
Y
STNBY Standby
STO Storage
R
SUPP Suppressed
R
SUPRES Suppression
S
SW Service Water/Switch
SWS Secondary Water Storage
T Tank
T/ Thermocouples
C
TAMB Temperature Ambient
TAV Average Temperature
G
TB Turbine Building/Terminal
Box/Block
TC Cold Leg Temperature
TC Temperature Control Valve
V
TD Turbine Drain
Turbine Generator
T
THE Thermal
R
G
THRT Throttle

Chapter 4 creativesafetysupply.com/guides
INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC LABEL GUIDELINES

For most industries, abiding by ASME/ANSI pipe marking standards

will be sufficient for staying safe and OSHA compliant. There are
some workplaces, though, that are required to comply with more
specific
requirements due to the particularly volatile nature of the substances the
use in their pipes, or because of the uniquely complex environment of
these workplaces. These include:

• Ammonia Pipe Marking

• NFPA 99/CGA C-9 Pipe Marking

• ISO/DIS 14726 Sea Vessel & Marine Pipe Marking

• Water Treatment Pipe Marking

• Commercial Building Pipe Marking

To learn more about these guidelines, visit our Pipe Marking Standards
article at
www.creativesafetysupply.com/articles/guide-to-pipe-marking-standar
ds/

Chapter 4 creativesafetysupply.com/guides
How to place labels for
maximum visibility
Pipe marking labels should be positioned in such a way that they are
visible from most people's line of sight. A few guidelines about visibilty/
placement are:

 The label should be visible from the point of normal

approach

 The label should be visible at every entry point in the floor or

wall

 When a pipe is located below normal line of sight, put the

label above the pipe’s horizontal centerline.

 When a pipe is located above normal line of sight, put the

label below the pipe’s horizontal centerline.

Chapter 5 creativesafetysupply.com/guides
How to make pipe
labels
Choose from 1 of 3 options:

1. Purchase pre-made labels

Order common pipe labels from a label vendor. Make sure to get
labels in the size, color, and material you need. This option
works well when you have a small pipe marking project.

2. Order custom labels

Many label vendors can print custom pipe labels. This solution is
helpful when you need pipe labels for less common pipes.

3. Print your own labels

Bring the printing process in-house with an
industrial label printer. These printers can print vinyl
labels
in the colors and sizes your facility requires.
This method is often the most cost effective
and it
eliminates shipping time. It’s great for large
pipe marking projects and for updating
your pipe
marking system whenever the need arises.

Design, print, and apply labels in minutes with

a LabelTac® industrial label printer.
Learn more at www.creativesafetysupply.com/labeltac

Chapter 6 creativesafetysupply.com/guides
Get everything you need to create
weatherproof vinyl pipe labels in
one simple bundle.

LabelTac® 4 Pro Pipe Marking Bundle

Get all the tools you'll need to start labeling right
away. This bundle comes with a LabelTac® 4 Pro
industrial label printer, 3000 feet of vinyl label supply,
1968 feet of print ribbon, and label design software.

Save hundreds of dollars by purchasing

your labeling supplies together as a bundle.

learn more at
www.creativesafetysupply.com/labeltac-4-pro-pipe-marking-pac
kage/
Additional
resources
Related Products

LabelTac® Pipe Marking Printers

www.creativesafetysupply.com/labeltac

LabelTac® Pro X Pipe Marking Bundle

www.creativesafetysupply.com/labeltac-pro-x-pipe-marking-bundle/

Related Guides

• Pipe Marking Guide

• Pipe Marking Pocket Guide
• Ammonia Pipe Marking Quick
Guide
• Facility Marking Workbook

Available at: www.creativesafetysupply.com/guides

Shop our full selection of pipe marking products (and more!) online at
creativesafetysupply.com

Chapter 7 creativesafetysupply.com/guides
 BECOME AN
EXPERT.

FREE LEAN & SAFETY  Dozens of e-books & guides

RESOURCES  Articles and tips
We offer free informative resources covering a wide
range of industrial topics. Whether you want to learn  2 free safety podcasts
about something new or just brush up on a subject,  Infographics
visit our Resource Center today.
 Lean and Safety Blog

visit creativesafetysupply.com/resources

Chapter
x
CREATE A
SAFER,
SMARTE
R
FACILITY.

Creative Safety Supply is your one stop shop

for...
Label & Sign Printers Virtual Floor Signs Pallet Lean & Safety Posters
Foam Tool Organizers 5S Alignment Markers Training Books & DVDs
Tools & Supplies Ready- Industrial Floor Signs Spill Kits & Sorbents
to-Order Labels Floor Marking Tapes Facility Branding

...and much more!

Shop online now at

creativesafetysupply.com