What Are the Color Code Standards Established by American Public Works Association For Underground Infrastructure

1. What Are the Color Code Standards Established by American Public Works Association For Underground Infrastructure? Construction or remodeling on the ground is a bit easy for the contractors and people nearby. Neither contractors have to be extra cautious on the site nor have people be afraid of moving in and around the site. And it’s all because the construction site is visible to everyone. But, it’s not possible whenit’s about underground infrastructure. As a contractor to underground infrastructure, you should be very particular about your workers’ safety and the safety of people staying around. By following the color code standards established by the American Public Works Association, you should mark the ground or pavement with a carefully arranged series of lines. These lines will help your workers and people around to stay away from any dangers and stay safe. For series of lines, you should follow the standards and use the best utility marking spray paint. As compared to other paint types, spray paints give good results. Also, the spray paints are easy to use and long-lasting. In this post, we will discuss the color code established by American Public Works Association. White- Proposed Excavation If you and your team need to mark the limits of the excavation for a basement or just the trench, you should mark the lines in white paint. The use of white paint is the first step before locating any underground infrastructure. The mark shows the place where digging will occur. Pink- Temporary Survey Markings The oink lines are drawn by a land surveyor when he visits the site for the survey. The lines are drawn between adjoining properties to indicate the legal boundaries affecting the project. These lines are temporary to give an exact idea to the contractor. Red- Electrical equipment Traditionally, red is the color for danger. This indication in the underground infrastructure is a great deal. The red color lines in the construction site will indicate the presence of power lines, cables, conduits, transformers, or even lighting cables. People and the crew will be careful after noticing the red lines. Yellow- Natural gas, petroleum, or steam Yellow indicates urgency and caution. In the underground infrastructure, the yellow color depicts the use of natural gas, petroleum, or steam on the site. These materials are harmful and problematic for human health. If anyone gets trapped, it can be life-threatening. So, the yellow marking should be very accurate. Orange- Communication The use of orange markings on the construction site indicates the laying of communication elements. The workers should careful when digging around the orange markings because it includes cable TV, phone systems, alarm wiring, fiber optics, or conduits to carry signals rather than power.

2. Blue- Potable water Blue markings indicate the presence of water lines. The blue lines are made so that workers don’t hit the water pipe or main water connection. The result will not be as disastrous as gas or power lines but will have pretty severe consequences on a project and surrounding residents. Purple- Reclaimed water Unlike blue, the purple color indicates a specific sort of water. The reclaimed water is from sandblasting or power washing. In other words, purple indicates water that isn’t fit for drinking. Even if these water bodies are treated well during construction, they can cause severe consequences. Green- Sewer and drain lines Contractors avoid the use of green color because it affects their reputation in the market. If the sewer line is broken, the contractors are not considered competent. It’s good to avoid green but important to mark to prevent any future consequences. Following the color code standards, things will be manageable for you and your team. But, make sure to use quality utility marking spray paint. Source: https://foxvalleypaint.com/