Pipe Identification Systems

Various safety regulating authorities require pipes installed above ground level at workplace, conveying
dangerous and hazardous substances be identified. This includes ships and offshore sites. Unmarked pipes
are a danger to both life and property. Accidents, injuries and damage to machines and equipment can be
caused by peoples ignorance of the substances that flow through the pipes. Pipes should be marked in
the following manner :
1. At least once in every room
2. At each point where the pipes pass through a wall, ceiling or floor
3. Adjacent to valves and change in direction
4. Within a distance of 5 meters, depending on the length of the pipe
5. Arrows to indicate the direction of flow
There are various pipe marking standards. Whichever standard used, it should comply to international and
national requirements. Most commonly used standards are :
1. International Standard Organization (ISO) - ISO 14726
2. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) - ANSI A13.1
3. British Standard Institution (BS) - BS 1710
4. European Standard - EC Directive 92/58/EEC
Introduction
The ISO 14726 standard specifies principle colours for the identification of substances in the pipes.
Additional colour codes are used for a more detailed identification of the substance. Direction of flow is
indicated by an arrow. This standard is also used on ships and offshore sites.
The British Standard 1710, divides different substances into groups and classes and assigns a different
colour to each group or class. The colours are specified by the BS colour reference which serves both as
an identification and as a means to ensure that the correct matches are achieved. Direction of flow is
indicated by an arrow.
The American National Standard ANSI A13.1 separates the pipe contents into three hazard levels using
three field colours and lettered legend for identification. An arrow used in conjunction with the legend
indicate the direction of flow.
1
Field colour
Content label
Legend
Main identification colour
Content colour
Flow direction
Content band
Pipe
Example of labels