# Installation, commissioning and handover: what should be ready?

- Link: https://aratosco.ir/en/articles/commissioning-handover/
- Published: 2026-10-11T22:02:45+03:30
- Author: admin

A good handover is the result of good preparation. Commissioning mechanical systems
is more than switching equipment on: it covers installation checks, tests, settings,
operator briefing and handing over documents.

At a glance

 * Before start-up, check the installation against drawings and specifications.
 * Record and sign off test results.
 * A handover without operator briefing and as-built documents is incomplete.

## Stages from installation to handover

![Stages: installation, testing, settings, briefing, documents and closing snags](
https://aratosco.ir/wp-content/themes/aratospro/assets/img/commissioning-handover-
a-en.svg)

Stages from commissioning to handover; symbolic diagram

### Installation check

Equipment and routes are installed per the drawings, supports and connections complete,
flow directions and labels correct, and there is room around equipment for servicing.

### Tests and settings

Carry out the tests the project documents specify, such as pressure or leak tests
on the network, and record the results. Initial equipment settings are made at this
stage too.

### Operator briefing

The facility’s representative should know how to start and stop the equipment, what
signs to watch for and when to call.

## Handover document list

  |  Document |  Purpose |  
   |  As-built drawings |  Show the real installed condition for maintenance and later changes |  
 |  Equipment manuals |  Reference for servicing and parts |  
 |  Test results |  Evidence the specified tests were done |  
 |  Recommended service list |  Starting point for the maintenance plan |

These documents are the basis of the [equipment files](https://aratosco.ir/en/articles/equipment-records/);
see recording and tracking equipment history.

## Snag list and final sign-off

![Sample snag list sheet with owner and closing date](https://aratosco.ir/wp-content/
themes/aratospro/assets/img/commissioning-handover-b-en.svg)

A sample snag list; symbolic diagram

Write down the remaining items, give each an owner and a date, and obtain sign-off
once closed. A handover is complete when the list is closed.

Compliance with the Iranian National Building Regulations, in particular topic 14(
mechanical installations) and related topics, rests with the designer, contractor
and supervisor according to the project documents.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between commissioning and handover?

Commissioning is testing and adjusting equipment until it works correctly; handover
is the formal transfer of the system and its documents to the operator.

### How important is the operator briefing?

Very. Equipment that is commissioned well but operated poorly soon runs into trouble.

## Conclusion

For help coordinating commissioning and handover on your project, consult us. [Contact us](https://aratosco.ir/en/contact/)

Related service: [Mechanical equipment installation and commissioning](https://aratosco.ir/en/services/#equipment)

## Related articles

 * [Recording and tracking equipment history](https://aratosco.ir/en/articles/equipment-records/)
 * [Coordinating facility installation with the construction programme](https://aratosco.ir/en/articles/construction-coordination/)

Contents

 1. [Stages from installation to handover](https://aratosco.ir/en/articles/commissioning-handover/#s1)
 2. [Handover document list](https://aratosco.ir/en/articles/commissioning-handover/#s2)
 3. [Snag list and final sign-off](https://aratosco.ir/en/articles/commissioning-handover/#s3)
 4. [Frequently asked questions](https://aratosco.ir/en/articles/commissioning-handover/#faq)
 5. [Conclusion](https://aratosco.ir/en/articles/commissioning-handover/#end)