What is a "comprehensive" digital building manual?
There is currently no definition of what comprises a comprehensive building manual but we are working closely with Shergold and Weir, as well as the BMF (the Building Ministers' Forum) to compile a standard which we expect to become the basis of the proposed legislation.
This puts us in a unique position to advise you and assess your current building documentation to ensure its comprehensiveness.
Our system will be tailored to ensure that it meets any future criteria set out by legislation.
Until such time our current system meets world's best practice for the compilation of building documentation.
Our system currently captures all the documentation necessary to provide a comprehensive building manual:
- Detailed "as built" drawings and documentation
- Fire safety system details and maintenance regime
- A complete "asset register" - i.e. details and locations of every piece of equipment installed in the building
- Product information for all building materials used and equipment installed
- Maintenance procedures for those building materials and equipment installed
- Warranty information for all materials used and equipment installed
- Details of all tests carried out along with results to ensure the building was built as specified
- All necessary compliance certificates
The list above shows all the "quantitative" data required to ensure the building manual can be considered "comprehensive". In addition to that there are "qualitative" criteria that need to be met in order to ensure the building manual's comprehensiveness:
- It needs to be compiled in a timely manner - most of the documentation should be collected by practical completion of the building.
- It should not only be accurate... it should be meaningful. Any certificates included should be industry-recognised... not just some supplier's in-house, self-congratulatory award.
- It should be transparent... all involved parties should have immediate, unfettered access to ensure standards are being maintained at all times.
- It should be secure - only those parties with legitimate reason and appropriate clearance should be able to access information.
- It should be easily searchable. There's no point in having reams of information if there is no means to find relevant information when it is required.
- It should be easy for anyone to use, regardless of their technological skill level.
