Archive for the ‘Valve Marking’ Category

Leaky valves? Lock them out.

May 18, 2011

After the BP Safety Valve Failure, we all know the importance of having a backup plan.  Below are some other examples of why Valve Locks are important to everyday life.

The US Department of Labor has reported countless violations, injuries and even deaths due to non-lockout procedures of valves:

  • In 2002, a Steam line was not locked out but the electric line was.  One person was killed and 2 more were severely injured from the steam jets.
  • 2004, Valve not locked out and after 2 months of hospitalization a worker dies from burn injuries.
  • 2005, only a single inlet block valve was locked out and as a result an employees face was burned by hot oil.
  • 2006,  worker failed to properly lock out  dryer rotary valve and he lost 3 of his fingers when they were cut off by the blades.

The National Safety Council reported 44 deaths in 2006 and 39 in 2007 due to explosion and rupture of pressurized devices.

December 2009 entire town of Adams Nebraska left without water. Due to a build up of snow and ice on the water valves the water coul not be turned off.  The pipes ran dry and they lost all their water. City maintenance official Darwin Buss said “the biggest problem with the water main break was the inability to isolate which pipe had broken due to snow and ice covering many of the valves that would have otherwise shut off the pipes temporarily.”

The unexpected opening or closing of valves  results in injuries to workers or surrounding environments.  To prevent accidents, valve lockout devices are essential tools everyone who works on these types of systems: Electric; Pneumatic; Hydraulic; Manual and Propane.

When valves are in the “unsafe” position, the valve may not be fully open or closed.  Valve locks are designed to eliminate this confusion.  (We do not suggest ever locking anything to the ‘on’ position, except perhaps your eyewash station!)

Types of Valve Locks include: Universal Valve Lock; Ball Valve Lock; Butterfly Valve Lock; Gate Valve Locks (including adjustable and rotating); Plug Valve; and Cable Valve.  Universal Valve Lockout fits virtually any size ball, gate, or butterfly valve. A wide selection of valve types and sized can be locked out with this single device. In addition the base of the clamp prevents the trigger from being compressed, and that keeps the valve from opened.  Gate valve lockout devices deny access and cover the valve handle to help you turn off, and keep off, a pressured situation.

From universal valve lockouts to adjustable valve lockouts, Emedco offers devices to shut off all types of valves.

by: Amy

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Fire protection: An important part of pipe and valve marking

April 1, 2010

If you have read my past blog posts, most of you are now familiar with the basics of pipe and valve safety – such as where to mark a pipe, what color marker to use depending on the pipe’s contents, pipe marker sizes and types, valve markers, etc.

But, another important part of pipe and valve marking is fire protection. In your facility, it is important that pipes and valves used for any part of fire protection are clearly labeled so employees or visitors can act quickly in case of an emergency. Also, in the event that a repair is needed, clearly labeling fire protection pipes and valves will ensure they can be easily identified and quickly fixed.

So what do you need to efficiently mark your pipes and valves for fire protection purposes?

  1. Pipe Markers
    Pipe markers, including snap-around and adhesive pipe markers, are a great way to quickly and easily mark pipes carrying water or other materials needed for fire protection. Snap-around markers will easily snap around any pipe – hold, cold, corroded or dirty. Self-adhesive pipe markers are best to apply to clean, dry indoor pipes.

  2. Sprinkler Control Signs
    Sprinkler control signs can help employees and visitors easily identify all components of your facility’s sprinkler system. These signs can call out emergency shut off and sprinkler control valves or indicate where sprinkler fire alarms or standpipes are located. These signs are available in a variety of sizes and materials. You can also use small engraved plastic signs that can be hooked or chained directly to sprinkler control valves and piping.

  3. Sprinkler Valve and Line IDs
    Sprinkler signs and plates are an effective way to label valves, lines or drains. Emedco’s valve and line ID signs and plates meet OSHA requirements and comply with the National Board of Fire Underwriters Standard No. 13. You can choose from two styles, including Automatic Sprinkler Control Valve or Hydraulic Sprinkler System Identification.

Posted by pipe and valve safety

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Valve tag fastener options

March 25, 2010

Jack Chain

Now that you are more familiar with the different types of valve markers available, you should think about the type of fasteners you want to use to secure the tags to your valves and machinery. What are your options?

Beaded Chain: Tough metal chain allows full flexibility for versatile use. Easy open/close fastener.

Chrome Plated Pins: Tougher than wire, chrome-plated pins easily snap around any valve.

'S' Hook

Jack Chain: A solid chain ideal for any use. Strong links open and close to size desired.

Nylon Fasteners: Permanently lock valve tags in place at any desired position. Flexible nylon fasteners are also available that can be locked and unlocked to move or remove.

‘S’ Hooks: Provide extra strong tag attachment. All you need to do is attach and squeeze the ends closed.

Wire Seal

Stainless Steel Wire: A simple way to tie tags to valves and machinery.

Wire Seals: Strong, tamper-resistant fasteners. They are available in a variety of material combinations and can be securely fastened to valves with a crimping press. Cannot be removed without wire cutters.

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Valve Marking Part 2: Plastic Valve Tags

March 18, 2010

In my last blog I discussed metal valve tag options and their features and benefits. But, not all applications require metal valve tags.

Plastic valve tags can be an economical and easy-to-use option for valve and machine marking.  And, unlike metal tags, plastic valve tags offer you the option to write right on them, versus spending extra money on engraving.

Here are some plastic valve tag options:

Self-Fastening Tags
Self-fastening tags allow placement of a tag on valves and equipment without the need for fasteners or tools. Self-fastening tags are flexible, yet durable for high performance. They also resist dirt, grease and moisture. These tags are  available in stock legends such as “Do not close this valve” or OSHA-required headers. They even come blank so you can choose your own message.

Economy Plastic Tags
Economy plastic tags are made of thin (.010″-thick) plastic that can be attached to valves or machines with virtually any type of fastener. Economy plastic tags are not overly durable, so they are not be the best choice for harsh conditions.

Heavy-Duty Plastic Tags
Heavy-duty plastic tags a more durable, tear-proof valve tag as compared to economy plastic tags. Tags are made of thicker plastic so they can withstand tougher use. Like most plastic valve tags, you can have them custom worded or simply write  right on them.

Write on Tags
Most plastic valve tags can be easily written on for quick valve marking. Some write-on tags come pre-numbered with space to write a personalized label, while others come completely blank for full customization.

Which one will you choose for your next valve marking project?

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Valve Marking Part 1: Metal Valve Tags

March 11, 2010

Valve marking is an important part of your facility’s pipe safety. Valve marking enables employees and visitors to identify which valves are associated with specific pipes. This is important if a pipe has a leak, is being repaired or needs to be emptied, for example.

There are various products you can use for valve marking. One of the best choices is a metal valve tag. Metal valve tags are durable, and therefore a great way to label pipes and other equipment in harsh environments. I have explained the benefits and qualities of Emedco’s three types of metal valve tags below.

Aluminum Valve Tags
Aluminum valve tags are tough and durable for repeated use. These tags do not bend and will not rust, even if they are scratched. Aluminum tags can also withstand temperatures of 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. And, if you want to color code your valves, Emedco offers colored aluminum valve tags that are precision engraved to ensure the wording won’t wear off.

Brass Valve Tags
Brass valve tags are a more economical valve marking option. Similar to aluminum tags, brass valve tags will not bend or break. But, they can only withstand temperatures of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Stainless Steel Valve Tags
Stainless steel valve tags are rust resistant and can stand up to highly corrosive environments or extreme weather conditions. These tags can withstand extreme temperature of 2700 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can order tags pre-stamped with a series of numbers or letters. Or, you can order blank valve tags and use steel stamp sets to mark them any way you want. Emedco even gives you to option to custom engrave your metal valve tags.

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