This guide aims to be applicable to activities within the sphere of influence of the FM function of a building or site. It references UK legislation, practices and industry standards. Some guidance may be applicable outside the UK, but this guide has not been written with this in mind.
Guidance has been provided on minor refurbishment works but not on the planning, design or construction of new sites or buildings, extensions or major refurbishment projects.
This guide applies to a wide variety of buildings, sites and activities, although it does not include a definitive list. Individual users are responsible for ascertaining which elements of this guidance are applicable to them within their organisations. It is focused on non-residential buildings, and also to the common areas and grounds of multi-residential buildings and non-specialist areas and activities in industrial, laboratory and healthcare buildings. It is not intended to apply to individual dwellings and may not apply to specialist areas such as clean rooms and operating theatres.
Guidance has been provided on activities taking place within the boundaries of the site (sometimes referred to as the ‘red-line demise’) including buildings, parking areas, paved areas and outdoor landscaped areas. Details have not been provided for transport assets such as roads and railways, but may apply to associated buildings such as railway stations, motorway service stations and vehicle washing facilities. Note that information for farms and agricultural buildings has not been included.
It is assumed that users of the guide have sufficient knowledge of the FM principles, which are not discussed here. Those using this guidance on their buildings and sites should have sufficient knowledge of the assets they are responsible for, the operations taking place, and the wider strategies and frameworks within which they exist.