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. 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. Before digging through a certain piece of land, the OSHA requires that the underground utilities be located. You dont want something disastrous to occur. Fatal injuries can happen if underground utility lines are struck. It can also interrupt services in your area where the line is located. Before digging their property, people should call 811 to call the utility companies so that these incidents are prevented. Utility companies can then mark out their respective lines when you call them out.
Sometimes, even if the lines are marked accidents still happen. 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. With this machine, companies can easily locate utility lines. Companies can locate their utility lines if any property owner calls 811.
Today, utility lines are marked with different colors for easy identification. The colors below indicate the kind of utility uses it.
Proposed excavation sites use white lines. Area that will be excavated in the future are marked.
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. The color red is associated with fire and danger so it is just appropriate to use it for electrical works.
Lines for gas, oil, steam, petroleum, and gaseous materials use the color yellow. 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. Blue lines are used for potable water. Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines used purple lines. If you see the color green, then it indicates sewer and drain lines. You can derail any project for a long time if you hit these lines.
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