The link between design and commissioning

Establish a commissioning plan at project commencement and carry out periodic reviews against a check list for each key stage. Note the sequence of tasks: (a) Appointment to match the duties needed. (b) Formal briefing and recording stage. (c) Outline design to precede detail design. (d) Design in accordance with good practice. (e) Achieve 100% of design before tender. (f) Precisely specify contract requirements. (g) Interview contractors prior to tender. (h) Rigorous off and on site inspection. (j) Pre-commissioning before commissioning. (k) Phased availability of manuals/drawings prior to handover. (l) Adequate proving and training period before handover. (m) Phased withdrawal from site. The main thrust of this paper has been to call for a more rigorous approach on and off site. Without this the improvements in technology in building services which are presently emerging will not be reflected in the finished product. The causes of the problem are well known and the remedy is in all our hands.