Have you ever considered buying a label maker to print your own pipe markers? A label maker is a quick easy way to create customized pipe markers whenever you need them.  You can customize your pipe  markers to not only feature ANSI-recommended elements (like color, direction of flow and contents), but also  include information you feel is important to those working on or around your piping system, such as pipe temperature, PSI, etc.

Some label maker features to consider:

• Multi-Color Printing: It’s important to be able to print in multiple colors, so it’s critical the printer you choose has that capability.
• Label Preview: Being able to see your finished label before you print it will save time and allow you to catch mistakes before printing.
• Multi-Label Printing: Some printers allow you to print multiple labels on one page for greater efficiency.
• Image/Template Import: The ability to import logos and graphics directly to your label maker is useful if you want to include personalized elements other than text on your pipe markers.  Certain printers also have a  library of graphics you can search for generic graphics.
• No-Smear Printing: Ensure your printer has either fast drying ink or a smear proof printing system to ensure your pipe markers are clear, crisp and last a while.

So next time you go to order a pipe marker, think about what may be best for you…placing an order or buying your own label maker and printing your own.

Posted by pipe and valve safety

Well it has a lot to do with the state of that substance.  Some substances are harmless in certain states, but can be considered toxic or dangerous in others. Take compressed air for example. Under low pressures, compressed air is harmless, hence the blue/white pipe marker. But, under high pressures compressed air can be extremely dangerous, so there is also a yellow/black pipe marker so that people working on or around the pipes are aware of the potential hazard.

Another example is hot water supply. In some cases a facility’s hot water supply may not be hot enough to harm someone so you would mark it with a green/white pipe marker. In other instances, the water could be hot enough to severely injure someone. Then, you would need to mark the pipe with a yellow/black marker to indicate the hazard.

When choosing pipe markers, think carefully about the state of the substances the pipe is carrying. If it could be potentially hazardous you need to mark it accordingly to ensure no one is injured or harmed.

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Standards developed by the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) specifically require pipes carrying medical gases to be clearly labeled with the name, direction of flow and pressure (if between 200 and 300 psi) of their contents.  Also, pipes should be labeled according to the following color requirements:

A visual look at the medical gas pipe marking color requirements.

• Oxygen = Green
• Carbon Dioxide =  Gray
• Nitrous Oxide = Blue
• Cyclopropane = Orange
• Helium = Brown
• Nitrogen = Black
• Air = Yellow

You can find medical gas pipe markers that comply with the Compressed Gas Association Standard: (CGA) C-9-1988(R1993) here.

ANSI, which stands for the American National Standards Institute, is a “private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States. The organization also coordinates U.S. standards with international standards so that American products can be used worldwide” (Source: Wikipedia).

Following ANSI’s standards is voluntary, but I still think it’s important to “comply.” First off, ANSI itself doesn’t create the standards that it puts out. It acts more as an overseer of the development and use of standards created by different standards developing groups. So the standards are a consensus among industry and application experts. It also represents the interests of more than 125,000 companies and millions of professionals. So, the standards have been given due process and given support before they are put out there for companies to follow.

It is also important to note that by everyone agreeing to and following the same standards, voluntary or not, it is easier to do business and ensure the properties and performance of products are consistent. If similar products are tested the same way and expected to have the same qualities, doing business and ensuring product consistency is easier.

ANSI’s  regulations impact almost every business sector, are you aware of the regulations that affect your business? If not, visit the ANSI web site to learn more www.ansi.org.

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Here’s what you’ll need to create your own pipe marker:

1. Solid Pipe Banding Tape: Pressure-sensitive, adhesive-backed pipe banding tape is an economical choice for creating customized pipe markers. Available in a variety of colors, banding tape applies easily to any pipe surface and allows you to create multiple pipe markers from a single roll.

2. Arrow Banding Tape: Arrow banding tape will allow you to indicate the direction of flow of the pipes’ contents. These tapes are available in multiple ANSI-standard colors so matching them with solid pipe banding tape is easy.

3. Permanent Marker: Use fast-drying, permanent marker to identify pipe contents. This allows you to easily mark pipes with appropriate wordings.

4. ANSI Regulations: See my previous blog entries for all of ANSI’s pipe marking regulations, including color, placement and size recommendations.

Now you’re all set to go make customized pipe markers for your facility. Good luck!

Posted by pipe and valve safety

Emedco pipe marking catalog cover (1968)

People always seem to have  some kind of reverence for things from the past — I’m no different. While going through some file cabinets at work, we discovered our company’s  second pipe and valve marking catalog printed in 1968. Check out the Emedco cover to the right.

It’s not like 1968 is ancient history or anything, but there was some excitement in feeling the old paper, seeing the colorful illustrations, smelling the musty pages (joking, the smell wasn’t exciting). There was just something interesting about seeing how pipe markers were sold and merchandised more than 40 years ago.

First, the cover. The design screams retro. Look at the Emedco logo – very reminiscent of a drive-in or diner sign if you ask me.

First page of 1968 pipe marker catalog

Then, when you open up the catalog it first states the “big news” for that catalog. What’s the news? That all Emedco pipe markers would be made with directional arrows right on the marker and that Emedco was the only company that offered that unique feature.

Emedco still sells pipe markers with arrows on them – both snap around and self adhesive versions. But we now also offer arrow banding tapes and a variety of custom pipe marker options.

The first page also spoke to the benefits of our pipe markers – all of which are still true today.

Interior pipe marker catalog page

The catalog is only 8 pages in its entirety. Most of the pages are used to explain the benefits of the product, show installation procedures, discuss pipe marking standards, and walk through ordering instructions (see page to the right). Only two pages are devoted to listing product – a pretty big change from today’s catalogs.

Hope you enjoyed this little blast from the past.

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Let’s walk through what all of these components mean.

1. Direction of Flow: Arrows are required at both ends of the pipe marker to indicate the  direction of flow.

2. System Components: Using the abbreviations below,  indicate the specific system components.

3. Content State: Indicate whether the refrigerant is a liquid, a vapor or both.

• Liquid: Use black or white text on an orange band.
• Vapor: Use black or white text on a blue band.
• Both: Use both color bands if both states may be present.

4. Ammonia Label: Mark the pipe with a yellow label with the word AMMONIA in black text.

5. Pipe Pressure: Indicate whether the pipe pressure is high or low.

• High: Use black or white text on a red band.
• Low: Use black or white text on a green band.

For more information on the size and/or placement of pipe markers, see my previous blog posts.

Posted by pipe and valve safety

But, another important part of pipe and valve marking is fire protection. In your facility, it is important that pipes and valves used for any part of fire protection are clearly labeled so employees or visitors can act quickly in case of an emergency. Also, in the event that a repair is needed, clearly labeling fire protection pipes and valves will ensure they can be easily identified and quickly fixed.

So what do you need to efficiently mark your pipes and valves for fire protection purposes?

1. Pipe Markers
   Pipe markers, including snap-around and adhesive pipe markers, are a great way to quickly and easily mark pipes carrying water or other materials needed for fire protection. Snap-around markers will easily snap around any pipe – hold, cold, corroded or dirty. Self-adhesive pipe markers are best to apply to clean, dry indoor pipes.
2. Sprinkler Control Signs
   Sprinkler control signs can help employees and visitors easily identify all components of your facility’s sprinkler system. These signs can call out emergency shut off and sprinkler control valves or indicate where sprinkler fire alarms or standpipes are located. These signs are available in a variety of sizes and materials. You can also use small engraved plastic signs that can be hooked or chained directly to sprinkler control valves and piping.

3. Sprinkler Valve and Line IDs
   Sprinkler signs and plates are an effective way to label valves, lines or drains. Emedco’s valve and line ID signs and plates meet OSHA requirements and comply with the National Board of Fire Underwriters Standard No. 13. You can choose from two styles, including Automatic Sprinkler Control Valve or Hydraulic Sprinkler System Identification.

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Jack Chain

Now that you are more familiar with the different types of valve markers available, you should think about the type of fasteners you want to use to secure the tags to your valves and machinery. What are your options?

Beaded Chain: Tough metal chain allows full flexibility for versatile use. Easy open/close fastener.

Chrome Plated Pins: Tougher than wire, chrome-plated pins easily snap around any valve.

'S' Hook

Jack Chain: A solid chain ideal for any use. Strong links open and close to size desired.

Nylon Fasteners: Permanently lock valve tags in place at any desired position. Flexible nylon fasteners are also available that can be locked and unlocked to move or remove.

‘S’ Hooks: Provide extra strong tag attachment. All you need to do is attach and squeeze the ends closed.

Wire Seal

Stainless Steel Wire: A simple way to tie tags to valves and machinery.

Wire Seals: Strong, tamper-resistant fasteners. They are available in a variety of material combinations and can be securely fastened to valves with a crimping press. Cannot be removed without wire cutters.

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Plastic valve tags can be an economical and easy-to-use option for valve and machine marking.  And, unlike metal tags, plastic valve tags offer you the option to write right on them, versus spending extra money on engraving.

Here are some plastic valve tag options:

Self-Fastening Tags
Self-fastening tags allow placement of a tag on valves and equipment without the need for fasteners or tools. Self-fastening tags are flexible, yet durable for high performance. They also resist dirt, grease and moisture. These tags are  available in stock legends such as “Do not close this valve” or OSHA-required headers. They even come blank so you can choose your own message.

Economy Plastic Tags
Economy plastic tags are made of thin (.010″-thick) plastic that can be attached to valves or machines with virtually any type of fastener. Economy plastic tags are not overly durable, so they are not be the best choice for harsh conditions.

Heavy-Duty Plastic Tags
Heavy-duty plastic tags a more durable, tear-proof valve tag as compared to economy plastic tags. Tags are made of thicker plastic so they can withstand tougher use. Like most plastic valve tags, you can have them custom worded or simply write  right on them.

Write on Tags
Most plastic valve tags can be easily written on for quick valve marking. Some write-on tags come pre-numbered with space to write a personalized label, while others come completely blank for full customization.

Which one will you choose for your next valve marking project?

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