Compliance Labeling Requirements for Industrial Equipment

Non-Compliant Industrial Labeling Creates Multiple Issues

Standard paper and plastic labels can’t hold up to the rigors of industrial environments. Such labels fade, peel, and become illegible when exposed to high heat, chemical exposure, UV light, and mechanical abrasion, leaving companies exposed to the risks of safety violations, fines, and lost assets. 

You need a compliance label solution that can survive for decades – enter metal asset tags

Metal Marker Manufacturing has been creating custom metal tags, nameplates, and labels in the USA since 1923. We produce diverse products that fulfill industrial compliance labeling requirements, backed by quality management systems that are ISO 9001 certified and AS9100 compliant. Let our team help you stay on track with effective labeling solutions.

OSHA: Labeling Requirements for Equipment

• OSHA standard 1910.145 dictates that accident prevention tags must be used to identify hazardous conditions to prevent accidental injury
• Tags must contain certain signal words – like “danger,” “caution,” “warning,” or “biohazard” – with details on the specific hazard
• Per the regulations, a signal word must be readable from at least five feet away
• Danger tags must use red, black, and white, while caution tags must use a yellow background with black letters
• Tags featuring warnings must be placed as close as safely possible to the given hazard via adhesive or another means to prevent unintended removal

ASME: Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Requirements

• The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code outlines mandatory requirements for the design, fabrication, inspection, and certification of pressure vessels
• Vessels must be marked with compliance labels featuring critical data to ensure they operate safely within specified limits, including those for maximum allowable working pressure and design temperatures
• Tools, machinery, and equipment require permanent, durable identification tags and labels, and metal options like stainless steel are prized for their corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and durability

UL 969: Compliance Labeling and Marking Standards

• Electrical and consumer equipment is required to carry warnings and ratings that will be present for the entire lifespan of a product
• The UL 969 standard evaluates the permanence of marking and labeling systems to ensure warnings, electrical ratings, and installation instructions stay legible and affixed to an item
• Compliance for labels is maintained by meeting environmental conditioning needs, including water immersion, high humidity, chemical exposure, UV weathering, and temperature extremes

MIL-STD-130N: U.S. Military Property Requirements

• The Department of Defense requires the granular tracking of assets from manufacturing to disposal that follows the MIL-STD-130N standard
• MIL-STD-130N requires a Unique Item Identifier (UII) on items via a 2D Data Matrix ECC 200 barcode that must achieve a verification grade of “B” or higher based on ISO/IEC 15415 and AIM DPM-1-2006 quality standards
• Human-readable text must be presented in all caps in a sans-serif font, and be a minimum of 0.2 centimeters high on labels – MetalPhoto® is highly recommended since the design is embedded beneath an anodic layer, keeping a label compliant and durable in extreme environments for 20+ years

GHS: Industrial Compliance Labeling Requirements

• Hazardous chemicals require universal visual language to be displayed on tags to communicate risks, avoid accidents, and maintain compliance
• GHS-compliant labels require a signal word (danger, warning, etc.), GHS symbols/hazard pictograms, manufacturer information, precautionary statements, hazard statements, and product identifiers
• Labels must be able to resist oils, chemicals, tearing, and weathering due to the toxic, corrosive, and flammable materials their containers often hold, so heavy-duty labels are required

FAQs on Compliance Labels

Can I use blank metal tags for compliance labeling?

Yes, blank metal tags are able to be stamped, embossed, or laser engraved, letting you create the specific identification you need when an occasion demands. This lets you easily update serial numbers, safety warnings, and inspection records.

How do I attach metal compliance tags?

This will all depend on your operating environment. Industrial adhesives can be ideal for smooth surfaces, rivets and screws can be used for tamper-resistant mounting, and cable ties or wire can work well for irregular shapes and valves.

What is the most durable metal for industrial compliance tags?

Stainless steel is the go-to option for environments that feature extreme heat, heavy abrasion, and harsh chemicals. Photo anodized aluminum, meanwhile, helps promote barcode readability and outdoor UV resistance.

Contact Us for Compliant Labels

Don’t run the risks of fines and increased safety hazards by using labels that crack, peel, and fade. Choose rugged, long-lasting metal tags and labels from Metal Marker Mfg. to stay compliant and keep your operations moving.