I am not an electrician. The following comments are based on my 30+ years in the IT field, stringing cables in the computer room and beyond. What I and my colleagues did may have violated the NEC rules, but it was all done to provide as much protection to the cables as possible.
Generally, you don't want communication lines running along side of power cables. This minimizes the comm lines picking up 60-cycle hummmmm. If either type of cable is in a metal conduit, this reduces the chances of induced hummmm.
Normally, a few inches of space reduces the hummmm as well. If the comm lines must cross the power lines, doing so at a 90* angle is the generally recognized best way.
You should check the CEC and see what the rules are for comm lines-- do they have to be in conduit, or can you just run them any which way? Fire code issues??
As far as routing the cable-- In the USA, it's common practice to route comm lines almost anywhere. Restrictions apply when routing cables above suspended ceilings used as an air plenum-- cables must be plenum rated. And cables can't just be draped across the top of the suspended ceiling-- they must be supported, and not by the wires holding up the ceiling.
You can't run cables through that nice, open air duct that leads from where you are to where the cable has to go. ): That's for air only!
Other than that, protection from damage is the best advice I can give-- strapped to water pipes, you mentioned insulated. Don't disturb the asbestos insulation.
And be careful of hot water (uninsulated)-- you don't want to roast the cables-- it ages them (and whatever is holding them together) prematurely.
Running cables through a hole in the wall is OK; but watch out for fire-rated walls-- the penetrations have to be sealed with fire-rated fillers. The other issue is pulling the cable through the hole-- although cable jackets are remarkably tough, rough edges can be bad for the cable! Be gentle!
Running comm lines into manufacturing areas you run the risk of 'accidental' damage. You have to provide protection to the lines-- and they must be supported. You don't want to see sagging cables overhead. Either a messenger wire or conduit or other means of support are required.
Although dropping a comm line down to a workstation has been done, that's bad news, especially if someone gives a yank on the cable. Conduit or other protection is required! And, unless it's designed for it, just letting the conduit dangle from above is no good either. I'd be careful strapping cable to an electrical conduit as well-- it may be against the rules. :angel:
