Mark Vender
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published the fourth standard for facilities management, ISO 41001.
Stan Mitchell, Chair of the ISO technical committee that developed the standard, said that ISO 41001 will help organisations by establishing a common approach and set of processes that can be used throughout the world. “ISO 41001 has the potential to make a real difference to organisations by improving workforce health and safety, reducing their impact on the environment, and making considerable cost savings and efficiencies.”
It is divided into four parts:
41001 – Facility management – Management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
Provides requirements for accreditation, with guidance to support these requirements. Later this year, FM organisations will be able to be accredited to this standard.
41011 – Facility management – Vocabulary
Improves consistency in the FM industry by providing an internationally agreed definition for FM.
41012 – Facility management – Guidance on strategic sourcing and the developments of agreements
Provides a framework to help organisations in the process of sourcing and engaging FM services (internal or external).
41013 – Facility management – Scope, key concepts and benefits
Provides a simple but comprehensive overview of FM.
“The first three standards have contributed to a better understanding of FM, as both an industry and a profession, and a greater appreciation for its value,” says the FMA. “They have also created clear expectations for FM buyers and providers, both locally and internationally, which has enhanced business opportunities. These benefits will be further strengthened by the introduction of requirements for FM accreditation, provided by 41001.”
FMA CEO Nicholas Burt added that the new standard would “clearly demonstrate how investment in FM can deliver value for facility users”.
In terms of the impact on HVAC&R professionals, the FMA says sub-contractors will need to understand that they contribute to an FM company’s ability to be accredited and may need to consider how they support this through their operations.
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