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ANSI Pipe Marking Standards

What are OSHA's requirements related to ANSI Pipe Marking Standards

ANSI Pipe Labeling and Marking Standards

What are OSHA's requirements related to ANSI Pipe Marking Standards?

Pipe labeling marking standards are not specifically outlined or defined by OSHA, but standard number 1910.261(a)(3)(i) notes the ASME's (ANSI) standard A13.1 as the recommended scheme for identification of pipe systems.

The ASME Standard for Pipe Identification is a widely used guideline in determining pipe identification requirements. The ASME A13.1-2007 editorial notes indicate that, "A13.1 is intended to establish a common system to assist in identification of hazardous materials conveyed in piping systems and their hazards when released in the environment." It goes on to identify that this scheme provides pipe system identification recommendations for industrial workplaces, power plants, commercial and institutional installations, and buildings used for public assembly.

Editorial Note Source and A13.1-2007 Guide Purchase Information

Pipe Marking Reference Informational Sheet 

Brady’s Color and Size Pipe Marking Guide

Download a printer-friendly pipe marking color and size guide for the ANSI standard A13.1.

This e-book will explain the cost savings, improving safety, simplifying preventative maintenance, and much more.

Contact Us for a Guide 
Label Color Text Color Color Pipe Contents
Red White Fire-quenching fluids
Orange Black Toxic and corrosive fluids
Yellow Black Flammable fluids
Brown White Combustible fluids
Green White Potable, cooling, boiler feed and other water
Blue White Compressed air
Purple
Gray
Black
White Defined by user
White Black Defined by user

Pipe Marker Visibility and Size Requirements

The ANSI standard A13.1 states that, "Markers shall be located so that they are readily visible to plant personnel from the point of normal approach." They need to instantly tell you all you need to know about pipe contents, direction of flow, and whether the contents are hazardous or safe.

Outside Diameter of Pipe or Covering Length of Color Field Letter Height
3/4" - 1 1/4" (19-32mm) 5" (127mm) 1/2" (13mm)
1 1/2" - 2" (38-51mm) 8" (203mm) 3/4" (19mm)
2 1/2" - 6" (64-152mm) 12" (304mm) 1 1/4" (32mm)
8" - 10" (203-254mm) 24" (609mm) 2 1/2" (64mm)
10" (254mm) or bigger 32" (812mm) 3 1/2" (89mm)

What if your pipe or covering outside diameter is less than 3/4 inch or 19 mm?

In cases where it is difficult to label a pipe or covering due to size, we advise using durable and long-lasting energy source valve tags or custom blank tags in place of pipe labels or markers.

Pipe Marker Placement

Now that we know what our pipe labels need to look like and how big they need to be, we need to understand where they go.

Pipe Flange Marking

Mark pipes adjacent to all valves and flanges.

Pipe Sides Marking

Mark pipes at both sides of floor.

Pipe Mark Placement 90 Degree Pipe

Mark pipes adjacent to change in direction.

Pipe Length Marking

Mark pipes every 25 to 50 foot intervals on straight runs

Product Recommendations

Here are our top product recommendations to get you started.