Many people incorrectly presume that BIM (Building Information Modelling) software is only relevant to architects and used as a design tool for new buildings. However, this only scratches the surface of its capabilities relating to facilities management software.

Matthew Chalmers, Business Development Consultant, Lucion Consulting, works with a variety of clients and projects, helping them achieve health and safety compliance and has enabled the creation of bespoke 3D BIM plans for complex national sites, enabling greater safety compliance and a reduction in costs for the client.

During his breakout session at Asbestos The Truth conference 2018, Chalmers informed delegates about the new technology and the benefits it brings to clients, particularly focusing on the depth and accuracy of the information it provides to both clients and its users.

What Is BIM?

Some may mistake BIM integrated risk management software as providing simply a visually pleasing, three-dimensional, high-tech model of a building for people to look at. However, BIM technology stretches beyond this, helping asbestos managers, facilities and assets managers and health and safety teams with scheduling and prioritising workloads based on the risk category of a hazard.

What Can BIM Do For Clients?

As the cost of BIM enabling software continues to reduce, the number of businesses and contractors jumping on board with the new cloud-based risk management systems continues to rise. BIM integrated risk management software aids clients to:

Minimise risks through easier, more accessible asset management
Manage risks remotely in real-time
Populated software with a variety of risk management and compliance data beyond just asbestos data
Allow access to teams/external contractors/ inspectors/ stakeholders, negating liability or information not being effectively communicated

Current methods often add extra steps and extended timescales into the process of conducting risk assessments, testing, analysis and data feedback and often communicating the right information consistently to all those who require the information can be a tedious task on an extensive to-do list. However, failure to communicate the relevant risks to all stakeholders can result in missing the compliance mark and can lead to unnecessary avoidable exposures. Using a system that provides highly accurate plans inclusive of all risk management data, accessible 24/7 to all relevant stakeholders removes the need for time-costly communication exercises and promotes paperless ways of working.

A Step Into The Future

Chalmers’ stated that he is often questioned by clients about how they can make their data more accessible and user-friendly and actively encourage all stakeholders to access the information. By implementing highly accurate dimensions into the BIM integrated software, clients can take an active step in safeguarding their teams and achieving compliance.

Take a look at Lucion Services NexGen BIM model viewer to visualise how your risk management data can help you save time and money: NexGen BIM Model Viewer.