5 Lessons Learned:

The Importance of Colors of Underground Utility Lines

Underground utilities can easily be identified today. The risk was high before when people could not easily identify the type of utility lines underneath whenever they dig. There is reduced risks today because of new methods of identifying utility lines although not a complete reduction. 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. If you hit any of the underground utility lines while digging then you can be fatally injured. 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.

Sometimes, even if the lines are marked accidents still happen. It is said that every 6 minutes, there is a utility line that is struck. Traffic lights, wastewater pipes, telecommunication lines, etc. are affected when lines are struck. These incidents affect 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. 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.

Temporary survey markings use pink lines. These are used by surveyors 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. 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. Lines for potable water use blue lines. Purple lines are used for reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines. Green lines are used for sewer and drain lines. Hitting this line can truly derail any project for a long period of time.

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