Pipe labelling according to AFS 2023:10 SS 741
AFS 2023:10 - Risks in the work environment is a legally binding regulation from the Swedish Work Environment Authority that applies from 1 January 2025. The regulation contains requirements on how employers must prevent risks in the work environment, including risks from chemical substances.
An important part of this is that chemical hazards should be clearly identifiable. This includes labelling:
- Pipelines
- Containers
- Premises where dangerous chemical products are handled or stored
The aim is to prevent ill health, accidents and misconnections.
Here we summarise the main requirements for labelling pipelines, containers and areas where dangerous chemical products are present.
What applies to pipe labelling
AFS 2023:10 requires pipelines containing chemical hazards to be labelled so that the contents can be clearly identified and any hazards are apparent. The labelling must reduce the risk of confusion and accidents during operation, maintenance and emergencies.
The employer is responsible for ensuring that the labelling is correct and sufficient based on the risk assessment of the activity.
When to label pipes
Pipelines must be labelled when they contain hazardous chemical products or other chemical substances that may pose a risk. Even pipes without hazardous contents may need to be labelled if a mix-up could lead to ill health or accidents.
How should the pipes be labelled?
AFS 2023:10 does not specify the exact graphic design, but requires the labelling to be clear and understandable.
In practice, this means that the pipe labelling should include the name or designation of the substance, clear identification of the hazard in the case of dangerous chemical products and an arrow showing the direction of flow. The labelling should be clearly visible and positioned so that it can be easily understood.
In the case of hazardous chemical products, hazard pictograms according to the CLP Regulation EC No 1272/2008 are used to clarify the risks.
Placement of labelling
The labelling should be clearly visible wherever you stand. It should be placed close to valves, couplings, penetrations and other risk points where identification is particularly important. The aim is to facilitate safe operation, maintenance and emergency response.
Dimensioning according to Swedish standard SS 741:2017
AFS 2023:10 does not specify exact dimensions for pipe labelling. To ensure good legibility, SS 741:2017 Labelling of pipelines is used in Sweden as guidance. The standard is not law, but is established industry practice to fulfil the requirements for clear identification.
Text height according to SS 741
According to the Swedish standard, the following main rule applies to text height:
Pipes with outer diameter up to 25 mm shall have 6 mm text height.
Pipes with an outer diameter of more than 25 mm shall have a text height of 12 mm.
Size of the labelling tape according to SS 741
Pipes with an external diameter up to 25 mm shall be labelled with a minimum width of 75 mm.
Pipes with an outside diameter of more than 25 mm shall be labelled with a minimum width of 150 mm.
Flow games
Pipes shall be labelled with arrows indicating the direction of flow. Arrows shall be repeated where necessary, for example at valves, penetrations and branches. The size of the arrow shall be adapted to the dimension of the marking.
Penalty fees
Failure to comply with the Swedish Work Environment Authority's regulations may result in an injunction, ban or penalty. For certain offences within AFS 2023:10, a penalty fee may be imposed. The fee is regulated in the Work Environment Ordinance and is normally based on the number of employees in the organisation.
The penalty fee can amount to a minimum of SEK 15,000 and a maximum of SEK 150,000. The exact amount of the fine is determined by the Swedish Work Environment Authority in each individual case.
Executive summary
AFS 2023:10 requires pipelines with chemical hazards to be labelled so that contents can be identified, risks can be seen and accidents can be prevented. Following the Swedish standard SS 741 ensures correct dimensioning, clear legibility and uniform labelling in practice.
Then we can help you
We help businesses to meet the requirements of AFS 2023:10 through clear, durable and correctly dimensioned pipe labelling according to SS 741. Our solutions are adapted for industrial environments and ensure that the labelling is legible, durable and correctly designed based on the dimensions and contents of the pipes. We are also experts in other standards such as DIN and ISO 20560.
Whether you need new installation, updating of existing labelling or support in interpreting the regulations, we can help you create safe and structured pipe labelling.
