The Importance of Colors of Underground Utility Lines

Underground utilities can easily be identified today. The risk was high before when people could not easily identify the type of utility lines underneath whenever they dig. Today, the risks have been lessened although not completely eliminated. If there is a need to dig the ground, it is very important that the utility lines first be identified. Before digging through a certain piece of land, the OSHA requires that the underground utilities be located. Otherwise it can be something disastrous. Fatal injuries can happen if underground utility lines are struck. The location of the areas where the lines were struck can experience service interruption. To prevent these types of incidents, it is important for property owners to call 811 so utility companies can identify their undergoing lines. Utility companies can then mark out their respective lines when you call them out.

But, despite the marks, there will sill be accidents. It is said that every 6 minutes, there is a utility line that is struck. When utility lines are stuck it causes disturbances in traffic lights wastewater pipes, telecommunication lines and more. These incidents affect public health and safety.

GPR or Ground Penetrating Radar is used by companies to locate their utility lines. With this machine, companies can easily locate utility lines. Calling 811 is enough for the property owner to let companies located their lines.

It is easier to identify underground utility lines today because they now use different colors for each utility. The colors below indicate the kind of utility uses it.

If you see white lines, then these are proposed excavation sites. It locates areas that will be excavated in the near future.

Temporary survey markings use pink lines. Surveyors use pink lines to mark off legal property boundaries.

If you see red lines, then you can be sure that these are electric power lines, cable, conduit, and lighting cables. The color red is associated with fire and danger so it is just appropriate to use it for electrical works.

If you see yellow lines, then they are lines for gas, oil, steam, petroleum, and gaseous materials. Bright yellow is an appropriate warning color since it is very disastrous to have a natural gas leak.

Communication, alarm, signal lines, cable, or conduit use orange lines. Lines for potable water use blue lines. If you see purple lines, that this is for reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines. Sewer and drain lines use the color green. A project can be derailed for a long time when these utility lines are hit.

You can learn more about the color coding of utility lines if you click here now! You can view here for more.

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