OSHA Pipe Label Standards

When the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspects pipe labels during facility inspections, their chief considerations revolve around the employees' understanding of possible hazards, how to avoid these hazards and action required in case of an emergency.

Industry Standard

• OSHA's pipe label standards conform to the ANSI/ASME A13.1 industry standard. Published in 2007, this code establishes the color scheme, size and placement of labels. The label design should illustrate not only what's inside the pipe but the direction of the flow. Additional information should be given if there is extreme pressure or temperature.

Classes of Hazards

• There are three hazard classes, which are distinguished by color codes. Labels for high-hazard pipe contents use black text on a yellow background. For low-hazard contents, labels are divided into two schemes. Liquid materials employ white text on a green background. Gases are denoted by white text on a blue background.

Additional Markings

• OSHA requires right-to-know labels on pipes in large plants or those plants using several different chemicals to ensure safety.