Beneath Our Feet: CSA Z247 Technical Committee Reconvenes to Modernize Damage Prevention

Gordon Campbell - Chair of the CSA Z247 Committee

After nearly a decade since its initial publication, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z247 Technical Committee has reconvened. The goal of this committee is to review and update the Z247 standard, potentially introducing needed changes that could impact stakeholders who rely on its guidance.

Background

The CSA Z247 standard, titled "Damage prevention for the protection of underground infrastructure," has been a cornerstone document for the damage prevention sector since its initial publication. Over the last 10 years, this standard has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of underground infrastructure protection in Canada. The journey began in 2015 with the launch of the CSA Z247 standard, the first Damage Prevention Standard in Canada. This standard was born out of a collective vision to enhance public safety, protect our environment, and ultimately, save lives.

It was a product of tireless efforts by a diverse group of stakeholders, including regulators, transmission pipelines, telecommunications, municipalities, electricity providers, excavators, one-call services, locators, and buried infrastructure associations. Together, they designed a Damage Prevention Standard that applies to all of them.

Why This Review Matters

  1. Technological Advancements: The past decade has seen rapid technological progress. The committee's review is expected to assess these advancements, potentially incorporating them into the standard.
  2. Regulatory Landscape: Changes in provincial and federal regulations may necessitate updates to ensure the standard remains compliant and relevant.
  3. Industry Feedback: A decade of practical application has likely generated valuable insights from industry stakeholders. This series of meetings provides an opportunity to address any gaps or areas for improvement identified over the years.


What We Can Expect

While specific details of the proposed changes are yet to be announced, industry experts anticipate discussions on:

How to Get Involved

The CSA welcomes input from industry stakeholders. Here's how you can participate:

  1. Public Review: Once draft updates are available, participate in the public review process to provide feedback.
  2. Industry Consultation: Attend any scheduled industry consultation sessions.
  3. Join the Committee: Consider applying to join the technical committee where spaces exist or join as a guest to present your ideas at one of the working groups

Stay Informed

To keep abreast of developments:

Since its inception, the CSA Z247 standard has served as a driving force, directing activities around underground infrastructure and ensuring the safety of our workers and communities. However, as we stand here today, nearly a decade later, we recognize that our world has evolved.

Gordon Campbell, chair of the committee, stated: "As we look to the future, we see the potential for the CSA Z247 standard to evolve and adapt to these changes. We envision a standard that not only reflects the realities of today but also anticipates the needs of tomorrow. This is not an easy task or one to be taken lightly, but I am confident that with the collective wisdom and dedication of this committee, we can rise to the challenge."

Stay tuned for more updates as this important process unfolds.