The Importance of Colors of Underground Utility Lines

It is now easier to know what an underground utility line is for. 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. 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. Otherwise it can be something disastrous. 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. People can call 811 to prevent these incidents, before they proceed with digging their property. 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 this happens, it affects 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. Calling 811 is enough for the property owner to let companies located their lines.

Today, utility lines are marked with different colors for easy identification. Here are the colors used for different utilities.

White lines are for proposed excavation sites. It locates areas that will be excavated in the near future.

If you see pink lines, they are temporary survey markings. Legal property boundaries are marked off by these pink lines.

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

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.

If you see orange lines, then you should associate this with communication., alarm, signal lines, cable or conduit. If you see blue lines then these are lines for potable water. Purple lines are used for reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines. Green lines are used for sewer and drain lines. 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.