The Importance of Colors of Underground Utility Lines

Underground utilities can easily be identified today. However, a long time ago, it was difficult to identify these utility lines and so when people try to dig there were many risks involved. There is reduced risks today because of new methods of identifying utility lines although not a complete reduction. In order to prevent harm, it is important to know or identify these utility lines if your need to dig the ground. If you need to dig through a piece of land today, you are required by the OSHA to first identify or locate underground utilities. Otherwise it can be something disastrous. The worst thing that can happen if lines are not identified is that fatal injuries can happen. Services in the area where the lines are located can experience interruption. To prevent these types of incidents, it is important for property owners to call 811 so utility companies can identify their undergoing lines. Calling the 811 number will enable utility companies to come out and mark their respective utility lines.

Sometimes, even if the lines are marked accidents still happen. Utility lines are struck every 6 minutes, some place. Traffic lights, wastewater pipes, telecommunication lines, etc. are affected when lines are struck. Public heath and safety is affected when this happens.

Companies can locate utility lines through the use of GPR or Ground Penetrating Radar. When locating utility lines underground, this machine makes it easy to do so. Companies can locate their utility lines if any property owner calls 811.

There are certain colors that mark different utility lines for easy identification. The colors below indicate the kind of utility uses it.

Proposed excavation sites use white lines. You can mark areas with white lines that will soon be excavated.

Pink lines are temporary survey markings. Surveyors use pink lines to mark off legal property boundaries.

Electric power lines, cable, conduit, and lighting cable use red lines. This color is appropriate for electrical works since it is associated with fire and danger.

Yellow lines are used for gas, oil, steam, petroleum, and gaseous materials. The bright color yellow is used to be a warning sign since a natural gas leak can create a potentially disastrous situation.

Communication, alarm, signal lines, cable, or conduit use orange lines. Blue lines are used for potable water. If you see purple lines, that this is for reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines. Green lines are used for sewer and drain lines. A project can be derailed for a long time when these utility lines are hit.

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