Will establish uniform procedure for design, construction, testing and operational information to building owners and operators

ASHRAE has announced that the proposed Guideline 1.4P, The Systems Manual for Facilities, is designed to provide procedures for producing a systems manual as a resource for training, operations, maintenance and upgrading of facilities, and applies to information from planning, commissioning process, design, construction, testing and training activities and operations planning for new, renovated and existing facilities, equipment and assemblies. The proposed guideline was reportedly open for an advisory public review until June 2.

According to ASHRAE Standard 202P, Commissioning Process for Buildings and Systems and other ASHRAE guidelines on commissioning require development of a systems manual, as do several other standards and energy- and sustainability-related codes. However, no document or guideline outlines how to assemble a systems manual to current requirements. Guideline 1.4P provides these procedures, Gerald Kettler, Chair of the Guideline 1.4P Committee claimed.

“Establishing a uniform procedure for transmitting the design, construction, testing and operational information to building owners and operators is critical to the proper and efficient operation of facilities,” Kettler said. “Guideline 1.4P provides the structure and procedures for the transfer and maintenance of that information. It also is intended for use as operator and occupant training information.”

Other commissioning guidance from ASHRAE includes Guideline 0-2005, The Commissioning Process; Guideline 1.1-2007, HVAC&R Technical Requirements for the Commissioning Process; and Guideline 1.5-2012, The Commissioning Process for Smoke Control Systems, ASHRAE informed.

ASHRAE has revealed that it is also working on several other guidelines and a standard related to commissioning: Guideline 0.2P, The Commissioning Process for Existing Systems and Assemblies; Guideline 1.2P, The Commissioning Process for Existing HVAC&R Systems; Guideline 1.3P, Building Operation and Maintenance Training for the HVAC&R Commissioning Process; and Standard 202P.