Energy Safety Canada

DACC IRPs: Industry Recommended Practices

DACC IRPs are developed to support safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operations in the upstream oil and gas sector. These guidelines reflect current industry standards, often exceeding legislated requirements. They are designed to be flexible and adaptive, evolving alongside industry needs.

About the Drilling and Completions Committee

The Drilling and Completions Committee (DACC) is an industry committee that is governed by representatives from the following trade associations: CAPP, EPAC, CAOEC, and Enserva. Associate members include representatives from the federal and provincial energy regulators, as well as occupational health and safety regulators.

DACC brings together experts from industry and regulatory bodies to address key challenges and improve overall performance. Energy Safety Canada (ESC) plays an important support role as the secretariat for DACC.

DACC is responsible for creating Industry Recommended Practices (IRPs), which aim to:

Enhance Cost Efficiency: Reducing expenses without sacrificing quality.
Optimize Operations: Streamlining processes to achieve better results.
Boost Productivity: Improving outcomes for the entire sector.
Prioritize Safety: Protecting workers, assets, and communities.
Advance Environmental Performance: Reducing the environmental impact of operations.

Current Projects List

IRP 03 | In Situ Heavy Oil Operations

Project start date: November 2024
Focus of update: Redefine scope of IRP and flag sections for redaction or update.
Next milestones: Request approval of scope change for IRP 3 at February DACC meeting.

IRP 22 | RMD / MPD / UBD Operations

Project start date: November 2024
Focus of update: Redefine scope of IRP and flag sections for redaction or update.
Next milestones: Request approval of scope change for IRP 3 at February 2025 DACC meeting.

IRP 24 | Fracture Stimulation

Project start date: February 2023
Focus of update: Full scope review. The intent is to focus on fracture planning zones (FPZ), FPZ conflict processes, iron management and sample case studies.
Next milestone: Scheduled for industry review Q3 2025.

IRP 29 | Fracture Stimulation

Project start date: May 2021
Focus of update: Define temporary pipework, provide minimum standards for selection, implementation and use, and outline safety measures for application to the oil and gas industry.
Next milestone: Out for industry review until April 1, 2025. Provide feedback on the draft IRP 29 document.