PIPE

MARKING
A guide to marking the pipes in your facility according to OSHA/ANSI and other standards.

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 1

1. Introduction
Why you must label pipes
2. Where labels are required Creative Safety Supply is a global
supplier of Safety and Lean products
Assess your facility and manufacturer of leading brands
such as LabelTac Label & Sign Printers
3. Label formatting requirements and SafetyTac Industrial Floor Tapes.
Size of label Additionally, Creative Safety Supply offers a
wide selection of floor signs, wall signs and
Size of text other high visibility signage solutions.
Color
CSS also bridges the gap between
Pipe text abbreviations products and knowledge, offering a range
4. How to place labels for maximum visibility of free resources for safety professionals
or employees looking to learn more
5. Label printing about Safety, Lean Manufacturing, GHS,
Continuous Improvement and other topics.
Pre-made labels
Custom order
Print your own Hundreds of Innovative
Products and Solutions
The thermal transfer printer
Label supply
Print ribbon Knowledgeable Staff
Software
6. Label upkeep Free, Fast Shipping on
Maintaining labels Orders to US & Canada
*some restrictions apply, see website
Choosing labels for harsh environments
7. Additional pipe marking standards Free Guides, Podcasts,
Infographics, Blogs and
Ammonia Pipe Marking much more
NFPA 99/CGA C-9 Pipe Marking
ISO/DIS 14726 Sea Vessel & Marine Pipe Marking
The Leaders in Visual Safety
Water Treatment Pipe Marking
Commercial Building Pipe Marking creativesafetysupply.com
1-866-777-1360
Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 2
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
All contents copyright 2014 by Creative Safety Supply. All rights reserved. No part of this document or accompanying files may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form, electronic or otherwise, by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher.

This ebook is presented to you for informational purposes only and is not a substitution for any professional advice. The contents herein are
based on the views and opinions of the author and all associated contributors.

While every effort has been made by the author and all associated contributors to present accurate and up to date information within this
document, it is apparent technologies rapidly change. Therefore, the author and all associated contributors reserve the right to update the
contents and information provided herein as these changes progress. The author and/or all associated contributors take no responsibility for any
errors or omissions if such discrepancies exist within this document.

The author and all other contributors accept no responsibility for any consequential actions taken, whether monetary, legal, or otherwise, by any
and all readers of the materials provided. It is the readers sole responsibility to seek professional advice before taking any action on their part.

Readers results will vary based on their skill level and individual perception of the contents herein, and thus no guarantees, monetarily or
otherwise, can be made accurately. Therefore, no guarantees are made.

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com

Introduction
Marking pipes in industrial, commercial and Furthermore, many industries have specific
institutional facilities can help make a workplace safer standards for labeling. For example, health care
and more efficient. When pipes are clearly labeled, facilities are subject to specific requirements for
fewer accidents involving injuries and damage to pipes carrying medical gases, while marine vessels
property occur. This pipe marking guide will explain must use special color-coding.
the best practices for creating a visual pipe marking
system to increase safety and efficiency in your Most facilities, however, should follow the ASME/
workplace. ANSI A13.1 standard for pipe marking, which requires
an employer use labels that state what a pipe
contains and what possible hazards are related to
Why you must label pipes that substance. By following this standard, facilities
can remain compliant with OSHA regulations (29 CFR
If the people working in your facilityand even 1910.261 (a)(3)(ii)) as well.
visitors and emergency responderscannot easily
see what flows through a pipe, this problem can lead
to dangerous situations. Pipes might be misidentified
or someone might not even consider the hazards
related to a particular substance because they do
not know its present. Improperly labeled pipes can
also compromise the efficiency of your workplace, as
employees may need to spend extra time figuring out
what travels through a pipe during repairs.

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 4

Where labels are
1
required
The first step to proper pipe labeling is to understand
where labels are needed. This step is actually fairly
straightforward, as you only need to place pipe
markers in four main places: 2

1. Every 25 to 50 along straight runs

2. At all changes in direction (on both sides of
the turn)
3. At both sides of entry points through floors
and walls
3
4. Next to all flanges and valves

ASME/ANSI pipe marking standards recommend

labeling all pipes, but at the very least you must label
pipes under the following circumstances:

Pipes contain hazardous substances 4

Contents of pipes could impact emergency
procedures
The flow direction or destination of contents is
unknown
Maintenance requires that valve(s) be shut off or
flow be redirected

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 5

 FREE
Assess your facility
With the key requirements for pipe marking in mind,
do a walk-thru of your facility to document your pipe
systems. Use your facilitys blueprints to help you
identify any areas that may not be easily visible.

Take note of general information including whats

in your pipes, what direction that substance is
flowing, where the substance goes and when the
pipes change direction. Also make notes of possible
hazards associated with the substances flowing
through your pipes.

Then look more closely at any labels you may already

have in place:

Are they up-to-date?

Are they in good condition?
Also consider areas where labels
may be missing:
Have new pipes been added?
Is there new equipment that uses pipes?
Has repair work been performed near pipes?
Facility Marking Workbook
To help you keep accurate, detailed notes of
necessary labels during your walk-thru, try
using this workbook, available as a physical
booklet or as a printable PDF download.
Request free physical booklet
Call 1-866-777-1360
or email info@creativesafetysupply.com

Download PDF
http://cslinks.co/fmworkbook

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 6

Label formatting
requirements
The design of a label must comply with pipe marking while for a 10-inch pipe, letters would need to be at
regulations, which aim to make labels as visible as 3 inches tall. Consequently, when inspecting the
possible. Your labels must incorporate three main pipes in your space, you should be sure to note the
elements: size, text and color. diameters of all pipes that will need new labels. See
the chart below for help determining what size text
your labels will need.
Size of label
The size of a label should correspond to the size
of a pipe; larger pipes will always require larger Pipe Min. Label Min Letter
labels. When you size labels according to ASME/ Diameter Size Height
ANSI standards, people will notice them and be able
to see them from an appropriate distance. A pipe
whose outside diameter (including covering) is only
0.75 to 1.25 1 x 8 0.5
two inches, for example, would need a label eight
19 - 32 mm 25 x 203 mm 13 mm
inches long, while a pipe with an outside diameter of
10 inches would need a label 32 inches long. Consult
the chart below to determine what size labels your 1.25 to 2.5 1 x 8 0.75
pipes will need. 38 - 51 mm 25 x 203 mm 19 mm

Note: Some pipes may be too small for labels. In 2.5 to 8 2 x 12 1.25
these cases, use hanging tags to mark pipes. 64 - 203 mm 51 x 305 mm 32 mm

8 to 10 3 x 24 2.5
Size of text 203 - 254 mm 102 x 610 mm 64 mm

The writing on your labels will also be determined by

10+ 4 x 32 3.5
the size of the pipe in question. For a two-inch pipe,
Over 254 mm 153 x 813 mm 89 mm
letters would need to be at least of an inch tall,

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 7

Color
One of the most important things someone working
with or near a pipe needs to know is what it contains.
As a result, ASME/ANSI standards use the contents
of a pipe to determine the color of the label. Six main
colorsred, orange, yellow, brown, green and blue
are always used for specific substances, and four
additional colorsblack, white, gray and purple
can be applied as the user sees fit (as long as they
are used consistently). Note that the background
color of the label and the color of the text are both
important (some contents call for black letters and
others for white), so look carefully at the table below
to see what color labels are called for in your facility.

The following Pipe Marking Guide complies with the ANSI/ ASME A13.1 - 2007 Standard for the Identification of Pipes.

Definition of Letter Color on

Material Property Example
Material Property Field Color
Fluids which are a vapor or produce vapors that can ignite
Flammable Black on Yellow HYDROGEN
and continue to burn in air.

Combustible Fluids that may burn but are not flammable. White on Brown ACETIC ACID

Fluids which are corrosive or toxic or will produce corrosive

Toxic & Corrosive Black on Orange NITRIC ACID
or toxic substances.

Water and other substances used in sprinkler fire fighting

Fire Quenching White on Red HALON
piping systems.

Any other water except for water used in sprinkler & fire
Other Water
fighting piping systems.
White on Green BOILER WATER

Any vapor or gas under pressure that does not fit a category
Compressed Air White on Blue COMPRESSED AIR
above.

Defined by User Defined by user. White on Black DEFINED BY USER

Defined by User Defined by user. Black on White DEFINED BY USER
Defined by User Defined by user. White on Purple DEFINED BY USER
Defined by User Defined by user. White on Gray DEFINED BY USER

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 8

Pipe text abbreviations
When labeling the contents of your pipes, often times
some text may be too long to fit on a label. When
that is the case, use abbreviations from the list below.

ABED Aux. Building Equipment BOP Balance of Plant CNMT Containment

Drains BTM Bottom COM Common
ABEDT Aux. Building Equipment BTU British Thermal Unit COMP Component
Drain Tank
BUP Backup CONC Concentration
ABFD Aux. Building Floor Drain
C Centigrade (aka. Celsius) COND Condenser/Condensate
ABFDT Aux. Building Floor Drain
Train C/CB Condensate/Cond. Booster CONDTY Conductivity
ACB Air Circuit Breaker C1M Cumulative One Minute CONT Controller
ACK Acknowledge CAB Cabinet CONT ROD Control Rod
ACT Actuate ADJ Adjust CAL Calibration/Calorie CONTR Control
AFW Auxiliary Feedwater CAUS Cause COR Correction
ALM Alarm CCW Component Cooling Water/ CORR Correlation
Closed Cooling Water COUNT Count
AMB Ambient
CD Condensate CPM Counts Per Minute
ANAL Analyzer
CDB Condensate Booster CPU Central Processing Unit
AO(V) Air Operated (Valve)
CDT Chemical Drain Tank CPUS Central Processing Units
AVG Average
CHAM Chamber CR Control Room
BA Boric Acid
CHAN Channel CRB Chemical Recovery Boiler
BAR Bar Graph
CHNG Change CROM Control Rod Drive
BAT Boric Acid Tank / Battery
CHRG Charging Mechanism
BD Blow Down
CJB Cold Junction Box CS Containment Spray
BIST Bistable
CKT Circuit CSR Cable Spreading Room
BIT Boron Injection Tank
CL Cold Leg CST Condensate Storage Tank
BKR Breaker
CLNG Cooling CW Circulating Water
BL Black Liquid
CMPT Computed CWP Circulating Water Pump

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 9

Pipe text abbreviations (contd)

CYL Cylinder F Fahrenheit HYD Hydraulic

D/G Diesel Generator FCV Flow Control Valve I/P Current to Pressure
DEG Degrees FD Forced Draft I/V Current to Voltage
DEMIN Demineralizer FH Fuel Handling IA Instrument Air
DET Detector FLW Flow ID Identification/Inside
DEV Deviation FO Fuel Oil Diameter
DIV Division FREQ Frequency INBO Inboard
DO Diesel Fuel Oil FRNT Front INC Increase
DOT Dirty Oil Tank FW Feed Water INF Influent
DSCH Discharge GOV Governor INIT Initial
DT Delta Temperature GPM Gallons Per Minute INL Inlet
ECCS Emergency Core Cooling GRP Group INSERTIN Insertion
System GSC Gland Steam Condenser INST Instrument/Instantaneous
EDT Equipment Drain Tank GV Governor Valve INT Internal
EFCT Effect HG(A) Mercury (absolute) INTERM Intermediate
EFLNT Effluent HGHT Height IOD Iodine
EHC Electro Hydraulic Control HIDP High Differential Pressure ISOL Isolation
ELEC Electrical HL Hot Leg JUNCT Junction
EQ Equipment HOV Hydraulic Operated Valve K Kilo
EQUIP Equipment HP High Pressure LNG Long/Liquified Natural
ES Extraction Steam ESS Gas
HR(S) Hour
Essential Service LO FLW Low Flow
HRSG Heat Recovery Steam
ESF Engineered Safety Feature Generator M/G Motor Generator Sets
EXH Exhaust/Exhauster HT RT Heat Rate MAINT Maintenance
EXPANS Expansion HTNG Heating MAX Maximum
EXTR Extracted Extractor/ HU/CD Heatup/Cooldown MCR Main Control Room
Extraction MFP Main Feed Pump
HUT Hold up Tank

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 10

Pipe text abbreviations (contd)

MIN Minutes/Minimum OT Over Temperature PRI Primary

MOIST Moisture OT-OP Over Temp-Over PROC Process
MPH Miles Per Hour Pressure PRT Pressurizer Relief Tank
MPS Miles Per Second OUT Output PS Power Supply
MS Main Steam/Moisture OUTBD Outboard PSI Lbs Per Square Inch
Separator OUTLT Outlet PSIA Lbs Per Square Inch
MSIV Main Steam Isolation OVERLD Overload Absolute
Valve OVERTEMP Over Temperature PSIG Lbs Per Inch Gauge
MSR Moisture Separator OVRPWR Overpower PSIO Lbs Per Square Inch
Reheater Differential
PART Partial
MTR Motor PT Point
PARTIC Particulate
MU Makeup PTL Pull-To-Lock
PCT Percent
MVBL Movable PUL Pulverizer
PCV Pressure Control Valve
NAOH Sodium Hydroxide PW Primary Water
PENET Penetration
NAR Narrow PWR RNG Power Range
PMG Permanent Magnet
NAR RNG Narrow Range Generator PRV Pressure Relief Valve
NBL Noble PNEU Pneumatic PZR Pressurizer Relief Tank
NEG Negative PORV Power Operated Relief RC Reactor Coolant
NEUT Neutron Valve RCDT Reactor Coolant Drain
NIS Nuclear Instrumentation POS Positive Tank
System POT Potentiometer RCFC Reactor Containment Fan
NR Narrow Range PPB Parts per Billion Cooler
NUC Nuclear PPM Parts per Million RCL Reactor Coolant Loop
OG Off-Gas PR58 Process Radiation Monitor RCS Reactor Coolant System
OOS Out of Service 58 RDT Reheater Drain Tank
OP Over Pressure PREAMP Preamplifiers RECOMB Recombiner
OPER Operator/Operating PRG Purge REGEN Regenerative

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 11

Pipe text abbreviations (contd)

REL Relative SPEC Specification UNCONT Uncontrolled

RESID Residual STDY Steady VAC Vacuum
RH Residual Heat STNBY Standby VALS Values
RHR Residual Heat Removal STOR Storage VAP Vapor
RHT Reheat SUPPR Suppressed VAR Variance
RLY Relay SUPRESS Suppression VCT Volume Control Tank
RNG Range/Running SW Service Water/Switch VIB Vibration
ROC Rate of Change SWST Secondary Water Storage VNT Vent
RTD Resistance Temp. Tank VOL Volume
Detector T/C Thermocouples WR Wide Range
RTN Return TAMB Temperature Ambient XFR Transfer
RVLIS Reactor Vessel Level TAVG Average Temperature XMTR Transmitter
Indication System TB Turbine Building/Terminal
RW Radwaste Box/Block
RWST Refueling Water Storage TC Cold Leg Temperature
Tank TCV Temperature Control Valve
S/G Steam Generator TD Turbine Drain
SA Service Air TG Turbine Generator
SB Service Building THER Thermal
SEC Second THRT Throttle
SEL Select THST Thrust
SEP Separator TREP Reference Temperature
SERV Service TRNA Train A (B, C, etc.)
SFP Service Fuel Pump TRNSNT Transient
SGTR Steam Generator Tube TRP Trip
Rupture
TTD Terminal Temp. Difference
SI Safety Injection
TURBS Turbines

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 12

The cure for your
pipe marking
headache.
LabelTac Pipe Marking Packages Get everything you need to create
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How to place labels
for maximum
visibility
Pipe marking labels should be positioned in such a
way that they are visible from most peoples line of
sight.

A few guidelines about visibilty/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 pipes horizontal
centerline.

When a pipe is located above normal line of

sight, put the label below the pipes horizontal
centerline.

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 14

Label printing
Printed labels are the best and most convenient way Print your own
to meet pipe marking requirements. Essentially, you
have 3 options for labeling.
Printing your own labels can be the most economical
and easiest way to get the labels you need. Thermal
Pre-made labels label printers have become very common in industrial
settings where signage is required to maintain
efficiency and safety. The ability to print what you
Pipe marking labels are available from many sources.
need, when you need it is a very attractive benefit.
Your company may already do business with a
Look for a pipe marking bundled package. This
vendor that can provide labels. If you are selecting
should provide a printer, ribbon and label material
a vendor, check the availability of pre-made labels,
(supply) that will be appropriate for most pipe
ensuring that you can get the size, color and label
marking requirements.
material you require for your labeling project. Most
vendors have online resources to help find what you
need. A good vendor will also have customer service
representatives to help you order the correct labels.

Custom order
Your facility may require custom labels that are
not available pre-made. Vendors may have online
ordering capability for custom labels. Take a careful
inventory of the size, color, label text and material you
will need. This will save time when you go to place
the order. This is another time when good customer
service is essential. Select a company with a good
reputation for high quality customer service.

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 15

The thermal transfer printer
Not all label printers are built alike. Unlike traditional
printers, which print on paper using ink, thermal
transfer printers thermally bind print resin to a label
supply (usually vinyl) with heat in a permanent way
which often allows the labels to be weatherproof and
chemically resistant, as well as resistant to wear and
tear.

With thermal transfer printers, it is important to find a

printer/system that is easy to use, easy to customize,
and provides long lasting, durable supplies. A good
thermal printer will come equipped with software that
will allow you to place graphics and other necessary
elements for pipe marking.

In addition to pipe marking labels, the same printer

can also be used to create:

Warning labels for use throughout your

facility, in and on vehicles, and other
equipment

Way signage for a safer workplace

5S signage to help create a productive, lean

environment

OSHA required signage for safety

compliance

GHS labels for compliance and easy

identification of hazardous materials

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 16

Label supply
Labels should be able to last at least 5 years, even in
outdoor conditions. Label supplies are also available
for other, more extreme conditions and locations.
Your vendor should have label supply in all of the
colors your labeling requirements dictate. Contact
your vendor to obtain the material suitable for your
needs.

Print ribbon
Lower quality ribbon will not stand up to the rigors
required of pipe marking. Ask your vendor for a
guarantee, life expectancy or at the very least, some
kind of proof of product quality. Ribbon is available in
a range of colors to contrast effectively with the label
supply and produce the correct color combinations
to meet pipe marking standards.

Software
Your printer should include software that is easy to
use and includes a library of pre-formatted label
templates. Pre-formatted templates will help get you
up to speed and printing labels quickly. You should
also have access to symbols and other graphic
elements so you have the full benefit of the printers
capabilities to produce labels and signage.

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 17

Label upkeep
Maintaining labels
Many pipe marking labelslike those produced by
Creative Safety Supplys LabelTac printersare
made from durable, industrial-grade materials, so
they can withstand harsh conditions. That being
said, labels still need to be properly cared for. If dirt
accumulates on your pipe labels, be sure to clean
it off regularly. Labels are only useful when theyve
visible, so keep your labels in good condition.

If you need to remove a label to replace it with a new

one, try using a putty knife to scrape off the label.
A heat gun can also be used to help speed up the
process.

Choose labels for

harsh environments
When you select labels designed to tolerate harsh
conditions, you will spend less time maintaining
and replacing labels in the future. You can purchase
labels and label making supplies made for use in cold
storage, high temperatures, marine environments and
on oily surfaces, so choose labels best-suited to the
conditions in your facility.

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 18

 Print professional signs and labels from
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Save up to 75% vs other methods Pipe Marking ...and more

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Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 1-877-356-6584 19
Additional pipe
marking standards
While most industries are covered by ASME/ANSI
standards for pipe marking, some workplaces 1 2 3 4 5
must comply with additional or more specific
requirements. The following charts detail many of
these requirements.
Abbreviations
1 Abbreviations for Ammonia System Components:
Ammonia Pipe Marking Black printed on yellow

The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration Physical State

sets specific standards for labeling pipes that
LIQ Liquid: Black or white printed on orange
carry ammonia. Because ammonia poses a threat 2
VAP Vapor: Black or white printed on blue
to human healthit is corrosive to the eyes, skin
LIQ/VAP Use both if both states exist
and lungsany pipes carrying ammonia-based
refrigerants must have more specific labeling. Refer
to the graphics and charts below if your facility uses
Marker Body
3
ammonia-based substances. AMMONIA printed in black on yellow

IIAR #114 7.0 requires the posting of a reference Pressure Level

chart with pipe marking identification and High Pressure: +70 psig
abbreviation information in an area conspicuous to 4 Black or white printed on red
operating personnel. Make the chart out of a durable Low Pressure: =/-70 psig
material for continued legibility. Black or white printed on green

Flow Direction
5 Direction of flow of the system contents is
indicated by the arrows. Place arrows at one or
both ends of the label.

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 20

Ammonia Pipe Marking (contd)
The chart to the right contains common abbreviations
for marking ammonia pipes in accordance with IIAR
regulations. To the right of each abbreviation is the
full content name, as well as the physical state and
pressure level.
*Abbreviations marked with this symbol are popularly used, but non-IIAR approved.
Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com
1 2 4
BD Booster Discharge VAP LOW
CD Condenser LIQ HIGH
DC Defrost Condensate LIQ HIGH
ES Economizer Suction VAP LOW
EQ1 Equalizer VAP HIGH
FG* Foul Gas VAP LOW
HG* Hot Gas VAP HIGH
HGD Hot Gas Defrost VAP HIGH
HPL High Pressure Liquid LIQ HIGH
HSD High Stage Discharge VAP HIGH
HSS High Stage Suction VAP LOW
HTRL High Temperature Recirculated Liquid LIQ LOW
HTRS High Temperature Recirculated Suction LIQ/VAP HIGH
HTS* High Temperature Suction VAP LOW
LD* Liquid Drain LIQ LOW
LIC Liquid Injection Cooling LIQ HIGH
LSS Low Stage Suction VAP LOW
LT* Liquid Transfer LIQ LOW
LTRL Low Temperature Recirculated Liquid LIQ/VAP LOW
LTRS Low Temperature Recirculated Suction LIQ LOW
LTS* Low Temperature Suction VAP LOW
MTRL* Medium Temperature Recirculated Liquid LIQ LOW
MTRS* Medium Temperature Recirculated Suction LIQ/VAP LOW
MTS* Medium Temperature Suction VAP LOW
PL* Purge Line VAP HIGH
PO* Pump Out
PU* Purge LIQ HIGH
RV Relief Vent VAP HIGH
TSR Thermosiphon Return LIQ/VAP HIGH
TSS Thermosiphon Supply LIQ HIGH
21
NFPA 99/CGA C-9 Pipe Marking
The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) Letter Color on
requires that all pipes carrying medical gases such Material Property Example
Field Color
as oxygen, nitrous oxide and nitrogen in medical Gas Mixtures of Oxygen USP and Nitrogen NF
facilities be labeled. These pipe markers must at least 19.5% to 23.5% 20% OXYGEN
include the contents, pressure and flow direction of Black on Yellow 80% NITROGEN
Oxygen
the pipes. All other Oxygen 40% OXYGEN
Green on Black 60% NITROGEN
Concentrates
Letter Color on
Material Property Example
Field Color
Single Gases

Oxygen USP White on Green OXYGEN 50-55 PSI Letter Color on

Material Property Example
Field Color
Carbon Dioxide White on Gray CARBON DIOXIDE Other Gas Mixtures
Oxygen USP and
Nitrous Oxide White on Blue NITROUS OXIDE Nitrous Oxide USP1:
52.5% OXYGEN
52.5% Oxygen USP, Defined by User 47.5% NITROUS OXIDE
Cyclopropane
Black on Orange CYCLOPROPANE 47.5% Nitrous Oxide
USP

Helium USP White on Brown HELIUM 50-55 PSI Oxygen USP and
Carbon Dioxide USP1:
93% OXYGEN
Nitrogen NF White on Black NITROGEN 160-200 PSI
93% Oxygen USP, Gray on Green 7% CARBON DIOXIDE
remainder Carbon
Dioxide USP
Medical Air USP Black on Yellow MEDICAL AIR
Oxygen USP and
Helium USP1:
Instrument Air White on Red INSTRUMENT AIR 26% OXYGEN
20% Oxygen USP, Green on Brown 74% HELIUM
remainder Helium
Waste Anesthetic USP
White on Purple WASTE ANESTHETIC
Gas Disposal
Black on White/Yellow
Laboratory Air Checkerboard LABORATORY AIR Complies to NFPA 99 color marking standards.
Complies to CGA C-9 color marking standards.
Laboratory Black on Black/White 1 Use the background colors of the Single Gases. For other gas mixture pipe
LABORATORY VACUUM labels, use the major gas for label color and use the minor gas color for text color.
Vaccum Checkerboard 2
2 Use a white box with a black outline behind the text.
Medical-Surgical
Black on White MEDICAL VACUUM
Vaccum

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 22

ISO/DIS 14726 Sea Vessel &
Marine Pipe Marking
Main Color
Sea vessels must comply with additional pipe
marking color codes to provide more specific
information about the contents of pipes. These
codes are internationally recognized.
Additional Color
FRESH WATER (blue) FLAMMABLE GASES (yellow)
Fresh Water Flammable gases
Condensate from heating system Hydrogen
Fresh water - sanitary Acetylene
Marine Pipe Marking Standards
Cooling fresh water Mixture of Propane/Butane have main colors (defined by
Feed water ISO 14726) to indicate groups of
Distillate similar substances.
NON-FLAMMABLE GASES (gray)
Potable water
Non-flammable gases
Chilled water Additional color bars (defined
Oxygen
Condensate by ISO/DIS 14726-2) are added
Breathing Gas
to indicate specific substances.
WASTE MEDIA (black) Nitrogen
The additional color should be
Refrigerant
Waste media surrounded by the main color
Pressure air HP
Black water and have a width smaller than
Breathing air
Waste oil that of the main color.
Bilge water
Exhaust gas FIRE FIGHTING (red)
Although not required, it is
Sewage Fire fighting
highly advised to mark the
Fire-fighting fresh water
OILS OTHER THAN FUEL (orange) direction of flow with arrows or
Fire-fighting sea water
arrow-band tape. Additionally,
Waste media Fire-fighting CO2 gas
Black water
using text in addition to these
Sprinkler water
Waste oil
colors where possible can
Fire-fighting powder
Bilge water help avoid confusion about the
Fire-fighting foam
Exhaust gas contents of your pipes.
Sewage Continued on next page

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 23

ISO/DIS 14726 Sea Vessel &
Marine Pipe Marking (contd)

STEAM (silver) FUEL (brown) AIR IN VENTILATION SYSTEMS (white)

Steam Fuel Air in ventilation systems
Steam for heating Heavy fuel Natural exhaust air
Bleeder steam Liquid gas Supply air, atmospheric
LP drains Petrol Natural supply air
Supply steam Diesel fuel Mechanical exhaust air
Exhaust steam
HP drains SEA WATER (green) ACIDS AND ALKILIS (violet)
Sea water Acids and Alkilis
MASSES (DRY & WET) (copper) Ballast water
Masses Cooling sea water
Sanitary sea water

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 24

Water Treatment Pipe Marking
Below you will find suggestions for labeling water Type of Pipe/Use of Pipe Color of Pipe

lines, chemical lines, waste lines and other pipes. WATER LINES
Consult these guidelines if your facility is located Raw Water Olive Green
in one of the states that has adopted the 10 States
Settled or Clarified Water Aqua
Standards created by the Great Lakes Upper
Finished or Potable Water Dark Blue
Mississippi River Board (GLUMRB).
Chemical Lines
(http://www.10statesstandards.com/)
Alum or Primary Coagulant Orange

Ammonia White

Carbon Slurry Black

Type of Pipe/Use of Pipe Color of Pipe
Caustic Yellow w/ green band
SLUDGE LINES
Chlorine Gas or Solution Yellow
Raw Sludge Brown w/ black band
Fluoride Light blue w/ red band
Sludge recirculation or suction Brown w/ yellow band
Lime Slurry Light green
Sludge draw off Brown w/ orange band
Ozone Yellow w/ orange band
Sludge recirculation discharge Brown
Phosphate Compounds Light green w/ red band
Sludge Gas Lines
Polymers or Coagulant aids Orange w/ green band
Sludge gas Orange (or red)
Potassium Permanganate Violet
Orange (or red) w/ black
Natural gas
band Soda Ash Light green w/ orange band
Sludge Water Lines Sulfuric Acid Yellow w/ red band
Nonpotable water Blue w/ black band Sulfur Dioxide Light green w/ yellow band
Potable water Blue Waste Lines
Blue w/ 6 red band (150 Backwash Waste Light brown
Water for heating digestors
mm) spaced 30 apart
or buildings Sludge Dark brown
(760 mm)
Other Sludge Lines Sewer (sanitary or other) Dark gray
Chlorine Yellow Other Lines

Sulfur Dioxide Yellow w/ red band Compressed Air Dark green

Sewage (wastewater) Gray Gas Red

Compressed air Green Other Pipes Light Gray

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 25

Commercial Building Pipe
Marking
While commercial buildings fall under the ASME/
NOTE: Valve Tags need to comply with ANSI standards. Pipe Labels should be near
ANSI A13.1 standard, the additional guidelines valve to identify pipe content.
listed below can help with the identification of *There are no standards for Drains. Follow ANSI Standards for background and letter
common pipes found in these facilities. colors; abbreviations may vary by facility.

Band Background and

Abbr. Service Type Pipe Label Valve Tag
Color Lettering Colors
CHWR Chilled Water Return CHWR (BLDG.)-CHV-##
BLUE Green background, white lettering
CHWS Chilled Water Supply CHWS (BLDG.)-CHV-##
CWR Condenser Water Return CWR (BLDG.)-CWV-##
GREEN Green background, white lettering
CWS Condenser Water Supply CWS (BLDG.)-CWV-##
CWGLR Chilled Water Glycol Return CWGLR (BLDG.)-CGLV-##
CWGLS Chilled Water Glycol Supply CWGLS (BLDG.)-CGLV-##
GOLD Green background, white lettering
HWGLR Hot Water Glycol Return HWGLR (BLDG.)-HGLV-##
HWGLS Hot Water Glycol Supply HWGLS (BLDG.)-HGLV-##
CTYW City Water CITY WATER (BLDG.)-CTWV-##
DCWR Domestic Cold Water Return DCWR (BLDG.)-DCV-##
LIGHT
DCWS Domestic Cold Water Supply DCWS (BLDG.)-DCV-## Green background, white lettering
BLUE
DHWR Domestic Hot Water Return DHWR (BLDG.)-DHV-##
DHWS Domestic Hot Water Supply DHWS (BLDG.)-DHV-##
DRAIN Drains* DRAIN (BLDG.)-DRAIN-## BROWN Refer to ANSI standards

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 26

Commercial Building Pipe
Marking (contd)

Band Background and

Abbr. Service Type Pipe Label Valve Tag
Color Lettering Colors
DTR Dual Temp Return DTR (BLDG.)-DTV-##
BLACK Green background, white lettering
DTS Dual Temp Supply DTS (BLDG.)-DTV-##
FO Fuel Oil FO (BLDG.)-FOV-## WHITE Yellow background, black lettering

HPR Heat Pump Return HPR (BLDG.)-HPV-##

TEAL Green background, white lettering
HPS Heat Pump Supply HPS (BLDG.)-HPV-##
LTHWR Low-Temp Hot Water Return LTHWR (BLDG.)-HWV-##
YELLOW Green background, white lettering
LTHWS Low-Temp Hot Water Supply LTHWS (BLDG.)-HWV-##
MTHWR Medium-Temp Hot Water Return MTHWR (BLDG.)-MTV-##
ORANGE Green background, white lettering
MTHWS Medium-Temp Hot Water Supply MTHWS (BLDG.)-MTV-##
HTHWR High-Temp Hot Water Return HTHWR (BLDG.)-HTV-##
RED Green background, white lettering
HTHWS High-Temp Hot Water Supply HTHWS (BLDG.)-HTV-##
STM Steam STEAM (BLDG.)-STV-##
PINK Yellow background, black lettering
COND Condensate COND (BLDG.)-CNDV-##
NG Natural Gas GAS (BLDG.)-GASV-## GRAY Yellow background, black lettering

CA Compressed Air COMP AIR (BLDG.)-CAV-##

PURPLE Blue background, white lettering
VAC Vacuum VACUUM (BLDG.)-VACV-##

Pipe Marking Guide | creativesafetysupply.com 27

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