Tale of the Tape: Flagging Tape vs. Marking Paint

Before construction even begins a locate of the property has been done to identify underground hazards like sewer lines, wires and pipes. It is then the surveyor's job to establish the boundaries of the property and set a benchmark. Proper marking is not just a matter of efficiency and compliance, it is also a matter of safety.

Here is what you need to know about flagging and marking your job site including what to use and when as well as our recommendations for products in each category.

When to Mark vs Flag

The surveyor uses a variety of means to mark the job site. It all starts with creating a barrier using barricade or caution tape to mark the job site. A combination of perimeter tape and flagging tape can be used to create a safety skirt, creating a highly visible barrier that lasts longer and resists extreme weather better than standard caution tape.

With boundaries established, both detectable and non-detectable marking tape is then used to identify utility lines while flagging tape is used to cordon off dangerous areas and to alert workers to potential hazards. When it comes to flagging, each color means something different.

The following colors are recommended by the American Public Works Association (APWA):

• White – Proposed excavation routes and limits
• Pink – Temporary survey markings
• Red – Electrical power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables
• Yellow – Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or gaseous materials
• Orange – Telecommunications, alarm or signal lines, cable TV
• Blue – Potable water
• Purple – Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines
• Green – Sewer and drain lines

Flagging tape is typically used underground in one of two forms to mark the location of utility lines: detectable and non-detectable. On the surface, marking flags provide a highly visible, weatherproof indication of utilities, hazards, and other elements. Marking paint or chalk offers a quick, effective way for workers to visualize the perimeter or temporarily identify hazards.

Essentials for Marking the Job Site

Having the right tools for the job is a must for surveyors. Before you get to the point of using surveying equipment like total stations and theodolites, the job site needs to be marked. Here are the basics of different types of marking symbols with recommended products in each category.

Flagging Tape

An essential on any worksite, flagging tape is a non-adhesive, brightly colored symbol for marking and tagging. Available in a variety of lengths, widths, and thicknesses, flagging tape is durable but easy to install and remove. It comes in regular and fluorescent colors as well as distinctive patterns and specific legends like truck road and timber harvest boundary.

Top recommended products in this category:

• 100% Vinyl Tuff Elements Flagging Tape – Available in six bright colors, this vinyl flagging tape is extremely tough and, because it is free from plastic fillers, it won’t become brittle in the cold.
• Presco Course Matte Striped Flagging Tape – This flagging tape is made from course matt materials, capable of enduring temperatures below -20°F. It comes in four colors, each with a distinctive stripe, polka dot, or checked pattern.
• Presco Biodegradable Flagging Tape – An environmentally friendly marking solution that degrades naturally, this flagging tape is made from non-woven cellulose material.
• Presco 3” Wide Non-Detectable Underground Warning Tape – Made in 3-inch widths and bright colors, this non-detectable underground warning tape is clearly labeled according to the hazard.

Marking Paint and Chalk

Used for a variety of temporary applications on the job site, marking paint and chalk is used to mark mines, underground utilities, construction, and excavation sites. Marking paint comes in water-based and solvent-based mediums and typically comes in upside-down cans for quick and easy spraying.

Top recommended products in this category:

• Krylon Industrial Quik-Mark Inverted Marking Chalk – Designed to last 30 days or more, this marking chalk is designed for use on common outdoor surfaces and is easily removed with water and a wire brush. It features a quick dry time under 10 minutes.
• Krylon Industrial Quik-Mark Water-Based Marking Paint – With a high solids formulation, this marking pain creates the boldest, brightest, and most visible markings in the industry. It is completely free of lead hazards and VOC compliant.
• Krylon Industrial Quik-Mark Solvent-Based Marking Paint – This solvent-based marking paint dries quickly and features a fast-drying formula (90 minute application depending on climate) designed to adhere to hot surfaces with a convenient spray-thru cap.
• Aeroe Tree Marking Paint – This fast-drying, heavily-pigmented formula delivers bright visual identification from a distance with excellent adhesion.

Pin Flags and Stakes

Flags offer an easy but precise way to mark the job site on the surface. They are durable and weather-resistant, designed to offer excellent visibility. Stakes can be used as an alternative, marked with colored flagging tape or whiskers to identify the hazard.

Top recommended products in this category:

• Multicolor 2 ½ x 3 ½ Inch Flags – Sold in quantities of 100, these 15-inch pin flags are made from heavy-duty vinyl, designed to be moisture- and fade-resistant.
• Pink/Purple 4x5 Flags – When you need a larger flag, these 4x5 24-inch plastic flags are a great option. Made from durable vinyl, these flags are sold in 1,000 count.
• SECO Wire Stake Bags – Conveniently carry wire stag flags with this heavy-duty nylon bag. It features an adjustable shoulder strap for comfort and tough nylon webbing for durability.
• Carrier Probe for Wire Flag Installation – Quickly and safely install wire flags with this carrier probe. This tool makes the hole in the ground for you – all you have to do is drop the flag.

Mag Nails and Nail Markers

When you need a marking solution that is easily traced and detectable, magnetically enhanced nails are the way to go. ChrisNik mag nails feature a larger center point for easy use and they are coated with environmentally friendly zinc and clear chromate for corrosion resistance.

Top recommended products in this category:

• ChrisNik Mag Nails – Sold in seven different lengths, these magnetically enhanced nails are easy to find below the surface. They are extra-durable to prevent breakage during installation.
• ChrisNik Mag Spikes – When you need something a little more heavy-duty, these magnetically enhanced spikes will do the job. They come in four lengths with a large center point and 1-inch diameter.
• SECO Shiners – Available in raised or flat models, these shiners make it easy to find your survey points when using mag nails or stakes.
• Chrisnik Hub Disc – These plastic hubs can be paired with ChrisNik mag nails to enhance visibility. They have a 1/8-inch center hole and come in bright yellow or orange.

Barricade Tape

Set a quick perimeter with a few stakes and some boundary tape to increase safety awareness. Available in a variety of widths and lengths, caution tape and barricade are essential for any job site.

Top recommended products in this category:

• Presco 3 Mil. “Caution” Tape – Made for durability and resistance to the elements, this bright yellow caution tape is ideal for marking danger areas and special instructions on the job site.
• Presco Biodegradable Barricade Tape – An environmentally friendly marking solution, this biodegradable barricade tape is made from non-woven cellulose materials derived from wood pulp, making it completely non-toxic.
• Presco Day/Night Caution Tape – Made with brand new technology, this barricade tape is formulated with an exclusively nighttime visibility silver ink which bounces light back toward the source for maximum visibility.
• Presco Woven Barricade Tape – To create a more durable barrier or a safety skirt, this woven barricade tape is the ideal solution. It offers a tensile strength of 500 lbs. and comes in a 150-foot or 200-foot roll.

Marking the job site ensures that everything gets put in the right place. Though these symbols may be undecipherable to the layman, a professional surveyor knows exactly how to read them. Using the right marking symbol for the job ensures the job will be completed accurately and efficiently.