What is BS EN 12171 - Preparation of OM&U documents on heating systems about?
BS EN 12171 is a European Standard that discusses the procedure for the preparation of documents for operation, maintenance and use, hereafter termed OM&U documents, of heating systems not requiring a trained operator. The main objective of BS EN 12171 is to ensure that the OM&U documents contain essential information to a minimum standardised level.
BS EN 12171 specifies requirements for providing documents for the operation, maintenance and use of heating systems in buildings not requiring a trained operator.
Parts of heating systems covered by BS EN 12171 are:
- Boilers or heat supply equipment, including control
- Safety arrangements, including air supply
- Domestic hot water production facilities
- Energy sources, storage and supply
- Flue gas systems, including condensate treatment and disposal
- Heat distribution network, including associated components
- Heat emitters, including accessories
- Control system
- Water treatments and procedures (e.g. chemical and physical, including antifreeze)
Who is BS EN 12171 - Preparation of OM&U documents on heating systems for? 
BS EN 12171 on the preparation of documents on heating systems in building is relevant to: 
- Manufacturers of heating systems
- System designers
- Persons compiling the OM&U documents
- Technical experts
- Installers and commissioning personnel
- Quality control and testing authorities
- Local bodies
- Certification bodies
Why should you use BS EN 12171 - Preparation of OM&U documents on heating systems?
Heating systems not requiring a trained operator are those systems, designed in such a way that they can be operated safely by persons having no specific technical training, knowledge or skill. The intention of the OM&U documents is to provide a durable record of the system design and the set of instructions and requirements for operation, maintenance and use of the heating system.
Relevant instructions and requirements for operation, maintenance and use are necessary in order to ensure safety, rational use of energy and environmental quality management.
Thus, BS EN 12171 can contribute to the safe, reliable and effective use of heating systems by minimizing the risk of misuse and resulting hazards.
