Undergoung Utilities and their Standard Colors

It is now easier to know what an underground utility line is for. 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. Although not completely eliminated, risks today have been reduced. It is thus important that we know how to identify these underground utilities if there is a need to dig the ground so that you can prevent harm. The OSHA requires that utilities underground first be located before digging through a piece of land. It is to prevent disaster. The worst thing that can happen if lines are not identified is that fatal injuries can happen. 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. The reality is that there is an incident almost every 6 minutes where utility line are 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.

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.

It is easier to identify underground utility lines today because they now use different colors for each utility. Below are some of the colors used for different utility lines.

Proposed excavation sites use white lines. It locates areas that will be excavated in the near future.

If you see pink lines, they are temporary survey markings. 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 perfect for electric works because it is associated with fire and danger.

Lines for gas, oil, steam, petroleum, and gaseous materials use the color yellow. Natural gas leaks can create potentially disastrous situations and this is why it is appropriate to use the bright yellow color.

If you see orange lines, then you should associate this with communication., alarm, signal lines, cable or conduit. Blue lines are used for potable water. Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines used purple lines. Sewer and drain lines use the color green. You can derail any project for a long time if you hit these lines.

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