After you have audited all the pipes in your facility, there are a few steps to take before your pipe marking project is finished.
Pipe Label and Text Size
The first step is to ensure the text on the labels and label themselves are the proper size. The size of a label should correspond to the size of a pipe; larger pipes will always require larger labels. You can use the measurements taken during the audit to calculate the correct size. When you size labels according to ASME/ANSI standards, people will notice them and be able to see them from an appropriate distance.
Pipe Diameter Min. Label Size Min. Text Height
| 0.75” to 1.25” (19 – 32 mm) | 1” x 8” (25 x 203 mm) | 0.5” (13 mm) |
| 1.25” to 2.5” (38 – 51 mm) | 1” x 8” (25 x 203 mm) | 0.75” (19 mm) |
| 2.5” to 8” (64 – 203 mm) | 2” x 12” (51 x 305 mm) | 1.25” (32 mm) |
| 8” to 10” (203 – 254 mm) | 3” x 24” (102 x 610 mm) | 2.5” (64 mm) |
| 10”+ (Over 254 mm) | 4” x 32” (153 x 813 mm) | 3.5” (89 mm) |
Next, you will need to choose how to get the label. You have the following three options:
- Purchase pre-made labels
Order common pipe labels from a label vendor. Make sure to get labels in the size, color, and material you need. This option works well when you have a small pipe marking project.
- Order custom labels
Many label vendors can print custom pipe labels. This solution is helpful when you need pipe labels for less common pipes.
- Print your own labels
Bring the printing process in-house with an industrial label printer. These printers can print vinyl labels in the colors and sizes your facility requires. This method is often the most cost effective and it eliminates shipping time. It’s great for large pipe marking projects and for updating your pipe marking system whenever the need arises.
How to place pipe labels for maximum visibility
Once the labels have been obtained, it’s finally time to put them on the pipe. Pipe marking labels should be positioned in such a way that they are visible from most people’s line of sight. A few guidelines about visibility/ placement are:
- The label should be visible from the point of normal approach
- The label should be visible at every entry point in the floor or wall
- When a pipe is located below normal line of sight, put the label
- above the pipe’s horizontal centerline.
- When a pipe is located above normal line of sight, put the label below the pipe’s horizontal centerline.
The labels have now been measured, created, and placed on the pipe. Following the guidelines closely, you can be sure employees, visitors, and emergency personnel will be able to quickly see the label and identify the contents of the pipe. Not only is pipe marking essential to workplace safety, it can make a facility much more efficient.
Additional Resources
- Pipe Color Codes – ANSI/ASME A13.1– creativesafetysupply.com
- Best Practices for Pipe Marking– pipemarking.net
- A Guide to ANSI Pipe Marking Standards– pipemarking.info
- Pipe Marking 101: Why is Pipe Marking Important?– infographicsdirectory.org
- A Guide to Safety Labels– safetylabelmakers.com
- How to Read GHS Labels– ghstraining.info
- Visuals for the Workplace: Safety Signs & Labels– safetyvisuals.com
- How does 5S affect quality?– 5sforum.com
- An Introduction to Floor Markings– facilityfloortape.com