In the fluid industry, the significance of valve tags needs no introduction. These tags not only help the employees in rightly identifying the equipment & fluid passing through it but also expedite the overall work process by enhancing efficiency.
As the improvement in efficiency is linked with thorough or proper information, the valve tags contribute majorly to guiding the technicians and employees regarding the below-listed queries at an industrial workplace.
- Which material is used to make the valve?
- Which other material can replace them?
- Which fluid is passing through the valve?
- At what pressure, the fluid is passing through the valve?
- Is the fluid or equipment hazardous?
Besides providing quick details about the material and equipment at an industrial workplace, the valve tags play a noteworthy role in determining the safety measures as well.
Take an in-depth insight into the additional benefits of utilizing “Valve Tags” in the industrial setting.
How do the valve tags contribute to the safety of the site?
The safety of any workplace especially the industrial area solely relies on the comprehensive knowledge of the tools, their working and the material being used there.
With the help of valve tags -:
- One can highlight the warnings regarding safety by using specific colors and mentioning precise information on them.
- The safety signs and facility labels affixed can the valve tags also convey information to the workers.
- The valve tags also communicate about the right way of operating the equipment which further leads to the prevention of the potential risks in an industrial workplace.
- These tags also include the barcodes which inform the employees regarding the specific service records of the equipment. Hence, one can obtain the required details about the repairing of equipment for its safe, long-term, and efficient working.
- Installing the valve tags at the highly required places curbs the chances of human errors and miscommunication. This also enables the entire management to maintain the top-notch safety of the workplace.
How do the valve tags assist the employees in identifying the equipment?
Based on the requirements of a workplace, one should choose the specific valve tags from the extended range available in the market. A glimpse of prime features of different valve tags utilized for delivering the desired facilities.
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Valve tags for hot or cold gases and steams –
The gas valve tags can inform the workers about the sudden spread of any gaseous component in the air. It also saves people from severe burns, breathing issues and other internal injuries etc.
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Valve tags for liquid waste, water or any other fluid –
Such valve tags prevent the misuse of clean & potable water by depicting clear instructions between the pipeline of wastewater and worth using.
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Valve tags for the pipelines and tools containing chemicals –
Any kind of chemical can cause a potential risk in the industrial workplace. Therefore labeling the valves with suitable tags is quite necessary. These tags prevent the workers from coming in direct contact with hazardous chemicals.
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LOTO valve tags –
These LOTO tags (Lock out, Tag out) tags are utilized when any pipeline or equipment is under repairing procedure or inoperable condition. These tags help the workers secure themselves from getting injured by unfit machinery.
Apart from being classified based on equipment & material type, the valve tags are categorized into two classes as well. These categories are dependent on the budget and convenience of the user.
- Plastic Valve Tags – Made up of polycarbonate, vinyl or polyester, these valve tags are perfect for economical choices. The information printed on these plastic valve tags can be found in the big volumes.
- Metal Valve Tags – Though these valve tags fall on the side of a higher price range, their durability justifies the charges. One can choose the best among the metal valve tags made up of stainless steel, brass and aluminum etc. Usually, the information on the metal valve tags is engraved instead of being printed.
A few basic yet significant points about the Valve Tags -:
According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the pipelines and valves at an industrial location must be equipped with the right valve tags. The employees must be aware of the basic information or identifying knowledge mentioned in the form of letters or colors of the valve tags.
Take a quick view of it.
- If white text is written on the red background then the valve tag conveys that it is carrying the fire extinguishing fluid.
- Information printed in black letters on the orange background signifies that the valve is used for corrosive fluids.
- When a valve has flammable fluids, the valve tags have a yellow background and black text is utilized.
- Simple white text on the green background indicates that the valve is linked to the water.
- For combustible fluids, valve tags with white text on a brown background are used by the industries.
- The gas pipelines or other steam pipelines are equipped with valve tags having white text on the blue background.
How should a valve tag be placed on the equipment or valve for easy identification?
To draw maximum advantage of the valve tags, their installation should be ideal and comply with the guidelines determined by the authorities liable for a safe environment at industrial workplaces.
- The valve tags should be easily accessible by the employees at the workplace.
- The position of the valve tags can be viewed by employees from diverse angles.
- The information mentioned in the valve tags should be in bold and big volumes so that one can easily read it.
- Valve stems, actuators and other essential parts of machinery or equipment are not the right place for installing valve tags.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) –
Q – What is the prime motive for using a valve tag?
A – The valve tags enable the users or employees to know about the operation status, material carried by it and risk associated with a specific part of the equipment. These tags boost efficiency and curtail the chances of risks.
Q – How do tags help the employees identify the valves?
A – These tags have specific information and numbers printed on them which help the workers identify the purpose of the valve.
Q – What is the standard size determined for a valve tag?
A – The valve tags having dimensions 3″ diameter, 2.5″ x 3.5″ and 3″ x 5.75″ are ideal for use at an industrial workplace.
Q – What are the types of valve tags?
A – Plastic and metal valve tags are frequently used at workplaces.