Dashpivot article – AS5488
AS5488: Quality Levels, Colour Codes, and More
What is AS5488?
AS5488 is an Australian standard specifically designed for the classification and management of subsurface utility information (SUI). First introduced in 2013, this standard, also known as AS5488-2013 Classification of Subsurface Utility Information, provides a consistent framework for the collection, depiction, and communication of data regarding existing underground assets. Its primary application is in the Australian underground asset mapping and location industry.
What are the AS5488 quality levels?
Quality Level A
This is the only quality level that really validates the subterrean utility. Quality A has absolute spatial positioning with strict vertical and horizontal tolerances of ± 50 mm in locating the points surveyed on the surface and subsurface. Quality Level A requires and presents extensive detail on the utility type. The utility type is exhibited by the following information: type, status, material, size, and configuration. Other information found on Quality A that made it the most robust level are utility owner, date of installation, and feature codes of surface and subsurface features (not limited to pits, access chambers, poles, and valves).
Quality Level A, acronymed as QL-A, presents the following metadata: the date that the data was captured, the source of information, the survey, and locating methods used to determine the absolute spatial position of utility.
Quality Level B
Relative subsurface feature location in three dimensions is provided in Quality Level B. Relative position is the distance or depth from another landmark, say a firehydrant pipe, 7 feet below surface level and 4 feet from the edge of a sidewalk. QL-B data calls for specialist tools and locaters adept in tracking utilities (detection via an induced signal along a subsurface utility). For QL-B, relative spatial positioning is ± 300 mm horizontal and ±500 mm vertical.
Quality Level B, acronymed as QL-B, presents the following metadata: the date the data was captured, the source of information, and the locating method(s) used to obtain the attribute information.
Quality Level D
Should any of the other quality levels prove unsatisfactory, Quality Level D is the lowest quality level and default level. Existing records, casual site visits, or anecdotal evidence could all help to gather this material. Only a broad indication of position is needed; no spatial tolerance is required.
Quality Level D, acronymed as QL-D, presents the following metadata: the date and data captured, and the source of the information.
Quality Level C
makes advantage of any accessible QL-D data and links it with surface features. These elements could be surface access points for hydrants, stop valves, access chamber lids, or points of utility entry into the subsurface domain—that is, an electric line descended from a power pole.
Unlike QL-D, which simply suggests a rough indication of location, subsurface utilities may be offset from the alignment of surface features, hence QL-C does not offer a spatial tolerance on location.
Quality Level B, acronymed as QL-C, presents the following metadata: the date and data captured, and the source of the information.
When to Use Each AS5488 Quality Level
As professionals involved, it is essential to know when and where quality levels are used. Here are some uses of every quality level and how they apply to specific situations:
Quality Level A (QL-A)
This is the highest level and should be used when precise information about the location of utilities is required. Typically, QL-A is used during construction where the exact location, size and type of utility must be known to avoid damage or for detailed design.
The only quality level that defines a subsurface utility is Valid/Confirmed/Verified and is required for any construction work.
Ideal Situations: For high-risk areas, such as utility corridors or when working close to sensitive utilities (e.g. gas lines or high voltage cables).
Quality Level B (QL-B)
QL-B when you need information about the presence and approximate location of utilities but don’t need exact dimensions. Used during the design phase of projects.
Ideal Situations: For initial planning and design work where utility conflicts need to be identified and avoided. It’s also used for assessing construction impacts and preliminary cost estimates.
Quality Level C (QL-C):
This level is based on existing records and is used for general planning and early project development stages. QL-C provides a general understanding of subsurface utilities but is less accurate.
Ideal Situations: For feasibility studies, early project scoping or when a general overview of subsurface utilities is required without the need for detailed accuracy.
Quality Level D (QL-D):
QL-D is the lowest level, used when only a general awareness of subsurface utilities is required.
Ideal Situations: For very preliminary assessments, e.g. during the conceptual stage of a project or for area-wide studies where utilities are only one of many factors being considered.
The importance of AS5488 colours
Ground marks, marks on the ground, or site marks, whichever you may like to call them; these merely indicate temporary indications of subsurface facilities to prevent accidents or service interruption by excavators, utility locators, and contractors.
Utility locating experts utilise these marks to show where to and where not to dig, therefore guiding contractors and excavators towards what is underneath before starting any project. Above all, to enable individuals working on-site avoid destroying any subterranean
The AS5488 Colour Codes
| Utility | Description |
|---|---|
| Communications | It has the primary code "C". It includes Communication lines, including telephone, internet cables, CCTV, security & traffic signals are marked in white, or if on a white background in black. |
| Water | It has the primary code "W". Blue is used for potable, drinking water lines. |
| Fire Service | It has the primary code "F". Red lines on a map signify pipes, electrical, anything to do with fire services. |
| Sewer | It has the primary Code "S". Cream is chosen for sewer and waste water. |
| Gas | It has the primary code "G". Gas lines, including natural gas and other gas services, are marked in yellow. This is important for preventing gas leaks and related hazards. |
| Drainage | It has the primary code "D". Storm water or raw water are marked in green, reflecting its association with environmental elements. |
| Reclaimed Water | It has the primary code "R". Non-potable water systems, including recycled water, are designated with purple. |
| Electricity/Power | It has the primary code "E". Orange is used for electric utilities, alerting workers to the presence of power cables, which pose significant safety risks. |
| Petroleum Products | It has the primary code "P". Brown is used for Petroleum Products (including oil) flammable and combustible materials. |
| Unknown | It has the primary code "U". Pink is used for unknown services/assets, as well as temporary markings. |
Best Practices for Using AS5488 Colour Codes
Consistency
It is absolutely essential that all markers, whether physical and recorded, follow the given colour schemes. This will provide consistency and make it easier for reviews and contract transfers. Wrong colour coding could prove dangerous, especially if there is a change of contractors.
Training
Workers and planners should be trained in understanding and applying these colour codes. Consistent usage of the colour-coding system by a well-trained team can reduce errors and encourage rule compliance.
Updating Maps
If there are any alterations or new installations, the appropriate colour codes should be added to the utility maps on a regular basis.
The AS5488 colour codes are an integral part of managing subsurface utilities, ensuring safety and efficiency in urban development and construction projects. By adhering to these codes, professionals can avoid costly mistakes and accidents while ensuring a smoother workflow and clearer communication among all parties involved.
See an example of how you can use AS5488 colour codes in a utility locating report below.
What is the purpose of AS5488?
Safety
By providing a guide on how to classify and manage subsurface utility information, AS5488 reduces the risk of accidents, injuries and fatalities to construction workers that can occur from poorly managed underground utilities. Identifying and classifying underground utilities, including electrical cables is critical to reduce risk during excavation and construction.
Communication and Planning
The standard ensures there is a common approach to depicting and communicating information about underground assets. This consistency is important for the professionals involved including engineers, construction professionals and stakeholders to have a common understanding of subsurface utilities to aid better planning and decision-making.
Regulation
Before AS5488 there was no regulation around underground utilities and it was inefficient and unsafe. The introduction of this standard has brought regulation and a systematic approach to this part of the construction process.
Cost and Efficiency
By applying subsurface utility engineering principles, AS5488 ensures underground utilities are considered during the design phase of infrastructure projects, so projects are more cost-effective and efficient.
Who needs to know about AS5488?
Civil Engineers and Construction Managers: They are involved in planning and executing construction projects, where knowledge of underground utilities is critical for safety and efficiency.
Surveyors and Geospatial Professionals: These professionals are responsible for mapping and documenting the subsurface utilities, so they need to use AS5488 for accurate and consistent representation.
Utility Service Providers: Companies that own and operate utility services (water, gas, electricity, telecommunications) need to know AS5488 to manage their underground assets and coordinate with construction.
Local Government and Planning Authorities: Councils and regional authorities responsible for urban planning, infrastructure development and permits need to know AS5488, so projects in their area comply with these standards.
Excavation and Demolition Contractors: They need to know the location and classification of subsurface utilities to avoid damaging them during excavation or demolition.
Project Planners and Designers: They use this information in the early stages of planning and design to avoid conflicts with existing utilities.
Health and Safety Professionals: They need to know the risks associated with subsurface utilities to develop safety protocols.
Environmental Consultants: They need to know subsurface utilities to assess the environmental impact of construction.
Real Estate Developers: They need this information for site analysis and to evaluate their project feasibility and cost.
How to use AS5488 in your utility reporting
Get to know the classification levels in AS5488. These levels (A, B, C, D) represent the quality of information about subsurface utilities, with Level A being the highest. Understanding these levels is critical for accurate reporting.
When collecting data on subsurface utilities, classify each utility according to AS5488. This means assessing the source and reliability of the information to assign the correct classification level.
Use the standardized symbols and legends as recommended by AS5488 for showing subsurface utilities in reports and drawings. This way, anyone reading the reports can easily understand and interpret the utility information.
For each utility, include detailed descriptions in your reports. This should include the type of utility, location, depth, size and the AS5488 classification level. This detail is critical for a full understanding of the subsurface.
Subsurface utility information can change over time due to new installations, relocations or removals. Make sure your utility reports are up-to-date with the latest information.
Use this digital Utility Locating Report with AS5488 classification
Utility Mapping for Infrastructure Projects
These colour codes are used in the following different stages of construction and planning:
Design Phase
Architects and engineers use these colour codes in their plans and blueprints to show the location and type of utilities.
Construction Sites
The codes are used to mark on-site, to guide excavators and construction workers to avoid utility damage.
Maintenance and Upgrades
For utility maintenance, these colour codes help to quickly locate and identify what service needs attention.
Digitise your utility reporting
Record and send service location information more easily with this Utility Service Locating template in the Dashpivot app.
The digital template has all the fields and sections you need to capture where the utility is, what classification, instructions and more so you can dig with confidence. You can also add extra fields with the drag-and-drop form builder or required fields, so the form can’t be submitted without all the necessary information.
In Summary
AS5488 is Australia's standardised system for mapping and managing underground utilities. The system was established in 2013 with the purpose of avoiding costly accidents and ensuring better safety on construction sites. Quality levels from A to D indicate location accuracy, while colour codes indicate utility types (such as blue for water, and yellow for gas).
Dashpivot is digitising readiness in utility reporting by providing ready-to-use templates already filled up with classifications requested under AS5488. Users can attach photos with geotagging, PDF drawings, and customise forms using drag-drop fields for complete documentation.
Geotech Shift Report template
Easily summarise the geotech work completed on shift - and outline the requirements and actions for the next shift.
Geotechnical Site Investigation template
Summarise geotech site investigations with ease - on laptop, mobile or tablet with this flexible and powerful site investigation template.
Geotech Shaft Mapping template
Summarise geotech shaft mapping reports with all the supporting evidence you need to ensure safe projects and safe infrastructure.
Sitemate builds best in class tools for built world companies.
English (United States) 
English (Australia) 
English (UK) 
English (New Zealand) 
English (South Africa) 
German