SIST EN 13792:2002

Colour coding of taps and valves for use in laboratories

This European standard specifies colour codes and nomenclature for liquids, gases and vacuum and the application of these codes and nomenclature on or in the vicinity of laboratory service controls.
This European Standard does not apply to medical or healthcare facilities using medical gases from a medical supply system conforming to EN 737.

Farbige Kennzeichnung von Laborarmaturen

Diese Europäische Norm legt Kennfarben und Kurzzeichen für Flüssigkeiten, Gase und Vakuum fest, sowie die Anbringung dieser Kennfarben und Kurzzeichen auf Stellteilen von Laborarmaturen.

Code de couleur des robinets et vannes utilisés dans les laboratoires

La présente Norme européenne définit des codes de couleur et une nomenclature pour les liquides, gaz et vide ainsi que l'utilisation de ces codes et de cette nomenclature sur les commandes de distribution de laboratoires ou à leur voisinage.
La présente Norme européenne ne s'applique pas aux installations médicales ou de soin utilisant des gaz médicaux et branchées sur des systèmes d'alimentation conformes à l'EN 737.

Barvno označevanje pip in ventilov za uporabo v laboratorijih

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2002
• ICS: 01.070 - Colour coding
• ICS: 71.040.10 - Chemical laboratories. Laboratory equipment
• Technical Committee: I13 - Imaginarni 13
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 01-Nov-2002
• Due Date: 01-Nov-2002
• Completion Date: 01-Nov-2002
• Ref Project: EN 13792:2002 - Colour coding of taps and valves for use in laboratories

Overview

SIST EN 13792:2002 is a European Standard developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) that defines uniform colour coding and nomenclature for taps and valves used in laboratories. This standard specifically addresses the identification of liquids, gases, and vacuum services by using a standardized system of colours on or near laboratory service controls. It aims to enhance safety, reduce errors, and improve operational efficiency in chemical laboratories and related environments.

This standard excludes medical and healthcare facilities using medical gases supplied according to EN 737 and focuses exclusively on laboratory applications. SIST EN 13792:2002 came into effect in 2002 and has been adopted by numerous European countries.

Key Topics

• Colour Coding System
  SIST EN 13792:2002 mandates a three-zone colour coding scheme on operating devices of taps and valves:

  • Zone 1 (outer area) identifies the general fluid category using a dominant colour.
  • Zones 2 and 3 (inner circular zones) specify the exact fluid type using a combination of colours.

  The zones are sized and proportioned for clear visibility and consistency. For remote service outlets, colour coding must match that of the operating device.

• Colour Assignments and Fluid Categories
  The standard assigns specific colours to fluid groups:

  • Green for water types
  • Yellow for flammable gaseous hydrocarbons
  • Red for other flammable gases and mixtures
  • Blue for non-flammable gases and combustion-enhancing gases
  • Black for toxic gases
  • Grey for vacuum
  • White for miscellaneous or other fluids

  Each fluid under these groups is given a unique three-colour combination, often accompanied by standardized chemical abbreviations following IUPAC nomenclature.

• Nomenclature and Labelling
  Abbreviations or chemical formulas are to be placed near the operating devices, using recognized IUPAC abbreviations where possible. Digits can be formatted as superscript or subscript for clarity.

• Durability and Visibility
  Colours must withstand typical environmental and operational conditions found in laboratories to maintain identification over time.

• Flexibility and Updates
  Annex A of the standard allows for developing new colour combinations for fluids not currently listed, ensuring adaptability to future laboratory demands.

Applications

• Chemical and Analytical Laboratories
  SIST EN 13792:2002 supports clear identification of service utilities (water, gases, vacuum) in research, quality control, and process laboratories, ensuring user safety and efficient service management.

• Industrial and Educational Laboratories
  This standard guides installation and maintenance of laboratory fittings in various industrial and academic settings, preventing mix-ups that might cause safety hazards.

• Laboratory Design and Facility Management
  Building designers and facility managers use SIST EN 13792:2002 to standardize valve and tap identification, facilitating maintenance, emergency response, and training.

• Safety and Compliance
  Adhering to SIST EN 13792:2002 helps organizations comply with broader safety regulations regarding hazardous substances management by minimizing risks of incorrect fluid handling.

Related Standards

• EN 737 – Medical Gas Pipeline Systems
  Specifies requirements for medical gases; SIST EN 13792:2002 explicitly excludes medical gas fittings covered by EN 737 to avoid conflicts in colour coding.

• IUPAC Nomenclature of Inorganic Chemistry (1990 Recommendations)
  Provides the chemical naming conventions referenced for labelling and abbreviations in SIST EN 13792:2002.

• CEN/TC 332 – Laboratory Equipment Standards
  The technical committee responsible for the standard, ensuring ongoing updates and harmonization with other laboratory equipment norms.

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Keywords: EN 13792, colour coding, laboratory taps, laboratory valves, fluid identification, chemical laboratory safety, laboratory service controls, gas colour coding, vacuum systems, laboratory equipment standards, European laboratory standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Farbige Kennzeichnung von LaborarmaturenCode de couleur des robinets et vannes utilisés dans les laboratoiresColour coding of taps and valves for use in laboratories71.040.10Kemijski laboratoriji. Laboratorijska opremaChemical laboratories. Laboratory equipment01.070Barvno kodiranjeColour codingICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 13792:2002SIST EN 13792:2002en01-november-2002SIST EN 13792:2002SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 13792September 2002ICS 01.070; 71.040.10English versionColour coding of taps and valves for use in laboratoriesCode de couleur des robinets et vannes utilisés dans leslaboratoiresFarbige Kennzeichnung von LaborarmaturenThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 1 August 2002.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2002 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 13792:2002 ESIST EN 13792:2002

New colour code combinations.8Bibliography.9SIST EN 13792:2002

Normative referencesThis European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. Thesenormative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text, and the publications are listed hereafter. Fordated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this EuropeanStandard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of thepublication referred to applies (including amendments).IUPAC Nomenclature of Inorganic Chemistry, Recommendations 1990.3
Terms and definitionsFor the purposes of this European Standard, the following terms and definitions apply.3.1operating devicemeans of actuating the operating or controlling mechanism of a service outlet3.2remote service outletoutlet where the operating device (e.g. handwheel) of the valve is located se
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