Pipe marking according to ISO 20560-1 standard
The main purpose of the ISO 20560-1 standard is to create an international standard that replaces the variety of regulations within different countries and regions. The use of basic identification colours and (warning) symbols will help to identify the pipeline contents and any hazards more quickly.
Installing pipe line marking with clear and universally recognisable formats is essential to global and local safety and maintenance.
The key points
Factors such as chemical type (category), pipe diameter and flow direction determine the style and format of pipe marking.
The basic elements of a pipe marker
An Industry Standard pipe marker consists of 4 basic elements:
1. Basic identification colour
2. Name of the substance/content
3. Flow direction indicators (arrows)
4. Warning symbols, GHS symbols (or both)
| Hazardous substances | Alkalis |
| Gas (liquid or gaseous) | Fire fighting medium |
| Liquids & solids (powder/granulate) | Water |
| Acids | Air |
Substance categories in colour (basic ID colours)
A significant benefit of the ISO 20560-1 standard is the establishment of basic identification colours, the colour coding will be used worldwide. This is essential for both industry and emergency services
There are 3 different sizes of pipe markers where the width of the basic identification colour is determined by the diameter of the pipe.
Pipes up to 150mm
The basic identification colour of pipes up to 150 mm in diameter must be at least 85 mm wide.
Pipes from 150mm ~ 500mm
The minimum width of the basic identification colour of pipes with a diameter of 150mm ~ 500mm is 120mm.
Pipes from 500mm
For pipes with a diameter of 500 mm or greater, the minimum width of the basic ID colour is 200 mm.
Other guidelines and rules
There are a few additional guidelines that determine the layout, positioning and visibility of a pipe marker.
• The minimum letter height is 7mm and symbols must be at least 20mm high
• The minimum height of the flow indicator (arrow) is 10mm
• Pipes that are visible on two sides require (pipe) markings on both sides
• Pipe markings should be placed at key locations such as junctions, valve breaks and branch points, on both sides of walls and other zone boundaries and at the beginning and end of pipe racks etc.
More details can be found on the official ISO 20560-1 website: https://www.iso.org/standard/71570.html
Print your own pipe marking or order ready-made?
We offer various solutions for pipe marking including printers that allow you to print all the pipe marking you need yourself, in single or multiple colors. You can use our exclusive SMS-R1 Pipe marking software to easily and quickly print all pipe markings according to the ISO 20560-1 standard. Would you rather order ready-to-use pipe markings? That’s possible too!
The ideal pipe marking printer
When it comes to pipe marking, the SMS-R1 is the most advanced and easy-to-use system. With this printer you can produce pipe markers at high speed, in multiple colors and various sizes.
To make printing pipe markers as easy as possible, we have developed an exclusive Pipe Marker application that allows you to effortlessly print pipe markers that are fully compliant with ISO 20560-1:2020 standards.
Rebo’s unique pipe ID print application
With the exclusive Rebo Pipe marking print application for the SMS-R1, producing your pipe identification is now easier than ever before.
Print pipe marking according to NEN-ISO 20560-1 standards.
• Print the 3 standard formats
• Manage the database of substances yourself
• Variable flow indicators
• Choose the style of pictograms and arrows
• Add additional text(s) as desired
Easily manage the inclusive chemical database by adding new substances, changing existing substances or deleting them.
As soon as you know which pipe has to be marked, you can easily choose the right size of marker within the application.
Choose from flow direction indicators with or without background colour and determine the background colour of the symbols yourself.
Do you want all pipe markers with the same flow direction or with variable flow directions – it’s easy using the application.
Choosing the right GHS and warning symbols you need is extremely easy with the help of the pictograms legend.
Use the additional text field to add specifications, instructions and other/extra information to your markers.
Print standard pipe markers
An alternative standard for pipe marking is to print on a continuous tape roll, where the tape colour and ribbon colour together form the correct colour combination.
Continuous tapes are available in various colours and in standard widths of 15mm, 30mm, 60mm and 100mm and are cut to the required length by the printer.
For printing pipe markings in a single colour, we recommend an SMS-430 label printer or a portable TORO label printer.
Order ready-made pipe markers
Pipe marking on a roll
For large projects, such as the layout of a new factory or building, our pre-printed pipe markings on rolls are an ideal means of saving costs and time.
Our pre-printed rolls are laminated against UV rays and chemical influences and are self-cleaning, flexible and water-repellent.
Do you need help with your project? Our advisors are ready for you!
