O&M Manual Contents

O&M Manual Contents | Construction Project Management Software - Raptorpm: O&M manual contents for inclusion in final documentation can seem confusing as the term has a broad meaning for all project handover documentation. However one thing is certain that your O and M manual contents is substantially more than a few ring binders of information thrown together. Whether you
are a Property Developer, Main Contractor, Electrical or Plumbing Contractor then you need to be fully versed in the requirements of an O&M manual.

In a nutshell, the O&M manual contents AKA “operation and maintenance manual” (O&M manual), is a file that contains all the information required for the operation, maintenance, decommissioning and demolition of a building or structure.

Today, an O and M manual is usually creating using a cloud-based software solution as part of a construction project software rather using a manual hard copy process. The manual is specific to each area within the project from equipment, electrical, plumbing, gas etc. Each manual is prepared by either the contractor, sub-contractors, services engineers and the other contracted suppliers. The O and M manual contents is a requirement that has been defined as part of the tender
documentation where its contents will be outlined. It can be sub-divided in sections or even standalone manuals covering equipment, mechanical and electrical installation services in the mechanical and electrical specification section.

An electronic soft copy or draft version of the O and M manual contents would normally be provided
for the client as part of the handover procedure prior to any final sign-offs for completions. The final manual will then be created online for reviews, edits and updates so it can be accessed by authorized
personnel 24/7 or printed to a hard copy for distribution. The preliminaries in the tender or contract documentation may require several copies of the O&M manual so electronic versions are
advisable to avoid it being overly labor intensive.  

The O and M Manual contents can include a wide range of documentation:

• Details descriptions covering the main design or architecture principles.
• Lists of the building's construction guidelines (incl. specs, finishes, cladding, doors and windows, roof construction etc).
• Versions and revisions to drawings and specifications.
• Detailed
  instructions for its operation and maintenance (covering health and
  safety documents, equipment and manufacturers' instructions for
  efficient and proper operation).
• A complete asset register of all plant and equipment installed.
• Documentation on commissioning and various testing results.
• The inclusion of warranties, guarantees and certifications.
• Outlines or instructions related to upkeep, maintenance, operation, demolition, decommissioning and disposal.

The challenge in creating O&M Manual contents is that while most ofthis information will probably already exist, is to simplify the preparation, compiling and assembling of its various components. Also, as updates and revisions are a normal function within the industry, the use of software avoids any delays or out of date versions. Another good idea is to use an O and M Manual template
to reduce manual rework. Because during the life of the building or structure, the manual will evolve to reflect the changes that happen to the building, its equipment or systems, along with records of all
maintenance that has taken place.

In conclusion, the objective of the O and M Manual contents is to optimize the buildings and its equipment operational efficiency with clear documentation on maintenance guidelines,
specifications, warranties, inspections, approvals and sign offs to proactively manage its operation.Manual Template

Construction Risk Assessment Template

Construction Risk Assessment Template 

A construction work site is inherently risky and dangerous, so accident prevention should work alongside risk minimization with the knowledge that neither is possible without a detailed assessment of what the risks are.

hese include all general construction activity,
building tasks, demolition, refurbishing projects, refits, siteworks,
etc. When construction projects are compared with other industries such
as software or financial, construction is less technically complex. The
main the risks on a construction site include:

• Disputes over work practises leading to litigation
• Poor safety and health records
• Compromise on health and safety provision
• The commercial pressure to save money and time

Construction Risk Management

The
purpose of risk assessment and risk management in construction is to
plan, monitor, and control measures needed to minimize or prevent risk
exposure. To achieve this, it is critical to identify any hazards,
assess the extent of possible risks and then provide the measures to
control the risks including managing any remaining risks.

 

The Risk Management Process in Construction

The
below is a sample of a construction risk assessment template procedure.
It outlines the concept of residual risk management (unidentified risks
or those risks remaining despite compliance with risk control
measures):

Construction Risk Logs

Regardless
of the industry type, risk logs are always used. The difference in
construction is that risk logs may also assess the time and cost impact
without any controls and can include actions identified on residual
risks. Generic construction risks are usually identified, then risks
specific to the project, and risks remaining despite controls being used
(residual risks). 

 

Construction Risk Assessments

All
risk assessments are controlled and supported with set processes. There
is normally a legal compliance for risk assessments around health and
safety in most countries. A typical assessment would follow this
process:

1. Identify the hazards. Example – pipelaying in bad ground.
2. Identifying who or what could be harmed. Example – the pipe layers in the trench.
3. Evaluating the risks identified in the hazard. Example - risk of earth collapsing.
4. Determining the control measures required. Example - use trench support box.
5. Evaluating
   the risks from the hazard. Example – the risk of a worker being
   crushed, injury from digger bucket, and risk of cave-ins.
6. Recording the findings of the risk assessment. Example - fill in the construction risk assessment template.
7. Plotting
   contingency plans for the residual risks. Example - prepare safety
   method statement based on the risk assessment, foreman to lead task
   discussion, permits to work required, supervisor or overseer working
   with excavator operator.
8. Reviewing and
   revising. Example - monitor the site operations and modify the
   construction risk assessment template where necessary
9. Follow through by holding further task talk if method statement is changed.

 

Construction Risk Types

The Project Client

Risks
from the project client usually revolve around cost, time, and quality.
Risk management considerations usually involve feasibility, design,
funding and commercial risks.

The Contractor

Probably
the biggest risk for a contractor will be during the tender stage when
price and timescale commitments are submitted. If estimates end up being
inaccurate, profit margins are eroded with a knock-on effect around
risks. The use of subcontractors also opens up project risks.

Project Health and Safety

Risk
assessment and management in project health and safety risk management
are legal requirements. All construction projects have a requirement to
have a health and safety plan in place prior to commencing any work.  

Fire Risk

Fire
risk in a construction project and on the site, is an ever-present
risk. Insurance, legal and government standards nearly always require
contractors to take measures to prevent risks of fire injury. To ensure
the provision and maintenance of firefighting equipment plus training a
set of workers to use the equipment. No construction project should ever
proceed to the building process without a fire safety plan developed by
the project manager.

 

Differences between risk assessments and method statements.

A risk assessment is exactly what it says on the tin, a thorough assessment of any risk in a construction project. Using a construction risk assessment template, this will be completed prior to any work commencing that presents a risk of injury or ill health.

A
method statement is a set of instruction for how the tasks and work
will be carried out safely. A method statement will set out the work in
logical steps and explain to all workers on site how the work should be
done, providing additional details. The method statement will usually be
accompanied by the risk assessment template, and will include the risks
identified within the risk assessment and the control measures
required. In fact, these two documents always support each other and
will deliberately contain overlapping information. Also, another
difference is that the method statement is not always required.

The
point to remember is that all work should be covered by the risk
assessment, whereas method statements are usually for the higher-risk,
more complex and unfamiliar tasks. You can access a free risk assessment templates on RaptorPM.