The failure to clearly label pipes and valves represents a significant risk to worker health and equipment. In following pipe and valve marking standards, you can reduce the risk of errors, unsafe handling, and costs that might arise as a result of accidents and downtime.
Here, we’ll outline the required colour coding systems, placement best practices, and recommended materials for withstanding heat, moisture, and chemicals.
Find out about the legal requirements, industrial labelling systems, and inspection methods to follow for improved health and safety.
The Importance of Pipe and Valve Marking
As mentioned, pipe and valve marking effectively minimises the risk of accidents through the clear identification of contents and associated hazards. Such marking is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations of 1996.
While these regulations don’t specify the need to follow a particular standard, they do mention the need for pipe and valve marking labels to be clear and concise. Labelling compliance with a standard such as BS1710 is also recommended.
The benefits of pipe and valve labelling compliance include:
- Ensuring the visibility of potential hazards for worker and equipment safety.
- Reducing maintenance-related downtime and error risks, given the easy identification of pipe contents and flow.
- Minimising the risks of fines and legal issues through the avoidance of legal breaches.
Colour Coding Systems: Pipe Marking Guide
The Safety Signs and Signals Regulations recommend following the colour coding system specified under BS1710 for the identification of contents and hazards. This standard also sets out supplementary information for the identification of pipes for the movement of fluids and gases in above and below-ground installations.
The basic pipe and valve identification colours specified under BS1710 are:
- Water - Green
- Steam - Silver-Grey
- Oils (mineral, vegetable, or animal) - Brown
- Gases (in either gas or liquid phase, except air) - Yellow Ochre
- Acids and Alkalis - Violet
- Air - Light Blue
- Other Liquids - Black
- Electrical Services and Ventilation Ducts – Orange
In addition to these basic identifiers, BS1710 also highlights four safety colours.
Red: Red is to be used for the identification of pipes carrying contents for use in firefighting systems (such as sprinklers and wet risers).
Grey: Pipes carrying substances from sources other than the main water mains (such as harvested rain or seawater) are to be identified using grey.
Blue: Blue is to be used for the identification of pipes carrying substances sourced from the public mains supply.
Yellow: And yellow is the identifier for pipe contents that are hazardous to health or the environment.
There are 11 additional codes and colours to be used in accordance with regulations specified in particular industries and contexts. These have been incorporated into the BS1710 standard, also ensuring compliance with the building regulations (Parts L & G), F-Gas Regulations (EU/UK law), and HTM 02-01 (UK NHS).
The type of hazard must also be identified through attachment of the appropriate label and danger symbol, with the flow direction indicated on the visible side of the pipe.
If the colour of the pipe and label is similar, then a distinguishing black or white border should be applied.
Placement Best Practices for Labelling Compliance
The regulations also specify that pipes should be clearly marked at locations where workers may be exposed to a hazard.
Again, referencing the BS1710 standard, regulations warn against labelling pipes too frequently (given the risk of labels blending with the background) and marking covered pipes where there’s no significant hazard.
BS1710 requires the labelling of visible and covered pipes, with clause 4.5 specifying that pipes shouldn’t be labelled at intervals any greater than 0.5mm. The Health and Safety Executive also advises that labels should only be attached where workers may be exposed to hazards.
However, at least one identification marker should be in the line of sight of anyone standing along the pipeline.
Recommended pipe marker locations include:
- Flanged joints
- Intermediate points
- Drain valves
- Filling points
The general recommendation is to label straight pipes at regular intervals of six to 15 metres. Labels should be attached at changes of flow direction, junctions, either side of valves, on appliances and bulkheads, and on both sides where pipes pass through walls or floors.
Hazard Identification Choices
From high-performance plastics to vinyl and metallic tags, there’s a wide variety of pipe marking materials to choose from. It’s important to consider the indoor and outdoor applications of such pipe marking labels, with the exposure to heat, moisture, and chemicals being key factors.
Thankfully, you can count on Label Source, as we offer a wide variety of pipe and valve markings that comply with applicable UK and EU pipe marking standards.
Along with the standard pipeline identification labels, we also have valve tags, aluminium foil tapes, split rings, and more for your hazard identification needs.
Made using industrial labelling systems, the Label Source range includes:
- Pipe marking and flow indication tape
- Pipeline flow labels
- Duct identification labels
- Serial numbered brass and aluminium valve tags
- Valve control tags
Inspection Tips for Maintaining Compliance
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, our durable and high-quality pipe marking labels can be attached to a variety of surfaces for enhanced safety and compliance.
However, you are advised to conduct regular inspections, looking out for common labelling issues such as fading, damage, and missing identifiers.
Staff should also be trained in the identification of hazards and the maintenance of records.
Pipe and Valve Marking Solutions from Label Source
From improved worker awareness to the reduced need for maintenance-related downtime, industrial labelling systems are of clear importance and value. Our range of pipe marking products is designed to help you improve safety, efficiency, and compliance.
Whether you know the exact coding of your required valve tags or need guidance in the best choice of pipe marking products, you can count on our expert team.
Buy directly or get in touch for advice on pipeline identification solutions based on your needs.
