NFPA 99 Zone Valve Labeling – New Construction vs. Existing Facilities
There are two types of zone valve references that address labeling in NFPA 99 (2012 edition). One is for new construction projects which is located here:
- 5.1.4.8.8 Zone valves shall be labeled in accordance with 5.1.11.2.
- 5.1.11.2 Shutoff Valves.
- 5.1.11.2.1 Shutoff valves shall be identified with the following:
(1) Name or chemical symbol for the specific medical gas or
vacuum system
(2) Room or areas served
(3) Caution to not close or open the valve except in emergency - 5.1.11.2.2 Where positive pressure gas piping systems operate at
pressures other than the standard gauge pressure of 345 kPa to
380 kPa (50 psi to 55 psi) or a gauge pressure of 1100 kPa to
1275 kPa (160 psi to 185 psi) for nitrogen or instrument air, the
valve identification shall also include the nonstandard operating
pressure.
The other reference is for existing facilities (which apply during projects such as the annual testing we perform), and that reference is located here:
(NOTE: The * next to Valves indicates that there is additional information available in the annex material. The annex isn’t “technically” enforceable however many inspectors do not seem to care because they enforce items out of the annex all of the time. Zone valves aren’t directly mentioned in this section of chapter 5, just in the annex of chapter 5.)
- 5.1.14.2.3.1 General. The elements in 5.1.14.2.2.2 through
5.1.15 shall be inspected or tested as part of the maintenance
program as follows:
(8)*Valves — labeling
The * refers to:
- A.5.1.14.2.3.1(8) Additional inspections for zone valves include
the following:
(1) Locations (relationship to terminals controlled)
(2) Leaks
(3) Labeling
(4) Housekeeping around alarm
Is there a requirement to list the emergency contact info on zone valve labels?
Example: “Contact Engineering at Ext. 111”
NFPA 99 – 2012 edition doesn’t mandate that emergency contact information be labeled on the zone valve.
5.1.4.8.8 Zone valves shall be labeled in accordance with 5.1.11.2.
Go to 5.1.11.2 and read:
5.1.11.2 Shutoff Valves.
5.1.11.2.1 Shutoff valves shall be identified with the following:
(1) Name or chemical symbol for the specific medical gas or vacuum system
(2) Room or areas served
(3) Caution to not close or open the valve except in emergency
There isn’t a requirement for this in NFPA 99 – 2012 edition or ASSE 6000. Keep in mind that there may be state or local requirements, or it is possible that a facility policy could mandate such a requirement.
Do you know where we could purchase labels?
Yes, you can purchase medical gas zone valve labels directly on our website by going here – https://emgsi.com/store/zone-valve-box-label-set-7-gases/
If you need any other valve tags or pipe labels those may also be purchased at the store. Feel free to give us a call directly if you have any other questions – 770-459-5920
Thanks!