What is the purpose of a warning ribbon used for underground installations?

The purpose of a warning ribbon used for underground installations is to serve as a precautionary measure to alert individuals about the presence of buried utilities. When someone is digging in a particular area, the warning ribbon acts as a visual cue, signaling that there are underground installations nearby, which could be electrical, gas, water, or telecommunications lines. This warning helps to prevent accidental damage to these utilities, which could result in service interruptions, accidents, or even serious injury.

A warning ribbon is typically placed a certain distance above the actual utility line to ensure that it is visible during excavation operations. By following the indication of the ribbon, workers can take the necessary precautions, such as pausing their work to assess the situation or use appropriate methods to expose the utilities safely.