ULCC Color Codes

This marking guide describes standards for temporary marking of subsurface facilities.

 

Use of Markings

Color-coded surface marks (paint or a similar coating) should be used to indicate the locations 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 clearly indicate that the actual facility is a specific distance away.

 

Uniform Color Code

The American Public Works Association encourages public agencies, utilities, contractors, associations, manufacturers and all others involved in excavation to adopt the ULCC Uniform Color Code using the ANSI standard Z53.1 Safety Colors shown below.

Hold mouse pointer over any color for a PANTONE® printing ink formulation that approximates the official ANSI color.

PANTONE 1795 RED RED
Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit and Lighting Cables
PANTONE 108 YELLOW YELLOW
Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum or Gaseous Materials
PANTONE 144 ORANGE ORANGE
Communication, Alarm or Signal Lines, Cables or Conduit
13.5 parts process blue + 2.5 parts reflex blue BLUE
Potable Water
PANTONE 3415 GREEN GREEN
Sewers and Drain Lines
PANTONE 253 PURPLE PURPLE
Reclaimed Water, Irrigation and Slurry Lines
PANTONE 806 PINK PINK
Temporary Survey Marking
WHITE WHITE
Proposed Excavation

Location Tolerance Zones

Any excavation within the tolerance zone should be performed with hand tools until the marked facility is exposed.  Please see the following illustrations. 

tolerance_zone_multi.jpg (15317 bytes)

The width of the tolerance zone may be specified in law or code. If not, 0.5 m (18") is recommended from each side of the facility. The tolerance zone includes the width of the facility and 0.5 m (18") measured horizontally from each side of the facility.

tolerance_zone_small.jpg (14753 bytes)

 

Proposed Excavations

Use white marks to show the location or boundary of a proposed excavation. Surface marks on roadways should not exceed 40 mm by 500 mm (1 ½" by 18"). The facility color may be added to white flags or stakes.
la_one_call.gif (5155 bytes)