Consultant / Adviser — O&M Manual Management

 

The Consultant or Adviser provides independent professional oversight of the complete O&M Manual process, from initial project requirements through to final handover.

 

The role

 

• Reviewing the contract, Employer’s Requirements and O&M specification.

• Establishing the required manual structure, content and submission standards.

• Preparing an O&M deliverables schedule and information requirements.

• Advising contractors and subcontractors on exactly what information is required.

• Monitoring submissions and identifying missing, inadequate or unsuitable information.

• Reviewing manufacturers’ literature, commissioning information, certificates, drawings, warranties and maintenance information.

• Checking that documentation reflects the as-installed works, rather than simply accepting generic manufacturers’ information.

• Coordinating specialist subcontractor submissions.

• Reviewing draft O&M Manuals and issuing comments/action schedules.

• Advising the project team on matters preventing acceptance.

• Liaising with the Principal Contractor, M&E contractor, consultants, commissioning specialists and client team.

• Monitoring progress against Practical Completion and handover dates.

• Advising on TM31 Building User Guides, Building Logbooks and Health & Safety File interfaces where applicable.

• Providing an independent final review before submission to the client.

• Assisting with responses to client/consultant comments and obtaining final acceptance.

 

The value is essentially risk management.

 

Poor O&M information can delay handover, generate repeated comments, consume management time and contribute to payment or completion disputes. An experienced adviser identifies those problems before they reach final submission.