Nothing is more important than precision in the field of surveying. Just a few inches could constitute grounds for litigation, and a miscalculated millimeter can cause a ruptured utility line. Marking whiskers offer an effective defense against these problems by clearly marking the site of boundary lines, utilities, and underground obstructions. Best of all, they can easily recover from impact. Lawnmowers and construction equipment are no match for the indestructible PVC of these whiskers. Check out these top seven selections to find the best whiskers for marking your next project.
1. Presco Marking Whiskers – Red
The color red is synonymous with an alert. When you see red, you know you’re supposed to stop and pay attention. It’s no surprise, then, that one of the most popular colors for Presco Marking Whiskers is red. These marking whiskers come in at six inches long, and they’re easy to attach to 60-penny nails or a wooden stake. The red color is most commonly used to indicate the presence of an electric utility such as a power line, conduit, or cable. It may also signify a lighting cable.
2. Presco Marking Whiskers – Green
Presco’s green marking whiskers are just as easy to use as the red version. In addition to surveying, popular applications include marketing athletic fields, cemetery plots, and grading for construction. Green is commonly cited as the easiest color for the human eye to see, so it’s ideal for identifying important landmarks. In surveying, green typically indicates a sewage line, drainage, or other types of plumbing.
3. Presco Marking Whiskers – White
A white flag may traditionally represent surrender, but the Presco Marking Whiskers – White offers a different connotation. These marking whiskers are ideal for any of the aforementioned applications, but they are usually used to pre-mark an excavation site’s outer limits in preparation for construction. A white marking whisker may also indicate the width and centerline of a utility installation site.
4. Presco Marking Whiskers – Yellow
Yellow is one of the most vibrant colors, and like red, it alerts observers that they should proceed with caution. This makes the Presco Marking Whiskers – Yellow perfect for their intended application. Yellow marking whiskers are used to mark the location of gaseous materials, including oil, petroleum, or steam. This is particularly important given the potential consequences of a broken gas line. f a gas line is compromised, it could cause fires, explosions, and serious injuries — or even death.
5. Presco Marking Whiskers – Pink Glo
Sometimes surveyors need to install a temporary marker before a site’s final markings are applied. In this case, pink is the color of choice, and Presco Marking Whiskers – Pink Glo are the perfect option. Conversely, pink may indicate a discrepancy between a survey’s findings and official data. If a boundary line is not where a land deed indicates that it should be, for example, a pink marking whisker may be installed to document the difference.
6. Presco Marking Whiskers – Orange Glo
Orange marking whiskers are yet another essential indicator of underground utilities. This color represents the presence of communication lines, alarm transmitters, fiber optic cables, and conduits. Marking these lines is vital because an interruption in communications can pose a serious safety hazard. Many emergency response systems still rely on hard-wired lines that are routed underground, and protecting them from damage is imperative.
7. Presco Marking Whiskers – Blue
Blue marking whiskers are predictably used to indicate water lines. Specifically, the Presco Marking Whiskers – Blue are common markers of potable water, meaning that the water has been treated and prepared for public consumption. Shielding these lines from impact is imperative because damage can easily cause contamination — and contaminated water lines can cause a host of liabilities and complications for citizens.
Get the Right Marking Whiskers for Surveying
Specificity is key when it comes to marking the features of a survey site. The right survey marking whiskers will allow you to mark every spot with accuracy and confidence. Find the best selection of Presco marking whiskers at Safety Gear Pro. We carry an impressive selection of surveying equipment and accessories. Call us at (800) 832-5076 or reach out online to get started with your next order.
FAQs
1. What are marking whiskers used for?
Marking whiskers are most commonly utilized by surveyors who need to mark the exact location — or temporary approximation — of a specific feature on a survey site. This helps developers avoid underground damaging utility lines or communication lines.
2. Is it safe to mow over marking whiskers?
Yes! It is safe to use a lawnmower in an area where there are marking whiskers. In fact, you can use heavy industrial equipment, too, without worrying about damaging or removing these markers. Marking whiskers are made from an incredibly pliable and durable PVC material that is designed to withstand impact.
3. How can you attach marking whiskers to a stake?
You can use marking whiskers in many ways, but one of the most common applications is to apply them to a stake. In this case, you can simply tie them tightly around the stake, or you can secure them to the stake with a nail.
4. Can I use any color of marking whiskers?
The colors you choose to use for your marking whiskers will depend on what you’re marking. Marking whiskers are color-coded to represent specific utilities and features. If you are using marking whiskers to simply approximate boundary lines or conduct an amateur survey, though, the color is less important.
5. How do I make sure my marking whiskers are in the right spot?
In order to verify the accuracy of your markings, you should use marking whiskers in conjunction with professional survey equipment such as a compass, a clinometer, a magnetic locator, and a GPS device.
