They are usually marked on the surface of the ground by spray paints and pin flags using their corresponding colors. The color codes for the marks generally follow the guidelines recommended by American Public Works Association (APWA):
|
Red |
Electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables |
|
Yellow |
Natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or other gaseous or flammable materials |
|
Green |
Sanitary sewers and drain lines |
|
Orange |
Telecommunication, alarm or signal lines, cables, or conduits |
|
Blue |
Potable water |
To help you to remember the color codes for underground utilities, use the symbolic representations and explanations in the table below:
Color Code |
Symbolic Representation |
Explanation |
|
|
Red |
Red Traffic Light |
Stop! Electrocution is an imminent danger! |
|
Yellow |
Yellow Traffic Light |
Warning! Limited time window to respond in a situation like gas leak! |
|
Green |
Green Traffic Light |
Let sewer water and storm water go. |
|
Orange |
Traffic Safety |
Color orange is a way of visual communication for safety as shown in orange signs, cones and safety vests: I’m here, don’t hit me! |
|
Blue |
Blue Sky |
Like air under the blue sky, drinking water under blue marks is vital for our survival. |
The best policy is to ensure you have a private utility locator who is experienced!
At Utility Survey Corp., all our technicians have years of experience with underground utility locating and follow our proprietary "10-Step Utility Locating Protocol™".
Click the image below to see what it is all about!