White lining is when an excavator, at the jobsite, marks the scope of the proposed excavation with white paint or flags before the utilities are located. This is a good practice because it is a clear way to communicate to the locators the specific area that should be marked, as marking instructions on the locate requests can sometimes be vague. There are fewer ways to misinterpret white marks showing the limits of an excavation, compared to making the locator interpret what the contractor or homeowner wants. The goal is to have the utilities marked accurately at the jobsite, and having the locator and the excavator on the same page – through the practice of white-lining -- helps reach this goal.
At a recent Wisconsin Common Ground Alliance meeting, some of the benefits of white lining for both excavators and locators were discussed. “Damages occur every day and many of them could be prevented through the use of white lining,” said a locator with Vannguard Utility Partners. “Not only can damages be reduced, but marking instructions on tickets can be understood by utility locators ensuring that your dig area is fully marked. White lining will also save the utility locator considerable time.”
Going to the jobsite to pre-mark your excavation can also serve as an opportunity for contractors to do a site survey. While doing this you will see if there are any indicators of private lines, and you will see if anything does not look right. If you are there pre-marking, you can have the opportunity to resolve those issues before the rest of the crew shows up.
White lining will always add to even the best explained marking instructions, which will lead to fewer questions by locators. The fewer questions locators have, means less time spent at jobsites, which means more jobsites can be marked each day, and that’s better for everyone.