Commissioning checklist: free template from mechanical completion to handover

What is a commissioning checklist?

A commissioning checklist is a list of the conditions a system or subsystem must meet at each stage of completion, with a status, a reference to the record that proves each one, and sign-off at the end. It is used by the commissioning lead to plan the work, by the team to see what is still open, and by the owner to accept the subsystem.

It works at a higher level than an inspection and test record. An ITR records one check on one tag; the commissioning checklist confirms that all the ITRs, tests and certificates for the subsystem are done.

The checklist, phase by phase

Mechanical completion. A ITRs signed, pressure test packs closed and reinstated, flushing, cable and insulation resistance tests, equipment and instrument installation, insulation and coatings, A punch closed, redlines submitted, and the mechanical completion certificate signed.

Pre-commissioning. Loop checks, motor solo runs, relay testing, valve stroke and function tests, safety valves set and locked, lubrication and first fills, B ITRs signed, and the ready for commissioning certificate.

Commissioning. Procedures approved, permits and isolations, utilities available, control and safety logic tested against the cause and effect, fire and gas tested, functional tests, training, the pre-startup safety review where required, and the ready for start-up certificate.

Handover. Remaining punch agreed with the owner, the handover dossier complete, spares and special tools handed over, and the handover certificate signed.

How to use it

1. 01
   One sheet per subsystem

   Copy the sheet for each subsystem and fill in the project, system and subsystem at the top.

2. 02
   Tailor the checks

   Remove checks that do not apply and add discipline-specific ones from your completions procedure. Mark the rest N/A rather than deleting them, so the reviewer can see they were considered.

3. 03
   Point to the evidence

   For each check, enter the record that proves it: the ITR numbers, test pack, certificate or report.

4. 04
   Update the status as you go

   Set Done, Open or N/A. The counts at the top update automatically.

5. 05
   Sign it off at each milestone

   Construction, commissioning and the owner sign when the subsystem is handed over.

Building and HVAC commissioning checklists

Building commissioning uses the same idea under different names. Pre-functional checklists confirm each piece of equipment (air handlers, chillers, pumps, VAV boxes) is installed and started up correctly; functional performance tests then prove each system works through its sequences of operation. Guidance such as ASHRAE Guideline 0 describes the process. The structure of the template above, phases, checks, evidence and sign-off, works for both.

For mission-critical buildings, see data centre commissioning and its five commissioning levels.

When one checklist becomes hundreds

A spreadsheet checklist works for a handful of subsystems. On an industrial or offshore project with hundreds of subsystems and tens of thousands of tags, the problem changes: the checklist is only as current as the last time someone counted the ITRs, punch items and test packs behind it, and every subsystem's status is a manual roll-up.

In Deskely, the checklist is computed from the records themselves: every ITR, punch item, test pack and certificate is held against its tag and subsystem, so each subsystem's readiness for MC, RFC, RFSU and handover is live, and the dossier behind it is already assembled.