Suppliers FAQ

Q: How do I apply?

Q: Do I have a CHAS registration / certificate / membership number I can refer to?

A: We do not issue registration, certificate or membership numbers. Our buyers can check a supplier's status through the database.

If a registration number is asked for in tender documents, send a copy of your accreditation certificate or write the CHAS contact telephone number on your application so the buyer can call the CHAS office to confirm the status.

Q: Where do I send my documents?

A: When you apply a member of our team will send your assessor's contact information to you. All relevant documents should be sent directly to your assessor via the email address provided or to their postal address. Information may also be sent on a CD or a memory stick.

Q: Who is a supplier?

A: A supplier is a business who wants to provide goods and services or supplies to a buying organisation.

Q: Who is a buyer?

A: A buyer is any organisation who wishes to buy goods and services or supplies.

Q: Am I still compliant / accredited or has it expired?

A: If you are CHAS accredited your certificate will show the expiry date. If you have achieved compliance, we will try to send you a reminder letter three months and then one month before your compliance expires. If it does expire, it could affect your ability to tender for work with our client members. We would recommend you put a reminder in your diary.

Q: Does CHAS assess anything other than H&S?

A: No we only assess Health and Safety.

Q: Do sub-contractors and "non-participating" directors count as employees of the company?

Q: How do I confirm my current CHAS status?

A: Ask the CHAS Administrator. We will try to respond within 72 hours.

Q: Can I join the scheme as a Buyer?

Q: Why do I re-submit an application each year to be CHAS accredited and every two years to be CHAS compliant?

A: Accreditation enables you to use the CHAS logo in your business promotion, we therefore need to monitor Health and Safety on a more regular basis to ensure standards haven't slipped. You will need to complete the relevant application forms and submit documents and evidence for renewal.

Q: If I have a CSCS card why do I need to complete the CHAS scheme?

A: The CSCS scheme is basic health and safety training for individuals and it is not relevant for a company as a whole. It also doesn't cover the CDM core criteria which is the threshold standard our scheme uses.

Q: Will a CHAS assessor give me health and safety advice?

A: No. Assessors cannot act as an adviser as this would be a conflict of interest. They will inform you of any failure to achieve the required compliance standard and in some circumstances they may discuss issues with you by telephone. They will give written guidance about any concerns but this should not be mistaken as advice.

Q: Must I have a written health and safety policy?

A: If you have 5 or more employees:

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (Section 2(3) places a duty on a supplier who employs five or more people, to have a written statement of their health and safety policy.

If you have fewer than 5 employees:

You do not need a written statement, but must be able to prove your commitment to health and safety, and an understanding of the legislation as it applies to your business.

Q: How do I find out what schemes are Safety Schemes in Procurement Froum (SSIP) members?

A: Please check the SSIP website http://www.ssip.org.uk for up to date information on participating schemes.

Q. How do I register with CHAS using findings from another SSIP member?

Q: How do I know if a company is CHAS registered or accredited if I'm not a CHAS buyer?

A: You can verify a company by ringing us on 0208 545 3838.

Q: Why won't CHAS accept ISO 9001?

A: ISO 9001 does not assess health and safety to the threshold standard

Q: How do I apply if I'm HVCA or ARCA registered?

A: You will need to contact HVCA or ARCA so that they can upload your application onto the CHAS system for free. If you then want accreditation, you will need to apply direct to CHAS.

Q: Is there a way to get a fast track assessment?

A: We can send your documents to an assessor who is available straight away but it is a 10 working day process. If it is any help, the assessor can put your application as pending on the CHAS website.

Q: Can my company apply for registration if improvement or prohibition notices have been served in the past?

A: You can apply, providing you tell us of any enforcement notices or prosecutions served on you or your business in the last three years. Failure to declare this will debar your business from registration. If you have prosecutions or notices to tell us about, provide details of any corrective action taken or proposals to address them. (You can provide details on a separate sheet if you want to).

Q: Can I get an extension while I re-apply?

A: No, but the expiry date of your accreditation or compliance is available to buyers on the CHAS database, so they are able to see if either has recently expired, and take into consideration that you are re-applying.

Q: I'm half way through an assessment, can I stop and register through somebody else, as it will save me time and effort with filling in the form?

A: No. Once you start an assessment it has to be completed. It can end as compliant, failed or failed to resubmit. If you do stop the application half way through, you will still be liable for the assessment fee.

Q: What are the reasons people may fail CHAS assessment?

Q: What is the definition of 'construction work'?

A: 'Construction work' means the carrying out of any building, civil engineering or engineering construction work and includes:

• The preparation for an intended structure, including site clearance, exploration, investigation (but not site survey) and excavation, and the clearance or preparation of the site or structure for use or occupation when completed.
• The assembly on site of prefabricated elements to form a structure or the disassembly on site of prefabricated elements which, immediately before such disassembly, formed a structure.
• The removal of a structure or of any product or waste resulting from demolition or dismantling of a structure or from disassembly of prefabricated elements which immediately before such disassembly formed such a structure.
• The installation, commissioning, maintenance, repair or removal of mechanical, electrical, gas, compressed air, hydraulic, telecommunications, computer or similar services which are normally fixed within or to a structure.

Q: How do we use your information?