AS4801 EXTERNAL AUDITING, CONSULTANTS, INTERNAL AUDITING, TRAINING, FREE TOOLS, CHECKLISTS and ACCREDITATION
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AS4801 Consultants, Auditors, RABSQA Auditor Training and Systems Developers:
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Free AS4801 audit checklists, tools, guides and templates
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Difference between AS4801 and OHSAS 18001
Based on AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational health and safety management systems – Specification with guidance for use and following the guidelines of AS/NZS 4804:2001
What is AS4801?
“This standard (AS 4801) establishes an audit framework principally for use by third party bodies that have been asked by an organisation to conduct an independent audit of the organisation’s OHSMS. The framework can also be used as a reference point for internal auditing procedures.” (from the Foreword of the standard). An Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) is defined in AS 4801:2000 as: “that part of the overall management system which includes organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing and maintaining the OHS policy, and so managing the OHS risks associated with the business of the organization.” Our Engineers are certified by the RABQSA International as auditors of OHS Management Systems. To maintain independence, consultants cannot audit OHS management systems that they helped establish (within the previous five years).
“Some organisations may also use independent third party assurances that an organisation they are proposing to do business with has effective systems in place to control their OHS.” (from the Foreword of the standard). If your clients are demanding proof that you have an effective OHS programme, an AS 4801 audit report can provide them with excellent verification. Head contractors are required to hold accreditation in order to enter into Australian Government directly and indirectly funded building and construction contracts, subject to certain thresholds. Applicants for accreditation are required to have an OHS Management System that is certified to Australian Standard 4801 or OHSAS 18001. Evidence of certification to AS 4801 or evidence from a third party that the OHS management is equivalent to AS 4801 is a mandatory requirement for provisional accreditation. AS/NZS 4804:1997 – Occupational health and safety management systems – General guidelines on principles, systems and supporting techniques Provides guidance on the development and implementation of occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS) and principles, and their integration with other management systems. The guidelines are intended for use as a voluntary, internal management tool and are not intended for use by OHSMS certification/registration bodies as a specification Standard. This Standard aligns closely with AS/NZS 4801:2001.
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