CareHomeDeskCareHomeDeskWhat you should receive at handover, what commissioning involves, and how to ensure systems work before the contractor leaves.
Practical completion is the point at which the works are substantially complete -- the building can be used for its intended purpose, even if minor items remain outstanding (which are recorded on the snagging list). Practical completion triggers: start of the defects liability period, release of the first half of retention, and transfer of insurance responsibility from contractor to client.
Commissioning is the process of testing and adjusting installed systems -- heating, ventilation, electrical, plumbing, fire detection, access control -- to confirm they operate correctly and in accordance with the specification. Commissioning records (typically O&M manuals, commissioning certificates, test results) must be provided as part of the handover pack. Do not accept handover of a project without commissioning records for all installed systems.
A complete handover pack should include: as-built drawings (updated to reflect any changes from the original design during construction), operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals for all installed systems and equipment, commissioning certificates and test records, warranties (from manufacturers and contractors), the CDM health and safety file, and guarantees (e.g. roofing guarantee, specialist coating guarantee). Retain the entire pack permanently.
Where a project has introduced new systems (a new heating control system, a new nurse call system, upgraded fire detection), staff must be inducted in their operation before handover is complete. The contractor or system supplier should provide training as part of the contract deliverable. Record the training in the staff training log. A system that staff do not know how to use -- even if technically commissioned -- is not a complete handover.
CareHomeDesk gives you compliance checklists, maintenance logs, and contractor management tools built around exactly this kind of knowledge.