Call 48 Hours before you dig
1-800-362-2764
UTILITY LOCATION & COORDINATION COUNCIL
UNIFORM COLOR CODE
RED
- Electric Power Lines,
Cables, Conduit and Lighting Cables
YELLOW
-Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum or
Gaseous Materials
ORANGE
- Communication, Alarm or
Signal Lines, Cables or Conduit
BLUE - Water, Irrigation and
Slurry Lines
GREEN
- Sewers and Drain Lines
PINK
- Temporary Survey Markings
WHITE
- Proposed Excavation
GUIDELINES FOR UNIFORM TEMPORARY
MARKING OF UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
This marking guide provides for universal
use and understanding of the temporary marking of subsurface facilities to
prevent accidental damage or service interruption by contractors, utility
companies or any others working on or near those underground facilities.
USE OF MARKINGS
Use color-coded surface marks (paint or
similar coating) to indicate the Iocation and route of buried lines. To
increase visibility, color-coded vertical markers (temporary stakes or flags) should
supplement surface marks. All marks and markers should indicate the name,
initials or logo of the company that owns or operates the line and the
width of the facility if it is greater than 50 mm (2"). If the surface
over the buried line is to be removed, supplemental offset markings may be
used. Offset markings should be on a uniform alignment and must clearing
indicate that the actual facility is a specific distance away.
LOCATION TOLERANCE ZONE
Any excavation within the tolerance zone
should be performed with hand tools until the marked facility is exposed.
The width of the tolerance zone may be specified in law or code. If not,
500 mm (18") is required from each side of the facility. The tolerance
zone includes the width of the facility and 500mm (18") measured
horizontally from each side of the facility.
PROPOSED EXCAVATION
Use white marks to show the location or
boundary of proposed excavation. Surface marks on roadways should not
exceed 40mm by 500mm(1-1/2” x 18”). The facility color may be added to
white flags or stakes.
ONE-CALL SYSTEMS
0ne-CaIl damage prevention systems should
be contacted prior to excavating to prevent damage to buried facilities.
ADOPT UNIFORM COLOR
CODE
The American Public Works Association
encourages public agencies, utilities, contractors, other associations,
manufacturers and all others involved in excavation to adopt the ULCC
Uniform Color Code using ANSI standard Z53.1 Safety Colors as shown on the
back of this card.
Rev.3194
