Australian pipe marking guide – Important Things You Should Know

Australian pipe marking guide – Important Things You Should Know When it comes to the Australian pipe marking guide, there are so many things you should know. AS 1345-1995 is the Australian pipe marking standard providing a constant system for recognizing the content of ducts and pieces in the workplace. Understanding the labeling standards is important for workers as they can identify the contents of a pipe immediately and take the right safety measures.

These standards were developed by Standards Australia – basically the Australian equivalent of the ANSI, American National Standards Institute. Just like ANSI, Standards Australia is the leading standards development body of Australia and a member of the International Organization for Standardization.

With a standardized color-coding system for pipe markings, skilled and trained employees and the workforce can easily and swiftly determine the substance that is flowing through the pipe. In the AS 1345-1995 standard, it is called the base identification color. As described in the standard, the color requirements are as mentioned below:    

Light Blue – Air; Instrument air, compressed air, ventilation, etc.

Green – Water; Recycled water, cooling water, stormwater, drinking water, wastewater, etc.

Sand/Yellow-Ochre – Gases; Medical gases, liquefied glass under pressure, process gases and fuel gases, etc.

Orange – Electrical – used for conduits, electrical supply circuit, etc.

     

Browns – Combustible liquids, oils, and flammable liquids; petrol oil, oils used for food processing, fuel, and lubricating pols.

Silver-Grey – Steam; exhaust steam, live steam, space heating steam, process steam, etc.

White – Communications; Conduits with telephone circuits, extra-low voltage supply, etc.

Violet – Acids/Alkalis – All corrosive liquids and gases.

Red – Fire Protection; Water dedicated for the use by fire services, fire extinguishing foam, etc.

Black – Miscellaneous – Process wastes, sewage, chemical mixtures, etc.

Supplementary Colours Marking the pipes of the facility is mandatory if you have pipes containing anything ranging from caustic chemicals to steam. If you are considering outfiring your facility or workplace with a new Australian Pipe Marking Standard, all you have to do is look for a company having expertise in the same.

Another color panel or band is used for indicating additional attributes of the contents of the pipe. For example, a dark blue panel or band might indicate materials for human consumption such as potable water. On the other hand, a yellow panel or band is used with a corresponding safety symbol or sign to identify the hazardous content.  Radiological Hazard – Toxic Symbol  General Hazard – Use of hazard stripes  Biological Hazard – Biohazard Symbol These supplementary pipe markers can be used as a wrap-around band to help in specifying the contents of a pipe and identifying the possible level of risk or can be printed as a panel on the band or label.

If you are considering pipe marking, then the first thing you should do is look for a company having experience and expertise in providing similar services. Marking pipes require skills and training. Though you might come across several companies making toll promises of offering the best services, it is only a few firms that deliver what they promise. Experts make sure that your facility follows the Australian pipe marking guide so that you can provide your employees and workforce safe and healthy environment.