Medical Gas Pipe Labeling Requirements

ANSI/ASME A13.1 recommends a colour code that quickly alerts workers to potential hazards. The color code consists of six predefined colors to identify major types of pipe contents. There are also four custom combinations that can be defined separately by each institution using the standard. The ANSI/ASME A13.1 General Pipe Marking Standard for the Identification of Tuping Systems requires identification of the contents of pipes that must be applied to pipes containing medical gases. ANSI/ASME A13.1 also requires that the direction of flow of the contents of the medical pipeline be marked with directional arrow labels indicating in which direction the contents of the pipe are moving. The most dangerous feature of the pipe contents should determine the color scheme used: labels should always be clearly visible from the normal approach angle. For example, if the hose is above the head, apply the marking under the center axis. If the tube is below eye level, place the label above the center line. Additional recommendations for label placement: Clearly document the colour code used and train employees to recognize and understand it. This is especially important in situations where a highly specialized piping system makes the common ANSI color code less efficient. For example, pipes in hospitals often carry a variety of compressed gases; Some are for patients` breathing, while others are for surgical equipment and others are part of an anesthesia system.

Confusion about these types of pipes could be dangerous or even deadly. As a result, hospitals tend to follow a more specialized color-coding system. If the contents or use of a pipe may pose a hazard to workers, marking pipes may be a necessary step for workplace safety, and missing labels may expose your facility to the risk of citations under OSHA`s general duty clause. While OSHA requires some industries to follow the ANSI pipe marking standard, other facilities are better served by a different system. Consider pipe marking standards that apply to the type and location of your facility. Check with your local authorities before embarking on a pipe marking project to make sure you are fully compliant with the law. For small jobs, prefabricated pipe markers are great for single labels, replacement labels, and other small pipe labeling projects. These labels are delivered to your facility ready to be installed and are pre-printed with all the important information to create a standardized piping label according to ANSI/ASME A13.1 and the International Institute of Refrigeration of Ammonia (IIAR) pipe marking standards. Understand the color coding and proper placement of ANSI style piping markers Installations with pipes containing medical gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, helium, nitrogen, and other hazardous substances must comply with certain pipe marking standards such as NFPA 99 of the National Fire Protection Association, CGA C-9 of the Compressed Gas Association and ANSI/ASME A13.1 Scheme for the Identification of Tuping Systems of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

The marking requirements of these standards help minimize the risks associated with medical piping systems. Follow Compressed Gas Association (CGA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards to identify gas content with medical gas pipe markers. Medical gas pipe markers are printed with the color requirements set by the NFPA and CGA and are essential to protect others from gas-related injuries. Medical pipeline labels comply with the 2018 NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code and the CGA C-9 2013 standard colour code for medical pressurized gas containers. Our pipe labels are designed to completely wrap pipes from 3/8″ to 2″ in diameter. The M2 size has two markers of 4″ x 7″ per card. We recommend using them for pipes 1″ to 2″ in diameter. The M3 size has three markers of 3″ x 3″ per card. Use on pipes with a diameter of 3/8″ to 3/4″. These are sticker markers that you peel and paste, all markers contain arrows.

This standard specifies colour uniformity for the marking and marking of medical devices intended for use with certain medical gases. The colours listed in the table below must be used on medical use containers and colour-coded according to the gases they contain. As part of the ANSI/ASME approach to pipe marking, there are five key elements for effective pipe marking: ANSI/ASME A13.1 is the most comprehensive and common recommendation for pipe marking in the United States. The standard has been revised over time, with the biggest change in 2007 when the old ANSI standard was combined with the recommendations of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). As a result of cooperation between the two groups, the new standard was called « ANSI/ASME A13.1 » or « ASME A13.1 ». The 2007 edition radically changed the color code to identify the type of hazard posed by the contents of a pipe, rather than simply indicating whether the contents were dangerous. Additional colors have been defined for the user definition to allow flexibility for unique situations. The latest edition, which dates from 2020, contains minor revisions.

It kept the special color code and expanded a category to include abandoned pipes. ANSI A13.1 also has the ability to include hazard pictograms from the international GHS standard on labels for more details. If it is not possible to attach a label directly to a pipe or cover, attach a valve label or blank spacer tube marking panel – both are ideal for small pipes and provide a permanent base for labels. When hoses are difficult to label or tend to become greasy and dirty, gripping sleeves protect labels and prevent damage. If you`re ready to install your labels and have hard-to-reach pipes, a tubular marker applicator is a great way to securely attach them without a ladder.