BSRIA updates Handover and O&M manuals

1 Introduction
2 Importance of operations
3 Soft Landings framework
4 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
5 External resources

[edit] Introduction

BSRIA has published a guide on the topic of Handover and O&M Manuals. The guide is part of BSRIA’s continuing effort to improve the built environment by researching and publishing technical guidance and other knowledge intended to promote best practice across the industry.

Colin Goodwin, BSRIA Technical Director, 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.”

[edit] Importance of operations

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.

BSRIA’s 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 O&M strategy of the building.

[edit] Soft Landings framework

This version of the guide replaces BG 1/2007 Handover, O&M Manuals and Project Feedback. It 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.

This article originally appeared under the title, 'BSRIA publishes updated guidance on Handover and O&M Manuals' on the BISRIA website. It was published in September 2020.

--BSRIA