CSA Z247 Damage Prevention Standard
CSA Z247 is Canada's national consensus standard titled "Damage prevention for the protection of underground infrastructure." It defines the end-to-end damage-prevention process—roles, communications, and work practices—intended to prevent hits to buried utilities during any ground disturbance. The current edition is CAN/CSA-Z247-15, reaffirmed in 2020 (R2020).
Standard: CAN/CSA-Z247-15 (R2020) • First Published: 2015 • Status: Canada's First National Damage Prevention Standard • Scope: Underground Infrastructure Protection
What It Covers (Scope, in Plain English)
Application Scope
Applies to ground disturbance near existing, deactivated, abandoned in place, or reserved-for-future-use underground infrastructure (e.g., oil & gas pipelines, electrical/telecom cables, water and sewer). It does not apply to above-grade assets.
Covered Infrastructure
- • Existing underground utilities
- • Deactivated underground systems
- • Abandoned-in-place infrastructure
- • Reserved-for-future-use corridors
- • Oil & gas pipelines
- • Electrical transmission/distribution
- • Telecommunications cables
- • Water and sewer systems
Exclusions
- • Above-grade infrastructure
- • Overhead power lines
- • Surface installations
- • Building-mounted equipment
- • Aerial telecommunications
- • Above-ground storage
- • Surface transportation systems
- • Non-buried facilities
Damage Prevention Process
Outlines the key elements of a damage-prevention process that, when applied consistently, reduce damages and enhance public and worker safety.
Roles & Responsibilities
- • Excavator responsibilities
- • Facility owner duties
- • One-call center functions
- • Locator requirements
- • Regulatory oversight
Communications
- • Notification procedures
- • Information sharing protocols
- • Emergency communications
- • Documentation requirements
- • Feedback mechanisms
Work Practices
- • Safe excavation methods
- • Mark preservation
- • Tolerance zone compliance
- • Quality assurance
- • Continuous improvement
Historical Context & Development
First published in 2015 as Canada's first national damage-prevention standard; an informative annex provides commentary, and clauses include expectations such as completing updated mapping after work.
Milestone Achievement
CSA Z247 represents a significant milestone as Canada's first comprehensive national standard for damage prevention, establishing unified expectations across all provinces and territories for protecting underground infrastructure during excavation activities.
Where It Applies / How It's Used
Adoption by Reference
Across Canada, by reference. Z247 is a CSA standard (not a statute); it becomes a requirement when owners, agencies, or contracts reference it. Many Canadian programs and owners adopt Z247 alongside regional practices.
Implementation Methods
- • Contract specifications reference
- • Corporate policy adoption
- • Regulatory guidance citation
- • Industry program integration
- • Project requirement inclusion
- • Insurance policy conditions
Legal Framework
- • Consensus standard (not statute)
- • Becomes binding when referenced
- • Due diligence demonstration
- • Industry best practice evidence
- • Legal liability reduction
- • Compliance verification
Regulatory Alignment
Canada Energy Regulator (CER) guidance for federally regulated pipelines cites CSA Z247 (and CCGA Best Practices) as additional guidance for planning activities causing ground disturbance.
Federal Pipeline Protection
The Canada Energy Regulator specifically references CSA Z247 alongside CCGA Best Practices as authoritative guidance for ground disturbance activities near federally regulated pipeline infrastructure.
CER Guidance Integration
Federal regulators recognize CSA Z247 as the foundational framework for damage prevention, complemented by CCGA Best Practices for operational implementation, creating a comprehensive regulatory approach to pipeline protection.
How It Relates to Other Guidance You'll See
CCGA Best Practices Integration
CCGA Best Practices: Operational "how-to" practices used nationally; CER guidance points to CCGA and Z247 together.
CSA Z247 Role
- • Governance framework
- • National standard requirements
- • High-level process definition
- • Roles and responsibilities
- • Compliance expectations
CCGA Best Practices Role
- • Operational "how-to" guidance
- • Detailed implementation procedures
- • Field practices and techniques
- • Current industry methods
- • Practical application examples
Technical Mapping/Records Standards
Z247's process expectations are commonly paired with CSA S250 (mapping accuracy/classes) and ASCE 38/75 for SUE investigation quality levels and as-constructed/exchange deliverables, respectively (not part of Z247, but complementary).
CSA S250
- • Mapping accuracy classes
- • Positional standards
- • Attribute requirements
- • Canadian specifications
ASCE 38-22
- • SUE quality levels
- • Investigation methods
- • Professional standards
- • QL-A through QL-D
ASCE 75-22
- • Data recording standards
- • Exchange formats
- • As-constructed deliverables
- • Digital documentation
Practical Takeaway for Your Projects
Integrated Implementation Strategy
Use CSA Z247 as your governance framework for ground disturbance (roles, notifications, owner coordination, mark preservation/refresh, and post-work updates), then implement the technical standards (ASCE 38/75, CSA S250) and local One-Call rules within that framework.
Governance Framework
CSA Z247 provides the overarching governance structure with defined roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols.
Technical Standards
ASCE 38/75 and CSA S250 provide the technical specifications for investigation, mapping, and documentation quality.
Local Implementation
Local One-Call rules and regional practices provide the specific operational procedures for your area.
Implementation Framework
CSA Z247 Governance Elements
- Define roles and responsibilities
- Establish notification procedures
- Coordinate with facility owners
- Implement mark preservation/refresh
- Complete post-work updates
Technical Standards Integration
- Apply ASCE 38-22 for SUE quality levels
- Use CSA S250 for mapping accuracy
- Implement ASCE 75-22 for data exchange
- Follow local One-Call procedures
- Integrate regional best practices
Benefits of Implementing CSA Z247
National Consistency
Provides unified damage prevention expectations across all Canadian provinces and territories.
Federal Recognition
Officially recognized by the Canada Energy Regulator as authoritative guidance for pipeline protection.
Legal Protection
Demonstrates due diligence and industry standard compliance for liability protection.
Framework Integration
Provides the governance framework that integrates seamlessly with technical standards and regional practices.
Foundation for Excellence
CSA Z247 serves as the foundational governance framework that enables consistent, effective damage prevention across Canada, providing the structure within which technical standards and operational best practices can be successfully implemented.
Need Help Implementing CSA Z247?
Contact us to learn how our Visual Ground Disturbance System provides the governance framework and technical integration needed to fully implement CSA Z247 damage prevention standards.