What information is on a valve tag?

Using valve tags is a simple and inexpensive way to help employees understand exactly what is flowing through a pipe, and what will come out should they open a specific valve. This is important for avoiding accidents, injuries, and other problems. Whether a valve will release clean water or a dangerous acid, it is good to have it tagged so that there is no confusion. When using valve tags, the safety manager should make sure they are putting the right information on each one.

Size of the Valve Tags

One of the biggest factors that will influence what information will go on a valve tag is going to be the size of the tag itself. Many valve tags are small circles that don’t have much room for information on them. In this case, they are typically going to have a number on them. This number will correspond to a chart somewhere in the facility that can be used to look up further information. Ideally a chart like this should be copied and put in multiple locations to help ensure everyone can quickly look up the information they needed. When using larger valve tags, however, there are additional options available.

Options for Tag Information

Larger valve tags will have plenty of room for far more details, which can be very helpful. These are most often going to either be laminated valve tags, or plastic valve tags that have a durable label applied to it with the information printed. Either way, the following are some of the most popular types of information that will be included:

• Contents of the Pipe – Identifying what is in the pipe is very important, and almost always included on larger valve tags.
• Hazards of the Solution – Listing what potential hazards exist with the solution in the pipe is also very helpful in many situations.
• How to Respond to a Spill – Simple instructions on how to react if the valve is opened and the solution spilled can be included in some situations.
• How to Respond to Exposure – Details on what someone should do if the solution gets on their skin, in their eyes, or is inhaled can be beneficial.
• When the Valve Should be Used – Some valves aren’t meant to be used in most situations. When this is the case, listing when and why the valve should be used can be a good idea.

In the end, the specific information that should be included on a valve tag will depend on the situation in the facility. A safety manager can evaluate how much room is on the tag, and what details would be most beneficial to the facility.