Building manual
The RIBA Plan of Work 2020, suggests that a building manual is: ‘A summary of all key information about a building, including the Health and Safety File and Fire Safety Information, which are regulatory requirements. The Building Manual is used to ensure that Asset Management and Facilities Management are effectively implemented and might contain tasks that the users must consider in order to get the most out of the building.’
The RIBA Plan of Work 2020 suggests that building manuals (which may have been referred to as building owner's manuals, or operation and maintenance manuals) were traditionally been prepared to satisfy statutory requirements and were large, unwieldy and often poorly structured volumes that were difficult to for the client to use.
The Inclusive Design Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work published by the RIBA in 2023, states: ‘The Building Manual helps to ensure that operations and maintenance activities are effectively implemented. It includes a summary of all key information about a building, including the Health and Safety File and Fire Safety Information, which are regulatory requirements and might contain tasks that the users must consider to get the most out of the building.’
Security Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work, published by the RIBA in 2023, states: ‘The Building Manual should contain details of how measures included in the Security Strategy are incorporated into the Building Systems and how these will be operated at RIBA Stage 7, which might be outlined in the Security Plan. The Security Strategy might be included as an appendix to the Building Manual to provide useful decision-making information to users.’
Digital building manuals can provide structured links to information about the products and systems used in a development and information about maintenance, replacements and so on.
Ideally, the client should define what they want to be in the building manual other than statutory requirements.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.