How to pass CHAS first time

First, choose the right level

CHAS and the other SSIP member schemes assess contractors against a common set of core health and safety criteria. Some clients ask for more: the Common Assessment Standard, offered through options such as CHAS Elite and Constructionline Gold. Check what your clients actually require before you apply, so you don't do the work twice.

What assessors are looking for

In short, evidence that you manage health and safety properly for the work you actually do. Expect to show:

• a health and safety policy, with a signed and dated statement, your organisation (who does what) and your arrangements
• access to competent health and safety advice
• risk assessments and method statements for your typical activities
• training and competence records for your workforce
• how you report, record and investigate accidents, including RIDDOR
• how you consult and communicate with workers
• how you select and manage subcontractors, if you use them
• current insurance documents

The most common reasons applications get sent back

1. Generic, off-the-shelf documents. A policy or risk assessment that could belong to any company is the number one problem. Tailor everything to your business, trade and typical jobs.
2. Unsigned, undated or out-of-date policies. Your policy statement should be signed by the most senior person and reviewed regularly.
3. No evidence of competent advice. Say who provides your health and safety advice, whether that's someone in-house or an external consultant.
4. Risk assessments that don't match your work. If you're a roofer, the assessor expects to see work at height covered in detail.
5. Missing training evidence. Saying "all staff are trained" isn't enough. Keep records and certificates.
6. No accident procedure. Show how incidents are reported, recorded and investigated, and when RIDDOR applies.
7. Expired insurance. Upload current certificates.
8. Answers without evidence. Where a question asks for evidence, provide it and point to the exact section.

Tips for a smooth application

• Gather your documents before you start the online application.
• Name files clearly and reference the right page or section in your answers.
• Answer the question that's asked, and keep it specific.
• Reply to assessor queries quickly and directly.
• Diary your renewal date, and keep documents current throughout the year so renewal is quick.
• Once accredited, check whether "deem to satisfy" can help you gain recognition from other SSIP schemes your clients use.

This guide is general information. Scheme requirements change from time to time, so always check the current requirements of the scheme you're applying to.