Understanding pipe marking requirements and standards in the UK.

BS1710 is a set of standards used for marking pipes published by the British Standards Institute.  BS1710 specifies the colours and supplementary information for the identification of pipes conveying fluids/gases in above and below ground installations. It also includes ducts for ventilation and conduits that carry electrical services. BS1710 is the most widely recognised system across the UK for identifying pipes and whilst these specific standards are not mandated by general UK law, some local authorities or governing bodies may specifically refer to the standards, therefore making them a legal requirement within the geographical jurisdiction or within a particular industry or context. 

For help in understanding the legal implications see this article from the BSI

These colours are used when there are regulations that are required to be met in specific industries or in specific contexts. BS1710:2014 has incorporated these into the standards.

This means that the correct implementation of pipe marking according to BS1710:2014 will also ensure your pipe marking also meets the requirements of:

• Building Regulations (Parts L & G);

• F-Gas Regulations (EU/UK law)
• HTM 02-01 (UK NHS)

Alongside meeting the requirements of
Health & Safety (Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.

BS1710 sets out standards on the size of the colour banding required, dependant on the diameter of pipe being marked.

The diagram here shows the basic design principle of the banding.
- The Basic Identification Colour may be used alone in some circumstances and the BIC would constitute the whole of the total marker width.

- When Code and/or Safety Colours are to be used in the marker; it should follow the principle shown. The marker design should have the BIC equal on either side of the code or safety colours. The chart here shows the correct banding widths for the various pipe diameters.

To be compliant with the standard, you must use the correct size marking for the diameter of pipe being marked, include the thickness of any lagging in your calculations.

Supplementary information is also required by the standards such as direction of flow and the pipe contents described as text. PWUK

BS1710 requires supplementary information to the colour bands so that a pipe marker is unambiguous.

• Flow Direction Arrows

Mandatory if flow is not otherwise obvious

• Text Legend

Mandatory for all pipes. Must identify the contents in clear words.  Can be any of, or a combination of the listed formats:
PWUK
• Name in Full,
• Abbreviation of Name
• Chemical Symbol

• Condition Data
Pressure / Temperature / Concentration where these factors are important for safety or operation, they must be included in the text legend.

1 - Direction Changes
When the pipeline changes direction a marker should be placed

2 - Before and After Barrier Penetrations
This could mean as a pipe travels through a wall it would require a marker as it enters and exits, so that it is identifiable from both sides. This also applies to instances where a pipe travels through floor joists, a marker should be placed in every section between floor joists, to ensure identification no matter which area is exposed during future maintenance.

3 - Before & After Valves PWUK

Many systems have clusters of valves (manifolds, distribution headers, bypass loops) - Placing markers ensures every valve’s function is obvious at a glance. A marker after the valve confirms that the downstream leg carries the same substance (or indicates if it changes — e.g. mixing or branch lines). Markers at valves make emergency isolation fast and unambiguous.

4 - At Regular Intervals along straight sections of pipe

The BS1710:2014 doesn't specify a particular interval distance, but the common guidance adopted from the standard + HSE practice is:

• Every 3–5 m indoors (plantrooms, service corridors, workshops).
• Every 8–10 m outdoors (open pipe racks or where pipes are easily visible).
• Always within sight — a person standing anywhere along the pipeline should be able to see at least one identification marker.