According to OSHA §1910.335(b),employers are required to use safety signs, labels and tags to warn and protect employees from hazards that could cause injury due to arc flashes, electrical shock, burns or failure of electrical equipment.  This is one example of how to utilize labels in your workplace.  Seton provides labeling solutions to meet all your business needs.  We offer 1,000’s of labels ranging from standard OSHA and shipping labels to custom bar code and promotional labels made to your specifications.

Whatever your labeling needs, Seton is here to safeguard your assets, facility, equipment and property.

Tweet This Post

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.

Tweet This Post

OSHA is in the midst of investigating a spill at a Pennsylvania manufacturing plant.

It appears that last week at Electric Materials Co., an employee, who works in the plant’s plating department,  was seriously injured when a mixture was dumped into a barrel containing other chemicals, causing a reaction. The employee remains hospitalized. In addition to this employees hospitalization, another 19 employees were treated for exposure, when a vapor cloud swept slowly through most of the 440,000-square-foot plant, exposing numerous workers to the chemicals. To read more about this incident, see the full article here.

While accidents like this can not always be avoided, but in this case certain steps could have been taken to help avoid this confusion, and ultimately, the employee injuries.

The container in which the employee dumped other chemicals, should have been properly labeled.  Labels offer the ability to clearly identify the contents inside drums and barrels to avoid confusion. While the employee may have seen other chemicals in the container, perhaps he did not know that they would be reactive with the chemicals he had to dispose of.   In that case, a great resource for employees would be a Labeling and MSDS Station.   MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is a document that contains material specific information regarding component makeup, safe use practices,  storage requirements,  safe handling precautions,  personal protective equipment recommendations,  emergency procedures and potential health hazardous associated with the hazardous material. OSHA requires all employers to inform their employees of the chemical hazard present in their workplace though the use of MSDS’s, training and labeling.  Check out Seton.com today for all types of chemical and hazardous safety products.

Tweet This Post

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.

Tweet This Post

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

Tweet This Post

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.

Tweet This Post

While ANSI A13.1-2007 has strict standards for marking pipes, the rule of thumb for marking valves, while almost void, is very similar. Valves are considered to be an essential part of a piping system and they should follow the guidelines as if you were marking pipes.   Properly identifying valve types helps to avoid confusion, reduces search time and can drastically reduce the potential for dangerous and costly accidents.

Valve tags attach directly to valves, knobs and controls for critical proper valve identification and safety.  Choosing the right valve tag that best suits your needs is crucial. You should take into account the if the tag will be used indoors or out, what temperature the tag will be exposed to, the size the tag needs to be, its thickness and the size of the top hole for hanging. Valve tags are available in a variety of materials, including, but not limited to brass, aluminum, stainless steel and plastic.

Tweet This Post

Did you know that there is an international association serving those who use ammonia refrigeration technology?  This association called IIAR, or International Institute for Ammonia Refrigeration,  is recognized throughout the industry and by governments around the world as the authoritative source of information about ammonia refrigeration.

The IIAR has developed a comprehensive ammonia labeling system, much like ASME has for other piping systems. This ammonia specific labeling scheme is outlined in the IIAR Bulletin No.114. This bulletin suggests recommendations on pipe marker label sizes, marker colors, pipe marker installation locations and pipe label material requirements.

There are a variety of ammonia pipe markers available to accommodate your ammonia refrigeration pipe marking needs. Pipe marker options include self-adhesive markers, snap-around marker styles and even  pipe markers that are recommend for harsh environments, indoor or out.

Source: https://www.iiar.org/

Tweet This Post

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.

Tweet This Post

Confined spaces can be categorized generally as those with open tops and with a depth that will restrict the natural movement of air, and enclosed spaces with very limited openings for entry.

In either of these cases, the space may contain mechanical equipment with moving parts. Any combination of these parameters will change the nature of the hazards encountered.

Degreasers, pits, and certain types of storage tanks may be classified as open topped confined spaces that usually contain no moving parts. However, gases that are heavier than air (butane, propane, and other hydrocarbons) remain in depressions and will flow to low points where they are difficult to remove.

Open topped water tanks that appear harmless may develop toxic atmospheres such as hydrogen sulfide from the vaporization of contaminated water. Therefore, these gases (heavier than air) are a primary concern when entry into such a confined space is being planned.

Other hazards may develop due to the work performed in the confined space or because of corrosive residues that accelerate the decomposition of scaffolding supports and electrical components.

If your workers enter or work in confined spaces, the use of confined space signs, permit signs, posters and stencils are vitally important. For a selection of confined space items, check out seton.com.

Tweet This Post