Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) has published a new guide on the importance of Handover and O&M Manuals
The new Handover and O&M Manuals guide is the latest in BSRIA’s continuing effort to improve the built environment by researching and publishing technical guidance and best practice across the industry.
Colin Goodwin, technical director at BSRIA, said: “This guide comes at an important time and is a significant step to improving the flow and quality of handover information from the construction team to the end client and building operators, and in essence supports the ‘golden thread’ for building services related information and documentation.”
Produce a building that’s in much better shape from handover
More than ever, it is essential for buildings to operate in a safe, energy-efficient and cost-effective manner, supporting the aims of the business and the wellbeing of the occupants.
However, the effective operation of a complex asset such as a building relies on the availability of accurate information about the asset itself. Much of the information about the asset is delivered at handover of the construction project to the client. All too often, the information that the facilities management team is provided with is incomplete, inaccurate or poorly assembled so it’s hard to find the information that’s needed.
By following a clear process of identification and route planning, the client, designers and constructors can work together to produce a building that’s in much better shape from handover.
The new guidance
BSRIA’s new guide, BG 79/2020, covers the various documentation delivered and activities carried out at handover of a building, with particular focus on operating and maintenance (O&M) manuals.
The O&M manual is the key part of the information needed during operation of a building, and as such is discussed in the guide in detail.
The guide also covers other handover deliverables such as record drawings, certificates and BIM models, with a focus on legislative requirements and the need for handover documentation to reflect the operating and maintenance strategy of the building.
The new guide replaces BG 1/2007 Handover, O&M Manuals, and Project Feedback and no longer includes guidance on the topic of project feedback – instead, it refers extensively to the Soft Landings process and in particular BSRIA guide BG 54/2018 Soft Landings Framework 2018.
The guidance is provided in an easy-to-follow format, making use of diagrams and checklists where possible.
Editable versions of the appendices of the guide, including a model specification for O&M manuals and a checklist for documentation, can be downloaded by users of the guide, for use on their projects.
BG 79/2020 was authored by BSRIA staff with the assistance of technical experts, and was supported by industry sponsors.
The guide is available to download from the BSRIA Bookshop, with free downloads for BSRIA members.
For further information, contact bookshop@bsria.co.uk.
