Why CHAS Accreditation Matters in Dry Riser Installations

When it comes to dry riser installations, safety, compliance, and competence are non-negotiable. One of the clearest indicators that a contractor meets these standards is CHAS accreditation. And it’s not only meeting standards, but also about taking care of your employees and engineers daily, to ensure they safety and wellbeing.

For clients, contractors, and building managers alike, understanding why CHAS matters can make the difference between a safe working environment and an accident.

What is CHAS Accreditation?

CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme), now part of Veriforce CHAS, has been a trusted provider of health and safety assessments since 1997. Today, it is recognised as one of the UK’s leading providers of compliance and risk management services.

Their mission is simple: to help bring workers home safe, and we do too.

Why CHAS Matters in Dry Riser Installations

Dry riser systems are a critical part of a building’s fire safety infrastructure. Poor installation or unsafe working practices can lead to system failure.

Here’s why CHAS accreditation is essential:

1. Demonstrates Health & Safety Compliance

CHAS-accredited contractors are assessed against current UK legislation. This ensures all work carried out during a dry riser installation meets required safety standards, reducing risks on-site.

2. Reduces Risk for Clients

Hiring a CHAS-accredited contractor gives clients confidence that:

Proper risk assessments are in place (RAMS/COSHH)
Safe systems of work are followed on each project
Workers are trained and competent

This is particularly important for high-risk environments such as high-rise residential and commercial buildings.

3. Supports Legal and Industry Standards

Dry riser installations must comply with standards such as BS 9990:2015. CHAS accreditation supports this by ensuring contractors follow structured compliance processes aligned with UK regulations.

4. Some of the few topics that are covered in Chas Assessment:

Health and Safety Policy
Occupational Health
Behavioural Management
Enforcement Actions
Accident Reporting and Investigation
Fleet Operations Management
Competent Advice (Corporate and Construction)
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Training and Information
Qualifications and Experience
Monitoring, Audit and Review
Subcontractor and Supply Chain Management
Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work
Workforce Involvement
Co-operation and Co-ordination
Welfare Provision
Insurance

Veriforce CHAS helps simplify contractor prequalification across a wide range of risk areas, including:

Health and safety
Environmental impact
Operational risk

This makes it easier for organisations to manage their supply chains and ensure only competent contractors are appointed.

CHAS and Quality Workmanship

Contractors operating under CHAS accreditation follow robust procedures, documentation, and training standards.

For dry riser system installations, this leads to:

Reduced installation errors
Improved system reliability
Better long-term maintenance outcomes

Choosing the Right Dry Riser Contractor

When selecting a dry riser contractor, CHAS accreditation should be a key consideration, but not the only that. You should also look for:

Experience in dry riser installation and testing in line with BS 9990:2015
Strong understanding of UK regulations
A track record of compliant, safe project delivery
Clear documentation and internal processes (O&M’s, Certificate of Compliance, Test evidence to 12 Bar)

For any dry riser installation project, choosing a CHAS-accredited contractor is a smart, responsible, and future-proof decision.