Pipe labelling standards under the EC Directive CLP Regulation
European and Swedish legislation requires that gas lines, liquid lines, pipelines and ventilation ducts are labelled. The requirements are governed under the EC Directive CLP Regulation, which is managed by the Swedish Work Environment Authority.
Pipe labelling standards
AFS 2014:43
Updated version of AFS 2011:19 (effective from 1 June 2015) which harmonises more with SS741:2013 and establishes penalties of up to SEK 150 000 for non-compliance with the labelling.
Read more Pipe labelling standards
Labelling of gas, liquid and ventilation installations | Collinder®
New edition from August 2017 for CLP/GHS pipe labelling. Here is a summary of the main points of SS 741:2017.
Read more
It is the GHS, the United Nations Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, which is the basis for CLP, Classification Labeling Packaging. This classification states that all pipes handling hazardous substances should be labelled with one or more GHS pictograms with plain text, symbol and colour indicating the properties of the contents and the direction of flow with an arrow.
The Swedish Work Environment Authority stipulates, among other things, that visible pipelines containing a hazardous chemical product must be labelled:
- Name of the product or an identifying name
- Colour pictogram
- Arrow for the direction of flow
- Make sure you label correctly
Pipe labelling for different products in the same pipe
A pipeline used for different products with the same hazardous properties shall be labelled with a collective designation. Pipelines containing chemical products with different hazardous properties in the same line can be labelled with the name of the different products and a common hazard pictogram, but it is necessary to indicate that they are alternative contents, not a mixture of them.
The person who diluted or mixed the product must assess the classification himself.
The location of warning signs - what does it mean?
Warning signs should be placed so that they are clearly visible along the pipe, near hazardous locations such as valves and fittings. Warning signs should be placed at intervals so that they are clearly visible wherever you are along the pipe.
If there is colour marking, the spaces between the warning signs can be longer, as long as this does not increase the risk. For pipes containing less hazardous chemical products, such as compressed air, the intervals can be longer as long as it is clear what the pipes contain.
The cables that are built in only need to be labelled at the openings where they are accessible, however, in some cases a sign warning of hazardous contents may also be required on the building under §20A.
- Hazardous liquids
- Pressurised gas
- Compressed air
- Hazardous content
Symbols of dangerous liquids
Flammable liquids with a flash point below 60°C are considered a hazardous chemical product and must therefore be labelled with a hazard pictogram according to §20. Liquids with a flash point between 60 and 100°C may only need an identifying designation and arrow showing the direction of flow on the pipework.
Hazard class "pressurised gas"
The CLP Regulation includes a hazard class called 'pressurised gas'. It applies to gases with an overpressure of at least 200 kPa (2 bar). Air, which is a non-hazardous gas, is considered a hazardous chemical product if it has more than 200 kPa and must be labelled with a hazard pictogram. "Pressurised gas" is optional if the hazard pictogram for flammable or toxic is already marked.
Water vapour is not a gas according to CLP and is not included under "gas under pressure", but the Swedish Work Environment Authority writes further:
- However, water vapour and hot liquids are chemical hazards and must be labelled in accordance with section 18.
- Product name (e.g. Water vapour) and colour marking (grey for water vapour) and information about the pressure are often appropriate.
- For steam and hot water, pressure provides an important indication of risk.
- In addition, the hazard pictogram for pressurised gas may be indicated, although it is not mandatory.
Compressed air pipes
Labelling should be provided at hazardous locations. Compressed air rarely involves as many hazardous locations as a health or flammable gas. It should always be easy to identify what a pipe contains, but for hard-to-reach places that require special equipment to reach, labelling is usually deemed unnecessary.
A compressed air hose that can be seen in its entirety generally only needs to be labelled at the hose outlet.
Pipelines with hazardous contents must always be labelled
A pipeline containing a dangerous chemical product must always be labelled. If the contents are temporary, suspended signs can serve as labelling; they are then placed in the vicinity of dangerous places.
There is always an increased risk of accidents during repairs and maintenance, so it is important that information about the contents of pipes and pumps is clear and visible.
Are there rules for cold water under high pressure?
There are no regulations at the Swedish Work Environment Authority that apply to cold water under high pressure, but due to the high pressure that exists in many plants, the risk of accidents is high in the event of a breakdown or leak. Therefore, a risk analysis should always be carried out with work instructions and procedures.
There should always be arrow markings showing the direction from which air and water are travelling. If the direction of flow is unclear, a double arrow should be used.
