The Importance of Colors of Underground Utility Lines
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. There is reduced risks today because of new methods of identifying utility lines although not a complete reduction. 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. You dont want something disastrous to occur. 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.
Marking lines may lessen the risks but there are time when 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. This is then something that affects public health and safety.
GPR or Ground Penetrating Radar is used by companies to locate their utility lines. 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. Below are some of the colors used for different utility lines.
If you see white lines, then these are proposed excavation sites. Area that will be excavated in the future are marked.
If you see pink lines, they are temporary survey markings. These are used by surveyors to mark off legal property boundaries.
Red lines are used to mark electric power lines, cable, conduit, and lighting cable. 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. The bright color yellow is used to be a warning sign since a natural gas leak can create a potentially disastrous situation.
Orange lines are used for communication, alarm, signal lines, cable or conduit. Blue lines are used for potable water. Purple lines are used 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.
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