Certification – Specialist Builders (In-Situ Post Tensioning Works)
1. Assessment and certification system
The objective of the scheme is to give confidence to the purchaser and user of PT and/or associated services that the product and/or service complies with the appropriate specification without the need to undertake separate verification. It involves the application of quality assurance principles to assess the supplier’s documented management systems and, as appropriate, product testing, to ensure conformity with the requirements contained in the Scheme.
In developing the scheme BCA, supported by CARES have engaged with the main stakeholders which include the current BCA licenced PT Specialist Builders.
Along with enhancing industry expertise, the scheme will complement ongoing activities by BCA to enhance quality control in built structures and transparency through digitalisation of supply chains and proven assurance measures.
CARES certification scheme for Approval of Specialist Builders (In-Situ Post Tensioning Works) in Singapore was launched in January 2022.
1.2. Model Specification and Quality and Operations Assessment Schedules
The Scheme’s Quality and Operations Assessment Schedules is shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Quality and Operations Assessment Schedules
Document |
Description |
SPT-01 |
Quality and operations assessment schedule for the Specialist Builders (In-Situ Post-Tensioning Works) |
1.3. Assessment
The assessment consists of:
1.4. Applicant
The applicant is required to have and be able to demonstrate:
1.5. Certification
A recommendation for approval is produced when both office and site practice have been assessed and the Scheme criteria have been satisfied and all reported deficiencies have been addressed to the satisfaction of CARES.
The Certificate of Approval is valid for one year with renewal subject to continuing satisfactory performance. Firms granted Certificates of Approval are required to reproduce the CARES certification mark, and the Certificate of Approval number on all relevant documentation.
Firms granted Certificates of Approval are required to notify CARES of all post-tension contracts on award of contract using the Notification of Contracts form. It is a condition of the granting of the Certificate that CARES shall assess:
1.6. Additional information
2. Post-tensioning supply chain
2.1. Identification and traceability system
CARES certification provides full traceability from receipt of the PT kit and components at the construction site by addressing all stages of receipt, storage and installation into the structure and shall include the following as appropriate:
2.2. CARES Cloud App
CARES is making vital product information available via its CARES Cloud App. This means that all smartphone users can confirm where the product has come from; its validity and its assurance credentials in the form of CARES’ sector-leading independent certification.
The CARES Cloud App is freely available on the Apple Store for iOS and Google Play for Android devices. Go to:
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/cares-cloud/id1474099842
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.carescloud&hl=en
Certification – Steel for the Reinforcement of Concrete
1. Assessment and certification system
The objective of the scheme is to give confidence to the purchaser and user of reinforcing steel products and/or associated services that the product and/or service complies with the appropriate specification without the need to undertake separate verification. It involves the application of quality assurance principles to assess the supplier’s documented management systems and, as appropriate, product testing, to ensure conformity with the requirements contained in the Scheme.
This scheme covers the entire supply chain for reinforcing steels, including areas such as welding and the application of mechanical couplers, thereby ensuring that reinforcement is correctly produced, processed and delivered to site.
1.1. Principles
The assessment and certification system employed in the Scheme has been developed around the following principles:
1.2. Model Specification and Quality and Operations Assessment Schedules
The Scheme’s Quality and Operations Assessment Schedules is shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Quality and Operations Assessment Schedules
Document |
Description |
SSRC-01 |
Quality and operations assessment schedule for Singapore Standard (SS 560:2016) weldable reinforcing steel bars, coils and decoiled products for the reinforcement of concrete including inspection and testing requirements. |
SSRC-02 |
Quality and operations assessment schedule for the processing and/or supply of steel products for the reinforcement of concrete. |
SSRC-03 |
Quality and operations assessment schedule for Singapore Standard SS 561 – Specification for steel fabric for the reinforcement of concrete. |
SSRC-04 |
Quality and operations assessment schedule for the application of mechanical couplers to reinforcing steel. |
1.3. Applying for CARES Certification
The CARES office will respond to any enquiry for certification in a clear and efficient manner. When it has been agreed between CARES and the applicant firm that an application will go ahead, the applicant is required to submit an application which generally consists of a completed and signed application form, an updated copy (in English) of the firm’s Management System documented information and the relevant application fee.
Please view the following link for details, Application Process
1.4. Approval Process
The CARES approval process is a multi-stage process. Please view the following link for details, Approval Process
1.5. Maintenance Process
Please view the following link for details, Maintenance Process
1.6. Additional information
2. Reinforcing Steel supply chain
2.1. Identification and traceability system
All CARES certified material is labelled and supplied with the necessary electronic or paper documentation to enable the products to be traced. Additionally, all CARES certified reinforcement can by identified by the CARES bar mark rolled into the bar. The system comprises the CARES mark and a series of dots rolled into the bar, as shown on the CARES website.
2.2. CARES Cloud App
CARES is making vital product information available via its CARES Cloud App. This means that all smartphone users can confirm where the product has come from; its validity and its assurance credentials in the form of CARES’ sector-leading independent certification.
The CARES Cloud App is freely available on the Apple Store for iOS and Google Play for Android devices. Go to:
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/cares-cloud/id1474099842
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.carescloud&hl=en
Certification – Factory Production Control Certification (FPC) of Alternative Structural Steel to BC1
1. Assessment and certification system
The objective of the scheme is to give confidence to the purchaser and user of alternative steel products and/or associated services that the product and/or service complies with the appropriate specification without the need to undertake separate verification. It involves the application of quality assurance principles to assess the supplier’s documented management systems and, as appropriate, product testing, to ensure conformity with the requirements contained in the Scheme.
Along with enhancing industry expertise, the scheme will complement ongoing activities by BCA to enhance quality control in built structures and transparency through digitalisation of supply chains and proven assurance measures.
CARES certification scheme for Factory Production Control Certification of Alternative Structural Steel to BC1 (Design Guide on use of Alternative Structural Steel to BS5950 & Eurocode 3) in Singapore was launched in January 2022.
1.1. Principles
The assessment and certification system employed in the Scheme has been developed around the following principles:
1.2. Model Specification and Quality and Operations Assessment Schedules
The Scheme’s Quality and Operations Assessment Schedules is shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Quality and Operations Assessment Schedules
Document |
Description |
FPC-01 |
Quality and operations assessment schedule for the Factory Production Control Certification of Alternative Structural Steel to BC1 |
1.2. Applying for CARES Certification
The CARES office will respond to any enquiry for certification in a clear and efficient manner. When it has been agreed between CARES and the applicant firm that an application will go ahead, the applicant is required to submit an application which generally consists of a completed and signed application form, an updated copy (in English) of the firms Management System documented information and the relevant application fee.
Please view the following link for details, Application Process
1.3. Approval Process
The CARES approval process is a multi-stage process. Please view the following link for details, Approval Process
1.4. Maintenance Process
Please view the following link for details, Maintenance Process
1.5. Additional information
Certification – Construction Products and Associated Services Scheme
1. Assessment and certification
system
The objective of the Scheme is to give confidence to the purchaser and user of construction products and/or associated services that the product and/or service complies with the appropriate specification without the need to undertake separate verification. It involves the application of quality assurance principles to assess the supplier’s quality management systems and, as appropriate, product testing, to ensure conformity with the requirements contained in this Scheme.
1.2 Model Specification and Quality and Operations Assessment Schedules
The Scheme’s Quality and Operations Assessment Schedules is shown in Table 1.
Table 1.
Quality and Operations Assessment Schedules
Document |
Description |
SCPAS 01 |
Quality and Operations Assessment Schedule for Specialist Builders (Precast Concrete Products) |
SCPAS 02 |
Quality and Operations Assessment Schedule for Specialist Builders (Ground Support and Stabilisation Works For ERSS) |
1.3. Applying for CARES Certification
The CARES office will respond to any enquiry for certification in a clear and efficient manner. When it has been agreed between CARES and the applicant firm that an application will go ahead, the applicant is required to submit an application which generally consists of a completed and signed application form, an updated copy (in English) of the firm’s Management System documented information and the relevant application fee.
Please view the following link for details, Application Process
1.4. Approval Process
The CARES approval process is a multi-stage process. Please view the following link for details, Approval Process
1.5. Maintenance Process
Please view the following link for details, Maintenance Process
1.6. Additional information
Applicants will
be refused certification if the applicant fails to meet the requirements of the
relevant CARES scheme. The applicant will be informed of the decision by the
CARES in writing.
Certificates
are valid for one year and are renewed annually subject to satisfactory audits and
meeting the requirements of the relevant CARES Scheme.
A firm’s scope
of approval may be extended or reduced at any time following formal
notification to CARES and subject to some or all of the stages outlined above.
Firms are notified of the process for extending or reducing the scope upon
request.
Certificates
may be withdrawn or suspended if the approved firm fails to meet the
requirements of the relevant CARES scheme. The final decision will be taken by
the CARES CEO and the approved firm notified in writing. A right to appeal
against such decisions is available to the applicant or approved firm.
Detailed
information regarding the certification and appeals process and other CARES
regulations is contained in the relevant CARES scheme manual. The relevant
scheme manual is sent to all new applicants. Approved firms receive all scheme
updates automatically from the CARES office.
Certification – Quality Management Systems
1. Assessment and certification system
ISO 9001 is a "common sense" set of guidelines to improve business processes and put basic management controls in place within a formal system comprised of documented information. It can be applied to any business of any size and can therefore be applied to any company within the reinforced concrete sector. In CARES terms, this type of certification is available where a product standard does not exist and where Product Certification is unsuitable. CARES Quality Management System Certification ensures that certificated companies have:
1.1. Model Specification and Quality and Operations Assessment Schedules
The Scheme’s Quality and Operations Assessment Schedules is shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Quality and Operations Assessment Schedules
Document |
Description |
CARES Management Systems Certification Scheme |
Quality Management Systems Certification |
1.3. Applying for CARES Certification
The CARES office will respond to any enquiry for certification in a clear and efficient manner. When it has been agreed between CARES and the applicant firm that an application will go ahead, the applicant is required to submit an application which generally consists of a completed and signed application form, an updated copy (in English) of the firms Management System documented information and the relevant application fee.
Please view the following link for details, Application Process
1.4. Approval Process
The CARES approval process is a multi-stage process. Please view the following link for details, Approval Process
1.5. Maintenance Process
Please view the following link for details, Maintenance Process
1.6. Additional information