When standard warning tape is buried in a trench the weight the soil applies a tension to the tape. When this tape meets tension and the edge of a excavation tool or equipment it typically will easily break, be missed, and then be discarded. Normal caution tape serves only as a warning and not as a shield.

Shovel Barrier acts as an actual shield, being difficult to penetrate or break. Shovel Barrier has up to a 9455lb breaking strength. This adds more time for recognition of the utility below. 

The position of the tape over the gas line is crucial. If the tape is to the right or left of the gas line, it can be easily missed when excavated. Also, standard warning tape easily folds. Folding can happen when the tape is unrolled and when the trench is back filled. This greatly reduces the visible area which reduces chances of the tape being hit before the line. 

Shovel Barrier will resist folding and is much easier to lay evenly because of its thickness, width, and weight. When hit, Shovel Barrier can bring excavation to a halt, so the warning message is delivered.

Gas line can be buried shallow enough to be hit on the first penetration of ground by excavation tools or equipment. When this is the case standard caution tape again will fail to notify the excavator. 

When Shovel Barrier is on the line it provides considerable impact and cut protection against excavation tools and equipment. 

When placed above the line it is not only difficult to penetrate, but when pulled up Shovel Barrier's extreme tensile strength makes it more likely to not break and be discarded, but instead it will deliver the needed warning message.