Pipe Marking Tapes

FAQ’s

How would I know if I need to use pipe marking tapes?

Pipe marking signs are an essential part of dealing with potential safety issues, pipes that are exposed specifically above ground are a risk that must be highlighted using marking tape. The meaning behind this is due to the safety of those working around the pipes to enable the pipes to be visible and therefore less dangerous. When it comes to industrial piping, workers need a way to accurately and consistently identify the hazards they may face. Furthermore, BS 1710 states that pipe labeling is required if the pipes are actively carrying fluids or gases.
Pipe marking is a vital part of reassuring the health and well being of workers around pipes carrying gases, liquids or other elements that could potentially cause harm. The color of the pipe marking is specific to the element the pipe is carrying, which informs workers of the danger.
According to British Standard (BS1710) organizations specifically targeted by pipe marketing are:

• Building designers and owners


• Service installers


• Gas, liquid fuel, refrigeration, waste, and water industries


• Water and Plumbing

What is the British Pipe Marking standard?

The British Standard is enforced by the HSE and it applies to pipes carrying fluids that are visible above ground in and around the work environment. The Health and Safety Executive, which takes OSHA’s role as the main rule setter and enforcer in Britain, has the goal of “reducing work-related death, injury and ill health" by creating pipe marking this will aim to abide by this goal. Any point in which a worker might come into contact with or may experience stress should be labeled for maximum safety according to the rule.
An example of this could be elbows and connecting pieces (T-junctions), or junctions in which more than one pipe merges together (water used for multiple distinct purposes at one point may merge together in a large outflow pipe).
The British Pipe Marking Standard requires that, at a minimum, pipe marking signs must be located on both sides of valves, service appliances, bulkheads, wall and floor penetrations, as well as any other place pipe contents identification is needed. These regulations are important to follow otherwise the marking will be invalid.

What are the different pipe marking tapes available?

Each pipe must be clearly identified using the correct pipe identification banding. Each tape is different depending on what is within the pipe, the most common are:
WATER: All water being carried in pipes should be identified by green outer rings.
OILS: Oils, including fuels and hydraulic or transformer fluids, need to be labeled with a brown outer ring.
REFRIGERANTS: Refrigerants have several subcategories, including things like ammonia, and should be indicated by ochre rings (a yellow/maize color).
OTHER: Other compounds have their own labels, including compressed air (light blue), steam (silver-grey), drainage pipes (black), electrical conduits (orange), acids (violet), and more.