Specification for identification of pipelines and services
BS 1710:2014•Status:CurrentAt a Glance
- Date Enacted
- 1 January 2014
- Enforcing Body
- BSI
- Maximum Penalty
- N/A (Standard)
- Jurisdiction
- UK-wide
- Citation
- BS 1710:2014
- Status
- Current
What This Means for You
BS 1710:2014 provides a standardized system for identifying pipelines and services, crucial for safety in various environments. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the contents of pipelines are readily identifiable, enabling quick and informed responses in emergencies, maintenance, and operational activities. The standard specifies colour coding, text, and banding requirements to clearly indicate the substance being conveyed (e.g., water, gas, chemicals). This is directly relevant to safety signage as it dictates the visual elements used on pipeline markers and labels. Effective implementation of BS 1710:2014 reduces the risk of accidents, prevents incorrect connections or disconnections, and supports safe working practices by providing clear and unambiguous information about pipeline contents. The standard promotes consistency across different sites and organizations, facilitating better communication and understanding among workers and emergency responders. It covers above-ground and below-ground pipelines, as well as those within buildings.
Signage Requirements
- Pipelines must be identified with a primary identification colour according to the substance conveyed (e.g., blue for water, yellow for flammable gases).
- Supplementary hazard colours must be used in bands to indicate specific hazards associated with the substance (e.g., black bands for toxic substances).
- The identification must include the name or abbreviation of the substance being conveyed, clearly and legibly displayed.
- The size and spacing of colour bands and text must be appropriate for the pipe diameter and viewing distance.
- Identification markers must be positioned at appropriate intervals along the pipeline, at junctions, and near valves or access points.
- For underground pipelines, markers must be placed above ground to indicate the pipeline's location and contents.
- The standard specifies the use of contrasting colours for text and background to ensure readability.
Official Resources
Related Regulations
BS EN ISO 7010
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