ASTM E1273-88(2019)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Color Coding of Reusable Laboratory Pipets
Standard Specification for Color Coding of Reusable Laboratory Pipets
ABSTRACT
This specification covers a system of color coding of reusable laboratory pipets for identification of nominal capacities and units of sub-division. This specification applies to one-mark and graduated pipets of nominal capacities. The color code and marking requirements for one-mark and graduated pipets shall take the form of color bands in accordance to the color coding system indicated in this specification.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The purpose of this specification is to ensure that if a color code is used on pipets, all manufacturers will use the same code; it is not intended as an encouragement of color coding if this is not required.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers a system of color coding for one-mark pipets for identification of nominal capacities, and for graduated pipets for identification of nominal capacities and units of sub-division.
1.2 This specification applies to one-mark and graduated pipets of the nominal capacities listed in Table 1 and Table 2, respectively.
Note 1: Many pipets not covered by other ASTM standards are included in Table 1 and Table 2, in order, firstly, to ensure uniformity of color coding as far as possible for non-standard as well as standard pipets and, secondly, to reserve suitable codes for possible future standards for other types of pipet.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Jun-2019
- Technical Committee
- E41 - Laboratory Apparatus
- Drafting Committee
- E41.01 - Laboratory Ware and Supplies
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2006
- Effective Date
- 10-Oct-1996
- Effective Date
- 27-Mar-1987
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
Overview
ASTM E1273-88(2019), Standard Specification for Color Coding of Reusable Laboratory Pipets, establishes an internationally recognized system for color coding reusable laboratory pipets. Published by ASTM International, this standard promotes uniformity and clarity in identifying the nominal capacities and sub-divisions of both one-mark and graduated pipets by applying specific color bands. The color coding system is vital for laboratories and manufacturers to ensure consistent identification, simplify pipet selection, and reduce the risk of errors during laboratory analysis.
Key Topics
- Scope of Application: The standard applies to both one-mark pipets and graduated pipets, as well as non-standard pipets not covered by other ASTM standards. It specifies nominal capacities and units of sub-division, helping guarantee uniform color coding across all reusable pipet types.
- Color Coding System: It details requirements for color bands, including band width, location, and continuity:
- Bands must encircle at least 150° of the pipet circumference and be situated 20-70 mm from the top.
- Single bands: 5-10 mm wide; Double bands: Each 3-5 mm wide with 2-3 mm spacing.
- Color bands may be broken but must cover at least 40% of the circumference.
- Identification: The color code differentiates pipet capacities and, for graduated pipets, both capacity and sub-division units.
- Marking Requirements: For pipets requiring blow-out calibration, identification must be through a wide or double narrow band at the top.
- SI Units: The standard exclusively uses International System (SI) units.
Applications
Adhering to ASTM E1273-88(2019) provides practical benefits for a variety of laboratory environments and pipet manufacturers:
- Quality Assurance: Uniform color codes help laboratory staff quickly identify the correct pipet, minimizing cross-contamination and measurement errors.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamlined identification processes reduce training time for new personnel and support seamless laboratory operations.
- Global Sourcing: Consistent coding enables laboratories to source reusable pipets from multiple manufacturers while maintaining system compatibility.
- Regulatory Compliance: International recognition of the standard aids compliance with procurement guidelines and global trade, aligning with World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) principles.
- Futureproofing: Includes codes for pipets not yet standardized, promoting compatibility with emerging pipet designs.
Related Standards
For comprehensive laboratory glassware management and synergy, the following related ASTM standards are relevant:
- ASTM E1157: Specification for Sampling and Testing of Reusable Laboratory Glassware. This standard complements ASTM E1273 by addressing performance and testing aspects of laboratory glassware, ensuring overall quality and safety.
- General Laboratory Equipment Standards: Many ASTM E41 committee standards cover different laboratory apparatus and laboratory ware, supporting holistic laboratory standardization.
Practical Value
Implementing ASTM E1273-88(2019) within laboratory settings elevates quality and safety by enforcing a universal color coding methodology for reusable pipets. By following these established color identification practices, laboratories significantly reduce operational errors and enhance productivity, while manufacturers benefit from streamlined production and conformity to international requirements. Embracing this standard fortifies laboratory best practices for equipment identification and management, contributing to accuracy and reproducibility in scientific work.
Keywords: color coding, reusable laboratory pipets, ASTM E1273-88(2019), laboratory standards, pipet identification, laboratory glassware, quality assurance, laboratory efficiency, pipet calibration
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E1273-88(2019) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Color Coding of Reusable Laboratory Pipets". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers a system of color coding of reusable laboratory pipets for identification of nominal capacities and units of sub-division. This specification applies to one-mark and graduated pipets of nominal capacities. The color code and marking requirements for one-mark and graduated pipets shall take the form of color bands in accordance to the color coding system indicated in this specification. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 The purpose of this specification is to ensure that if a color code is used on pipets, all manufacturers will use the same code; it is not intended as an encouragement of color coding if this is not required. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers a system of color coding for one-mark pipets for identification of nominal capacities, and for graduated pipets for identification of nominal capacities and units of sub-division. 1.2 This specification applies to one-mark and graduated pipets of the nominal capacities listed in Table 1 and Table 2, respectively. Note 1: Many pipets not covered by other ASTM standards are included in Table 1 and Table 2, in order, firstly, to ensure uniformity of color coding as far as possible for non-standard as well as standard pipets and, secondly, to reserve suitable codes for possible future standards for other types of pipet. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification covers a system of color coding of reusable laboratory pipets for identification of nominal capacities and units of sub-division. This specification applies to one-mark and graduated pipets of nominal capacities. The color code and marking requirements for one-mark and graduated pipets shall take the form of color bands in accordance to the color coding system indicated in this specification. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 The purpose of this specification is to ensure that if a color code is used on pipets, all manufacturers will use the same code; it is not intended as an encouragement of color coding if this is not required. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers a system of color coding for one-mark pipets for identification of nominal capacities, and for graduated pipets for identification of nominal capacities and units of sub-division. 1.2 This specification applies to one-mark and graduated pipets of the nominal capacities listed in Table 1 and Table 2, respectively. Note 1: Many pipets not covered by other ASTM standards are included in Table 1 and Table 2, in order, firstly, to ensure uniformity of color coding as far as possible for non-standard as well as standard pipets and, secondly, to reserve suitable codes for possible future standards for other types of pipet. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E1273-88(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 01.070 - Colour coding; 71.040.20 - Laboratory ware and related apparatus. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E1273-88(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E1273-88(2013), ASTM E1157-87(2011), ASTM E1157-87(2018)e1, ASTM E1157-87(2006), ASTM E1157-87(1996), ASTM E1157-87(2001)e1, ASTM E1293-02(2019), ASTM E671-98(2022), ASTM E1380-90(2021). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E1273-88(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:E1273 −88 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Specification for
Color Coding of Reusable Laboratory Pipets
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1273; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E1157 Specification for Sampling and Testing of Reusable
Laboratory Glassware
1.1 This specification covers a system of color coding for
one-mark pipets for identification of nominal capacities, and
3. Significance and Use
forgraduatedpipetsforidentificationofnominalcapacitiesand
3.1 The purpose of this specification is to ensure that if a
units of sub-division.
color code is used on pipets, all manufacturers will use the
1.2 This specification applies to one-mark and graduated
same code; it is not intended as an encouragement of color
pipets of the nominal capacities listed in Table 1 and Table 2,
coding if this is not required.
respectively.
4. Color Properties
NOTE 1—Many pipets not covered by other ASTM standards are
included in Table 1 and Table 2, in order, firstly, to ensure uniformity of
4.1 Coding—The color coding used on one-mark pipets
color coding as far as possible for non-standard as well as standard pipets
shall be in accordance with Table 1, and graduated pipets shall
and, secondly, to reserve suitable codes for possible future standards for
be in accordance with Table 2.
other types of pipet.
4.2 Variations—Variations in the enamels used in the meth-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
ods of application appropriate for pipets made from different
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
types of glass inevitably result in minor variations of color, and
standard.
it is therefore not appropriate to specify closely the seven
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
colors listed in the tables.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5. Marking Requirements
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5.1 The color code shall take the form of color bands
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
extending at least 150° around the circumference of the pipet
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
and situated not more than 70 mm from the top of the pipet and
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
not less than 20 mm above the nearest graduation line.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.2 For a code consisting of a single band of color, the band
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
shall be 5 to 10 mm wide. For a code consisting of two bands
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
of color, each band shall be 3 to 5 mm wide and the two bands
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
shall be separated by a space of 2 to 3 mm. Color bands do not
2. Referenced Documents
have to be continuous but may be broken as long as they cover
40 % of the circumference of the pipet.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
NOTE 2—Pipets calibrated to deliver by blowing out the last drop shall
be identified by a wide band or two narrow bands permanently marke
...
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