Bridging Document ( interface contract )

Bridging Document 

1.   Document that aligns and co-ordinates the requirements and responses of various parties in relation to a specific aspect of a project. NOTE Commonly used to align and co-ordinate the emergency response procedures for owner and contractors.

2.    A bridging document is one method used to control cost and time on construction projects also commonly known as and “INTERFACE DOCUMENT” or “BRIDGING DOCUMENT”.A Bridging document shall mean a written document which defines how two or more safety management systems co-exist to allow co-operation and co-ordination on matters of health, safety and environmental protection between different parties (usually the COMPANY and the CONTRACTOR). Such a document cross-references the detailed procedures and combines them into one document which will be used and defines the responsibilities, accountability and work activities of the various parties.It is a document which defines and combines the Standard HSE Terms and Conditions of both, the companies SHE spec rules and policies with the contractors SHE spec rules and policies.Combining and defining both parties most common terms and conditions for HSE practices on a project.Pretty much one needs to sift through both parties documents and make one document or SHE specification file and or plan or HSE Plan and Manual in some cases.Hope this helps to put you in the picture and bring you in line.

3.    a bridging plan will be a document which is developed while looking at both the client and contractors HSE plans. 

when compiling the bridging document, you will essentially look at each step of the project and how / where it fits in with the HSE Plans. At this point you will look at the HSE Plans and decide on the specific company HSE Plan where the requirements are highest and input that requirement as the "chosen one" to follow during the project. 

So essentially the difference being that the HSE Plan is a company specific document whereby the Bridging Document forms the "bridge" which incorporates the best of both HSE Plans.

4.    Contractors usually define the HSE Plan that the Subcontractor need to also comply. Subcontractors will also have their own HSE Plan which will be prepared and tailored specifically to Contractor requirements. In order to link the document from Sub-Contractor and Contractor, usually the subcontractor will prepare the bridging document to align their HSE system with Contractor HSE system.