Pipe marking is a visual identification system used to identify different types of piping. The primary purpose of pipe marking is to promote safety by helping operators, maintenance workers, technicians and emergency responders understand the contents, hazards, direction of flow and function of pipes. With a pipe marking system, operators and technicians can quickly and easily identify pipes, improving the efficiency of maintenance and repair operations and reducing the risk of accidents. In almost all common situations and environments, pipeline marking is required by laws and regulations.

Why have pipe marking done by experts - 5 reasons

Having pipe marking done by experts like Blomsma Signs & Safety offers several advantages, especially in terms of alleviating concerns. When you have the implementation of pipe marking carried out by professionals, you can be sure that your pipe marking complies with current laws and regulations. In this way, your site complies with (inter)national standards, and thus with legal requirements. With pipe markings as part of a safety information system, a higher level of safety is achieved.  A nice bonus is that you are prepared for enforcement and inspection services, you possible fines are avoided.

Pipe marking experts have the necessary expertise, experience, and training to mark pipes correctly and efficiently. Identifying and marking pipes correctly reduces the risk of accidents and incidents.

Outsourcing your pipe marking also saves you valuable time, as marking pipes can be a time-consuming task, especially without the right knowledge and materials.

Reason 1: Knowledge of materials and environment

In the complex world of industry & chemistry, terminals, ships, offshore platforms and water treatment plants, the need for clear and uniform communication of the properties of different pipes with the right materials is undeniable. Experts have the knowledge of the different materials and application solutions of pipe markings and how they react to different environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, substrate, surface tension and exposure to chemicals. All of these factors play a role in selecting the right pipe marking products.

The lack of this expert knowledge when marking pipes can lead to various problems such as improper material selection (CUS as a result), lack of durability (decolorization of the marking), inconsistency in markings, loosening of markings and inability to comply with regulatory requirements. Hiring an expert assures you of accurate and reliable pipe marking that meets all requirements and contributes to a safe working environment.

Reason 2: Compliant with laws and regulations

Virtually all countries have laws and standards that require piping containing hazardous materials to be marked. These markings are part of the health and safety signs that must be present in the workplace. Legislation such as 95/58/EEC, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (Arbeitsstätten Regel (ASR) A1.3 contain requirements, while standards provide more depth and guidance for practical implementation and design. The most important standards for this are ISO 20560-1, a global standard to bring consistency in the marking of pipes, and ISO 14726 for the shipping industry. Other regularly used standards include DIN2403 (Germany), ASME A13.1-2015 (United States), BS1710 (United Kingdom), and NORSOK L-004 (offshore Scandinavia).

ISO 20560 is a global standard that ensures consistency to make the process of pipe and tank marking as clear as possible and optimize workplace safety. While ISO 20560 is an important standard, it is important to note that local, national, or regional rules and laws may also apply when marking pipes. These rules and laws can vary depending on the jurisdiction, industry, and application of pipe marking.

At Blomsma Signs & Safety, we always ensure that your pipe marking complies with all applicable laws and regulations, and standards such as ISO 20560, ISO14726, and DIN2403.

Reason 3: Risk management and liability

Marking pipes correctly goes beyond simply complying with legal requirements; it is a critical component of effective risk management and liability prevention. An error in pipe marking can lead not only to potential hazards for workers and the environment but also to legal complications and financial responsibility for companies.

We would be happy to explain how having the right pipe marking helps manage risk and avoid liability issues:

1. Legal compliance and prevention of fines: Various laws and regulations require specific markings for pipes, depending on their contents and the environment in which they are located. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in fines and penalties from regulatory agencies.

2. Increased safety and risk management: Correctly marked piping helps reduce confusion and prevent workplace accidents. This minimizes risks and helps companies avoid liability claims due to injury or damage.

3. Reputation protection: Compliance with laws and regulations through professional pipe marking demonstrates your commitment to safety, an important part of your reputation. Thus, you avoid potential negative publicity that may arise from incidents and/or legal disputes.

4. Legal protection: In the unfortunate event that an incident does occur at your workplace involving pipe marking, having professionally marked pipes can serve as proof that the company has taken all reasonable steps to ensure safety.

Reason 4: Efficiency and long-term cost savings

It may seem like a cheaper solution to handle your pipe marking yourself, but in the long run, this is usually not the case. At Blomsma Signs & Safety, we have the right knowledge and experience to do the job correctly from the start. This minimizes the chance of mistakes, such as incorrect color codes, illegible markings or wrong symbols. This keeps repairs and adjustments to a minimum, saving both time and money. Moreover, quality pipe markings last a long time.

At Blomsma, we have years of experience with complex projects, always starting with an on-site survey conducted by specialists with the right experience. Through careful planning based on various principles, we create for you an orderly and effective pipe marking system with a clear, uniform appearance. As our client, with us you always maintain insight and control over the various steps in the project. Our focus as a contractor of the work is on the realization of the pipe marking. We are task-oriented and are not distracted by other tasks and activities like operators, civil contractors or maintenance workers. With this dedication, quality and turnaround time are maximized.

In short, by investing in Blomsma Signs & Safety’s pipe marking expertise, your organization can benefit from a more efficient process, reduced operational costs and improved regulatory compliance, ultimately leading to significant long-term cost savings.

‘You don’t let your painter tile your bathroom either, do you?’

Reason 5: Ongoing support and maintenance

When you choose Blomsma Signs & Safety, you always benefit from our ongoing support and maintenance services to your site. Together, we ensure that your pipe marking remains up-to-date and always complies with changing laws and regulations. This assures you of consistent and reliable pipe marking over the long term.

After all, every pipe marking is part of a visual safety information system, a system that must be trusted to be sufficiently present and functionally recognizable. Thus, preventive maintenance and a process during plant modifications and expansions are necessary for maintaining pipe markings.

Do you also want pipe markings according to laws and regulations, placed by professionals with the right knowledge, to save time and reduce risks, with a quality guarantee? Then choose Blomsma Signs & Safety!

If you contact us, our project engineers will take you by the hand and guide you through the entire process. Prefer to stay in control? You can! We can work with you in various ways, from just supplying the pipe marking to a full-service implementation process with engineering and installation.