HVCA Publications has launched a new, updated, and interactive version of SFG20 – Standard Maintenance Specification for Building Services.
SFG20 is now web-based, making it easier to use and allowing it to be regularly updated in line with changing regulations and best practice. SFG20 was published from 2000 until now in CD-ROM format, and from 1990 to 2000 as five paperback books.
SFG20 is widely regarded as the industry standard for businesses or individuals responsible for maintaining, managing or specifying the maintenance of building services. It is also an essential tool in tendering for maintenance contracts. This means SFG20 is indispensable for plant attendants, operators and supervisors, maintenance contractors, facilities managers, specifiers, architects, local authorities, health trusts, health and safety professionals, and consultants.
The SFG20 web-service is more comprehensive than ever, giving detailed maintenance schedules for all principal types of heating, cooling and ventilation plant commonly used in Europe. The revised Standard features more than 60 equipment chapters, with over 500 maintenance schedules, which now include estimating times and frequencies. For ease of navigation, it provides users with a search facility.
Definitive and detailed maintenance schedules are given for heating and pipework systems; ventilating and air-conditioning; controls, including building and energy management systems; ancillaries, plumbing, and sewerage systems; and electrical services in buildings, including power supplies and associated electrical equipment up to 415 volts.
The SFG20 website will be regularly amended to ensure that maintenance schedules are always up to date. The site features a road map showing the planned additions to its functionality, including risk assessments for core plant, method statements, e-permits, and estimating.
SFG20 is also being made available as an addition to the Concept 500 Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software package and is endorsed by its highly regarded publisher, FSI (FM Solutions) Ltd.
Peter Excell, Chairman of the HVCA’s Service and Facilities Group, who was instrumental in developing the latest-generation SFG20, said: “The maintenance of building services is a huge responsibility. Landlords, tenants and the government require building occupants to be assured that regular maintenance provides a safe and protected environment. Increasingly complex regulations require buildings to be adequately maintained as energy efficient.
“Failure to maintain is costly, literally life-threatening in the case of Legionella and carbon monoxide poisoning, and there’s the threat of serious litigation, increased insurance premiums, and heavy fines. Applying the standards and procedures detailed in SFG20 will ensure safe and efficient operation of all relevant building services. Businesses can protect themselves by getting it right.”
Access to SFG20, and its regular updates, is paid for by subscription.