OAR 437-004-9850: Pipe Labeling

(1) Scope and application. This rule applies to all pipes and piping systems that contain hazardous substances, transport substances in a hazardous state, or that use asbestos as insulation material. This rule does not apply to buried pipe. (2) Definitions: (a) Asbestos: includes chrysoltile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos, actinolite asbestos and any of these minerals that have been chemically treated or altered. (b) Hazardous substances: any substance that is a physical or health hazard. (c) Health hazard: A chemical that is classified as posing one of the following hazardous effects: acute toxicity (any route of exposure); skin corrosion or irritation; serious eye damage or eye irritation; respiratory or skin sensitization; germ cell mutagenicity; carcinogenicity; reproductive toxicity; specific target organ toxicity (single or repeated exposure); or aspiration hazard. The criteria for determining whether a chemical is classified as a health hazard are detailed in Appendix A to 1910.1200 - Health Hazard Criteria, in Division 2/Z. (d) Physical hazard: A chemical that is classified as posing one of the following hazardous effects: explosive; flammable (gases, liquids, or solids); aerosols; oxidizer gases, liquids, or solids); self-reactive; pyrophoric (liquid or solid); self-heating; organic peroxide; corrosive to metal; gas under pressure; in contact with water emits flammable gas; or desensitized explosive. The criteria for determining whether a chemical is classified as a physical hazard are detailed in Appendix B Physical Hazard Criteria (Mandatory) to 1910.1200, in Division 2/Z. (e) Piping system: includes single or multiple pipes of any kind in addition to valves and pipe coverings. (3) Labeling. (a) Label pipes that contain hazardous substances or transport substances in a hazardous state according to (A), (B), (C) and (D) below or otherwise identify them according to (3)(b) below: (A) Positive identification of the hazardous contents of pipe must be by lettered labels. The label must give the name of the contents in full or abbreviated form. (B) The label must identify the contents with enough detail to identify the hazard. (C) Label wording must be brief, informative and simple. (D) Use stenciling, tape, adhesives, markers or effective alternative means for labels. Note: Substances “transported in a hazardous state” typically refer to the hazards of pressure and temperature. Examples include compressed air, hot water or steam, and cryogenic liquids or gases. (b) The employer may use an alternative warning method, instead of affixing labels to individual pipes, if that method identifies the pipe(s) to which the warning applies and conveys the hazard information required by this rule. Examples include signs, placards, process sheets, or schematics posted on walls in the work area; or other such written materials. These alternative written materials must be readily accessible to the employees in their work areas during each shift. Note: See OAR 437-004-9800(5) Labels and other forms of warning for other related requirements. (c) Label pipes or piping systems that use asbestos insulation material to include the following statements: (A) DANGER CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS MAY CAUSE CANCER DO NOT BREATHE DUST AVOID CREATING DUST (B) Or, otherwise identify them according to (3)(b), above. Note: See OAR 437-004-9800, Hazard Communication for Agricultural Employers and OAR 437-004-9050, Asbestos, for additional requirements. (4) Location of labeling. (a) Place the labeling near valves or flanges; adjacent to changes in direction or branches; where pipes pass through walls, floors or ceilings; and where confusion about the contents of the piping system may occur. (b) Labeling must be applied, at a minimum, at the beginning and end of continuous pipe runs. (c) For asbestos insulation, labeling on unobstructed continuous pipe runs must be at least every 75 feet. Illustration 1. (5) Visibility. (a) Where pipes are located above or below the normal line of vision, put the lettering below or above the horizontal centerline of the pipe, to facilitate visibility. (b) If pipes are inaccessible, or at a distance that makes clear identification of the letters on a label difficult, use alternatives to labeling that meet all other requirements of this rule. Appendix A for Pipe Labeling (Non-Mandatory). [ED. NOTE: To view attachments referenced in rule text, click here to view rule.]