The Right Kind Of Pipemarkers

There are several different types of pipe markers. Which you use depends on what's in the pipe and where the pipe is located. This isn't a big, difficult question that requires analysis.

If your pipes are on a ship, then you need to follow the marine pipe marking standards.

If they are medical gas pipes (in a hospital or other medical facility) they need to follow the medical gas standards.

If they are ammonia pipes used for refrigeration, the pipe markers need to follow the IIAR standards.

All others need to follow the ANSI A13.1 pipe marking standards. So it's not that complicated. If you are not in one of these easily recognizable situations, then use the ANSI standard.

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Read more about different pipe marking standards.

You may also hear about an ASME standard for pipe marking. ASME stands for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. They have adopted the exact same standard as ANSI... so there is no difference between ANSI A13.1 and ASME A13.1.

What about pipe markers?

If you have a facility, then you must have pipe markers. Pipe markers are a crucial component of safety in any facility. They immediately separate (identify) a water pipe from a natural gas pipe -- and in an emergency knowing which is which can be a life or death matter.

In most cases, however, piper makers provide needed information -- identifying the contents, hazard level and flow direction of pipe contents. This allows your staff to immediately know what's happening, and what valves are the right valves to close (or open). Pipe markers save time as well as saving lives.

There are standards that apply to pipe markers. The most common is the ANSI A13.1 code. For ammonia pipe markers the IIAR sets the standards and CGA publishes the standards for medical gas pipe markers and cylinder labeling. Graphic products offers labeling guides for all of these types of pipe markers and more... and the guides are available free. Call 1-888-326-9244.

Or use our pipe marker online form to request your free pipe marker guide, as well as other safety related guides.

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OSHA Safety Labels & Signs That Last

There are a number of options for getting safety labels and signs for your facility, but are you getting safety labels and signs that will last?

If they are DuraLabel labels and signs they will last.

DuraLabel means quality from every aspect. DuraLabel supplies and printers are thoroughly tested, not just during the product development stage, but on an on-going basis to be sure quality standards continue to be met or exceeded. That's why you can count on safety labels and signs, made with Duralabel printer, to stay on the job continuing to deliver their safety message year after year.

Of course, there are many situations that will reduce the life of theaverage label. That's why DuraLabel printers have over 40 types of specialty supplies available. That's more than abyn other label printer.

See for yourself. Get a free copy of the DuraLabel supplies catalog today (click here).

Reflective Pipe Markers

DuraLabel printers provide a way to improve safety during emergencies. Use DuraLabel PRO reflective supplies for making pipe markers for pipes that need to be shut down during an emergency, and those pipe markers will brightly stand out when illuminated by a flash light. Reflective pipe markers make it easy to identify critical pipes under low light conditions.

Use the same reflective supply to make valve tags for critical valves, and the bright, reflective tags will help you find those valves under low light, emergency conditions.

More information about reflective pipe markers.

Reflective pipe markers are also helpful when pipes must normally be viewed from a distance or under low light conditions. Bright, highly visible DuraLabel PRO reflective pipe markers make labels easier to spot and read from a distance.

Reflective supplies for making pipe markers is available for the DuraLabel PRO and DuraLabel PRO 300 printers, as well as for the wide formaty DuraLabel 7000 and DuraLabel 9000 printers.

With Duralabel printers and supplies you can make standard or customer labels and signs, and have exactly the labels and signs you need.

Valve Tags Best Practices

The need for valve tags is often missed. After all everyone knows what each valve does. And the valves are seldom used, they just remain open all the time. There are many excuses for not having valves properly labeled. But code requires that all valves be labeled to the same standards as piping, and with good reason. Labeling is important during emergency situations, so that valves that need to be closed (or opened) can be quickly and easily located. Proper labeling also helps to prevent mistakes during normal operations and can improve productivity.

I have not seen a best practice guide for valve tags before, but one is now available as a free download from Graphic Products (http://www.graphicproducts.com/free-gifts/free-valve-tag-best-practices.php). This is a comprehensive guide that starts with a facility inspection to identify damaged valves tags and unlabeled valves. It then describes how to make valve tags, including a discussion about the information that should be included on a valve tag. It tells how valve tags are applied and the gives the locations in which they should or should not be applied.

Overall this Valve Tag Best Practices Guide is a valuable tool that helps make your facility safer and more productive.