What is the purpose of a warning ribbon placed above underground service installations?

A warning ribbon placed above underground service installations serves as a visible alert to anyone who might be digging in the area. This precaution helps prevent accidental damage to the underground utilities, which can result in dangerous situations, service interruptions, or costly repairs. The ribbon typically reads a warning message that stresses the importance of contacting utilities before beginning any excavation work.

While other purposes, such as indicating voltage, marking service type, or identifying the installer, could be communicated through other means, the primary objective of the warning ribbon is to enhance safety during excavation activities by preventing unforeseen incidents involving underground installations.