Posted By Richard Beales I have a client, a roofing contractor who employs around 30 people, who has asked me "how hard is it to get OHSAS 18001"? They have a good SMS in place currently and actually practice what I preach - but I have no direct experience in the process of preparing a company for accreditation. Is there anyone that can give me a brief view of what this would entail, time frame and rough cost (if possible) if an external organisation is required to take them threough this. They do not have ISO 9001 so there would be no harmonisation route, so 18001 would be 'stand alone'. Thanks in anticipation, Richard Beales

Posted By Richard Beales Thanks Gary, that's helpful. One more question - do you, or anyone, know of a good organisation who would undertake the certification? My client is based by the Essex section of the M25. Richard

Posted By DJ Sadly, I have a client who has been offered OHSAS 18001, ISO 14001 and Investors in People all for a nominal fee and an annual subscription. I say sadly because they have accepted. They have all the right ticks in the box and are now set to pick up the contracts. I of course am powerless to do anything. DJ

Posted By Jay Joshi For those who are in the "know" regarding the amount of time for obtaining accreditation from UKAS by certification bodies, it is something that cannot be detailed in the forum. It it is my personal view that there appears to be lack of information from UKAS, why some reputable certification bodies have not yet achieved accreditation and others have or thier process for it! The down side is that it gives an unfair advantage to those who have acheived accreditation

Posted By kevin m Hello Everyone Can you let me know how can I get a copy of OHSAS 18002 please Thanking you in advance Kevin

Posted By PEP Ah my favourite subject. How hard is it to get? = depends on what cert body you go with. The only one fully accredited with no scope restrictions by UKAS is LRQA. They are firm but fair and if you pass their assessments you will have earned the certificate. I guess it will take about 1 year to 2 years to implement a system and gather enough evidence of a mature system. The cost is around £700 - £800 per day. Depending on the site and complexity of the site will decide how many days are needed. None of the other bodies are fully accredited by UKAS so the quality of the assessments cannot be guaranteed but I expect this is reflected in their prices. You get what you pay for. I once saw a 'system' audited by BSI and honestly it was dreadful. I said to the MD 'I don't know how you got this cert' and he said 'neither do we!' As regards 18002 make sure you get a copy of the guidance to the 2007 standard.

Posted By David Balkwell Richard I realise this is a while ago now but it is also worth pointing out that there are UK based Certification Bodies who are "Accredited" to offer BS OHSAS 18001:2007 Through ie RvA another countries Accreditation Body including DNV - There is nothing wrong with this it is the CBs choice - and many are part way down the route of Accreditation with UKAS As far as time required for implementation and reputable support, I would suggest using......... iSOS Online Business Support - Its a definitive repository for Professional Management Systems and Legal Support QMS EMS H&SS Integration Etc Much more cost effective than a consultant www.isosonline.com Regards David

Posted By Jay Joshi PEP, I cannot discuss the confidential reasons for other not to get accreditation, many of them to restrcited scope and others to full scope as this is not the forum to do so and the matter remains confidential between UKAS and the certification bodies, but it beggars belief--especially when one considers the entire saga of how the situation has been handled, the run up to the pilot scheme and so on. Also, for a lot of the SME's, it may be worthwhile to go to a certification body that has the scope for their inductry--for example a plumbing firm.

Posted By Carl Deaves Richard Please give me a call if you want to discuss further. My number is 07764 285807 or email me carldeaves@sgs.com. I am a lead auditor for this standard

Posted By Carl Deaves Dear All For information there are still only three certification bodies who have UKAS accreditation for BS OHSAS 18001. SGS LRQA BM TRADA None of the other bodies have UKAS accreditation. I led SGS through this process and have good knowledge of the reasons why now the others have still not achieved this. (18 monthys after the target date) The main area believe it or not is competence. A number of certification bodies would for example take a 9001 auditor and put them through a 5 day lead auditor course for 18001 Then they would go straight out and audit in different sectors. You cannot become a Health and Safety Auditor in 5 days. At SGS we have stringent requirements for auditor competence in order achieve lead auditor status. I am happy to discuss further of required My email is carl.deaves@sgs.com

Posted By David Gault OHSAS18001 is relatively easy. Depending on where you are in the country you may be able to get free auditing. I might be able to help you with that if you are near Shropshire. Contact me at david.gault@ricoh-rpl.com if that is of interest.

Posted By Carl Deaves For your information SGS also have been accredited for the full scope. I led the process and am happy to discuss. my email is carl>deaves@sgs.com

Posted By Carl Deaves Dear All Please be careful going down the 18001:1999 version. It expires next July so I would recommend you move towards the 2007 version

Posted By Carl Deaves Tony A specified earlier it depends on the size of company and risk levels / exposure etc. The rule of thumb is approx £700 - £800 per day on each visit. Your company is small I believe 50 employees so would guess 1 - 2 day stage 1 audit(desk study and pre audit) 2 days on site for certification audit 1 day every six months for surveillance. There is usually an annual certification charge with certification bodies as well. info - ball park figures from what you have told me in earlier corres. Hope this helps

Posted By diver I get a bit upset when all the "experts" give advice and it gets more difficult as the subject goes on and on. "Keep it simple stupid" should be borne in mind. Some of the non-UKAS guys are quite good and provide systems that are quite capable of standing up to self-determination and self-declaration (see Clause 1 - scope) at cost effective prices. The other UKAS guys always ridicule other peoples systems, but have a look at their prices and so called experts and they leave a lot to be desired at times (in my experience) beit ISO9001; 14001 or any other standard. And I would sooner small companies that HAVE to have such management systems in place, inorder to do business, be provided with one that can be continually improved upon rather than lose business. And no, I don't have a vested interest in any organisation. I just prefer companies to be in with a chance of winning business than wait for some really clever, experienced, expert, or whatever, to come up with some expensive (in the long run) system that is still "under develoment". So guys, read clause 1 and decide what it is that you want to achieve. You have 4 choices after all.

Posted By Ian Mitchell Hi Reviving an old thread. I saw on the net last year a great table showing the common clauses between the three QHSE ISO's and how they overlapped. I want to integrate my audit proforma to shorten it and allow audit of, for example, the presence of the policies in one go for H&S, E and Q. Rather than do it in three separate sections. This will reduce my time spent and the length of the proforma!! Anybody have the link?? Cheers