Introduction
Why is pipe marking important and what are the requirements?
For someone who has never been to a pulp mill or, for example, a chemical plant, it can be confusing to see all the pipes between different machines, pumps, tanks and cisterns.
In order for existing staff, inspectors and external staff (who, for example, carry out work at a plant) to get a clear picture of what is in the pipes and what risk factors are present, the Swedish Chemicals Agency and the Swedish Work Environment Authority have set requirements for labeling in accordance with the CLP Regulation (Classification, Labeling and Packaging of Dangerous Substances) and the regulation AFS 2014: 43.
Standards used are mainly SS741:2017 and SSG7571.
In the CLP system, there are pictograms that are harmonized worldwide, GHS, with symbols against a white background surrounded by a red frame. The pictograms can be used without explanatory text on pipes, but it is required for tank labeling according to CLP.
According to the regulation, labeling requires a product text and flow direction. According to SS741:2017 also a color code, which indicates the degree of danger and product type. If a product has several hazardous properties, the color marking must apply to the dominant hazard.
A tip is to look at the safety data sheet, section 2.2. Then you can choose the right color and the right pictogram. If the substance has several risk factors, choose the most serious ones first according to the CLP Directive, but not more than 4 or 5 pictograms.
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