If you’ve had a look around the Code 3 Security website, you’ll probably have noticed that we are incredibly proud to be certified by the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme, or CHAS. It’s also quite likely that you won’t be sure what that is.
Today, we are going to take a look at what the CHAS is and why it’s important.
WHAT IS CHAS?
The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme was set up by a group of health and safety procurement in 1997. The aim of the organisation was two-fold: a) to improve Health and Safety standards in Britain and b) to cut down on duplicated safety applications for buyer and suppliers alike. In 2016, more than 500 buyer organisations are certified by the setup. Certified organisations include Councils, Housing Associations and NHS Trusts.
SO, WHAT DOES CHAS ACTUALLY DO?
Thousands of contractors and consultants apply for work in the public and private sector every month. In order to win this work, it is a requirement that they meet certain safety standards. There a lot of standards to fulfil, and this process can get quite time-consuming and frustrating.
Being CHAS Certified can really streamline this process. Supplier compliance is accepted by all CHAS buyers.
They assess credentials in:
- Organisation for Health and Safety
- Health and Safety Policy Documentation
- Health and Safety Record Keeping
- Specific Health and Safety arrangements
Essentially, being registered with CHAS allows companies to not worry about whether their contractors are meeting standards.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO CHAS?
There are a number of reasons why this scheme is popular with both buyers and suppliers:
- It demonstrates compliance with health and safety law. Businesses can demonstrate that they are committed to keeping their operations as safe as possible.
- Suppliers are instantly approved to work for all buyers in the network. This speeds up the process and saves everybody money.
- It cuts down inconsistencies, saving everyone time. Suppliers who train for compliance in a specific policy may then find that they need to re-train in order to work for a different company. This can be extremely time-consuming.
- The organisation offers a great deal of guidance. The scheme offers ongoing health and safety advice to all members, helping them improve and maintain their standards.
When Code 3 Security operates a Manned Guarding patrol or installs a Sitecam setup, it is imperative to move efficiently. Being a registered member of CHAS allows us to streamline this process.
HOW IS COMPETENCY ASSESSED?
There are three stages for businesses looking to operate as a supplier in the network:
- The initial assessment. A buyer will undergo an in-depth assessment to verify effective health and safety management.
- The buyer will then conduct their own supplier checks, including specific risk assessments, references, examples of previous similar work, training and available resources and method statements.
- The buyer will then monitor the supplier whilst carrying out the work, inspecting the elements above and providing supervision where necessary.
Buyers will of course still be responsible for monitoring suppliers, ensuring they are working under the necessary safe conditions.
HOW IS CHAS MANAGED?
CHAS has ongoing founder member status with the HSE supported Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) competence forum. The scheme also receives annual accreditation from an Independent SSIP appointed auditor approved by the Health and Safety Executive.
To check the validity of Code 3 Security’s CHAS certificate, you can contact them directly by phone 0208 5453838 or email chas.admin@chas.co.uk
GET IN TOUCH
If you’d like to know more about CHAS and how it relates to our work at Code 3 Security, get in touch today and we’ll be happy to help.