Pipe Labeling – ASME A13.1 Update

ASME A13.1 Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems provides minimum requirements for the identification of hazardous materials conveyed in piping systems. The document applies to general industry and does not address specific chemical (ammonia, chlorine, etc.) labeling requirements. Basic requirements contained within ASME A13.1 include:

• Pipe labels must include arrows to indicate flow direction (§3.1)
• Pipe content must be marked using a legend in a manner that is “brief, informative, pointed, and simple” (§3.1)
• Color should be used to identify the primary characteristic of the contents (§3.2). The recommended color scheme can be seen below.
  
• Pipe labels must be visible (§3.3) and readable (§3.4). Legend letters must not be less than ½” in height. (§3.4)

The 2015 version of ASME A13.1 has integrated with OSHA’s GHS Hazcom Standard. §3.2 states the following:

The applicable GHS pictogram as illustrated in Fig. 1 may be included as part of the legend. Where piping is connected to containers that are labeled in accordance with GHS requirements, a corresponding label on the piping may be provided. The corresponding label should contain at least the product name or identifier, the pictogram, the signal word, and the physical, health, and environmental hazard statement(s).

Remember, ASME A13.1 is general in nature and does not address specific chemical labeling requirements. [Refer to the blog that we wrote in September 2014 regarding the requirements for ammonia pipe labels.]