Over the past month or so we have talked about being ASME/ANSI compliant as far as pipe markers go. We’ve gone into detail about the compliance requirements of the ANSI A13.1-2007 pipe marking standard and the specifics regarding it.

We dived deeper into the pipe marking standard and have talked about the right color pipe markers you should have for what application. We discussed what size pipe marker you should have, depending on what size diameter pipe you need to mark.  We’ve even talked about the styles of pipe markers out there. Although styles are not regulated in the standard, it’s nice to know the options  you have, from self-adhesive markers, to snap-around pipe markers, to  markers that are  used in extreme conditions or for outdoor use.

To wrap-up the final part of the ANSI A13.1-2007 Scheme for Identification of Piping Systems, we’re going to explore the visibility requirement.  As you can see illustrated below, there  is a specific quantity of pipe markers you must buy. The standard suggests that the pipes shall be marked adjacent to all valves and flanges as well at both sides of the floor or wall penetrations. In addition, pipes shall be marked adjacent to changes in direction and every 25′ to 50′ intervals on straight runs.

ASME/ANSI A13.1-2007 Pipe Marker Placement

So there you have it. In 5 blogs we’ve explored all there is to know about the ASME/ANSI A13.1-2007 Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems. The previous pipe marker topics we’ve explored have been:

Being Pipe Marker Compliant

Choosing the Right Color Pipe Marker

Choosing the Right Size Pipe Marker

Choosing the Right Type of Pipe Marker

No matter how big or small your project is, Seton has the ability to help you get the pipe marking job done right.

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Who is OSHA? What is ANSI? These may be easy questions for some to answer, but for others they may be a source of confusion or unknowing. To help those who may not be clear on the difference I am going to answer some frequently asked questions. This is OSHA & ANSI 101.

Who is OSHA?

OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Why was OSHA created?

OSHA was created as a result of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act of 1970). The act was passed “To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act…” as stated in Section 1 – Introduction of the Act.

What does OSHA do?

OSHA was established to set and enforce standards in workplace safety and health by providing information, training and assistance to workers and employers.

What are OSHA standards based on?

Because OSHA is a research-driven organization OSHA Standards are based on recommendations from its research arm the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

What does ANSI stand for?

ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute

What is the role of ANSI?

ANSI is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes and facilitates voluntary standards through consensus.

Who’s standards should I follow, OSHA or ANSI?

The specific requirements that have been set forth by OSHA must be followed. However, in the absence of OSHA requirements, ANSI standards should be followed. It is important to note that any applicable federal, state or municipal regulations must also be followed.

So there you have it, answers to some common questions about OSHA and ANSI. Hope you have found this information helpful and that there is a little less confusion about the two organizations and what they represent.

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Part of the ANSI Standard A13.1-2007 Scheme for Identification of Piping Systems that recommends a universal approach to pipe and valve identification is a predetermined color scheme.

This secondary piece of pipe identification has been revised in the latest 2007 revision.  This portion of the standard has changed dramatically. In addition, the terminology of inherently hazardous or non hazardous has been removed from the standards. The combination of Yellow/Black is now assigned with flammable fluids, and Green/White shall now identify potable, cooling, boiler feed and other waters. These two changes mean that legends such as hot water, cold water and steam will now all use the color code of Green/White.
The other significant color changes include the addition of Brown/White for combustible fluids and Orange/Black for toxic or corrosive fluids. The fact that the standard has identified specific colors for flammable fluids, combustible fluids and toxic or corrosive fluids means you must consult Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) before selecting a color. Further, if the pipe content contains multiple hazards (flammable and toxic) it must be determined which poses the greater risk and marked accordingly. For example, if chilled or heating systems contain toxic treatments the color combination should be Orange/Black. The 2007 standard also identifies for the first time four additional used identified color combinations and specifically identifies all of the exact background colors to be used. The exact colors are safety colors contained in the ANSI Z535.1-2007 standard.

For easy pipe marker color identification of fluids, see the diagram below.

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The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard A13.1-2007 Scheme for Identification of Piping Systems recommends a universal approach to pipe and valve identification. Seton makes it easy to understand how and why you should label your pipes. One specific recommendation in this standard focuses on what size marker you should use.

The standard makes recommendations as to the size of letter height and length of color field for all pipe markers, based on the pipe diameter. These recommendations are shown in the chart below. Seton markers, when used properly with arrows, meet or exceed the standard recommendation.

ANSI A13.1-2007 Pipe Marker Size Recommendations

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The roadside is a dangerous place to work. Ask any emergency responder or construction worker. Drivers speed by like they don’t even see them. Add in factors of poor lighting, bad weather and distracted drivers and the potential for accidents climbs.

That’s why it’s important for roadway workers to do everything they can to make sure that drivers see them. Making roadside workers more visible allows drivers time to slow down and take caution.

An excellent way to add to roadside worker safety is with ANSI compliant reflective safety vests.

In an effort to improve worker safety, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) has developed a standard to help you choose which type of safety vest is appropriate for the type of work you perform. The standard is based on the type and amount of background material in combination with the amount of reflective material and its location on the vest. ANSI compliant vests are tagged with class numbers to reference. Here’s what to look for on the tag.

ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 - There have been previous standards. ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 is the most recent.

Class 3 – Class 3 vests give the highest level of visibility for workers performing high risk work. Use when traffic speeds exceed 50 mph and the worker must put all of their attention on their work. Ideal for utility workers, roadway construction workers and flagging crews and emergency responders.

Class 2 – Class 2 vests are best for workers when traffic is moving at 25 mph or more, in bad weather or when a worker must divert their attention away from traffic. Ideal for crossing guards, airport ground workers and parking lot or toll operators.

Class 1 – Class 1 vests are for use when traffic speeds are lower than 25 mph or where workers can focus all their attention on traffic. Ideal for delivery truck drivers, warehouse workers and shopping cart retrievers.

Seton offers ANSI compliant safety vests in all 3 class ratings to ensure that you can keep yourself and your work crews safe from potential accidents.

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The ASME (ANSI) Standard A13.1-2007 is a universal approach to pipe identification. It is designed to eliminate confusion of pipe contents. Recommendations in this standard include what size marker to use, what background and font color to use on your markers, and the proper placement of the pipe markers for best visibility.  But did you know that there are varieties of pipe markers available to suit your various application needs? We have detailed three styles below:

Self-Adhesive Markers – These vinyl pipe markers are so easy to install, just peel that back layer off and stick directly onto the pipe. These markers are suitable for indoor or outdoor pipes that are dry and clean.

Snap-Around Markers – These markers save you time on installation since you don’t have to clean the pipes before you “snap” them on. These pipe markers are ideal for dirty, oily, greasy and rough surfaced pipes, indoors or out.

High-Performance Markers – These markers are specially designed to withstand the harsh outdoor environments. These pipe markers resist abrasion, chemicals, high humidity and outdoor weather and are ideal for dirty, oily, greasy and rough surfaced pipes including stainless steel.

No matter what type of pipe marker best suits your needs, Seton offers all of the pipe marker styles listed above and others that easily allow you to comply with the ASME (ANSI) A13.1-2007 Standard.

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Did you know that Seton was one of the original members on the committee that established the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard A13.1-1988 Scheme for Identification of Piping Systems? The standard recommends a universal approach to pipe and valve identification, and is designed to eliminate confusion of pipe contents. The standard has since been updated and the most recent version is A13.1-2007. Seton has made it easy to understand how and why you should label your pipes. Recommendations in this standard include what size marker to use, what background and font color to use on your markers, and the proper placement of the pipe markers for best visibility.

Seton has pipe markers to accommodate all environments.

All Seton pipe marking products meet or exceed the standard, making your selection of pipe marking materials easier. Seton offers a large variety of pipe markers, from Snap-Around markers, Self-Adhesive markers, Roll-Form markers and High-Performance marker styles, as well as Medical Gas markers, Ammonia markers, Asbestos markers and Duct markers.  Also, for those occasional hard-to-find markers, Seton offers custom pipe markers, that allow you to create the pipe marker that’s right for your application.

In addition to a large selection of pipe markers, Seton offers additional services. Seton’s Free Take-Off Service, determines the pipe and valve marking requirements for your project.  Seton also offers submittals on most of their markers, making your job easier.

Seton offers same day shipping on stock items, while many custom products ship the next day. Seton also offers a free regulatory information compliance center and a no hassle guarantee.

Visit Seton for all your compliant pipe marking needs.

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