If you have ever had blinds fitted in a hurry, or had curtains “installed” by someone who looked confident enough to carry a drill, you will know the vibe. It usually starts fine. A quick measure. A quick chat. Then somehow you are standing there a week later, staring at a bracket that is slightly wonky, dust all over the carpet and a polite text saying they can “pop back next month”.
Blinds and curtains feel simple, right? Not like rewiring a house or building scaffolding. But the truth is, you are still dealing with onsite work, tools, ladders, fixings into walls you might not fully understand, sometimes electrics for motorised blinds, sometimes working around children, pets, vulnerable people, tenants or a busy office.
So when you are choosing a blinds and curtains contractor, such as Corona Contracts, you want a way to filter out the cowboys without needing to become an expert yourself.
That is where CHAS comes in.
CHAS accreditation is not just another badge someone slaps on the footer of their website. It is a health and safety assessment scheme that, in plain terms, tells you the contractor has been properly checked and is running their business with real systems. Not just vibes. Not just “we have been doing this for 20 years”.
Let’s get into why that matters.
CHAS, explained without the fluff
CHAS stands for the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.
It is used all over the UK, especially in commercial and public sector work, to prequalify contractors. Basically. Instead of every client doing their own long health and safety checks, CHAS provides a recognised standard. A contractor goes through assessment and if they meet the requirements, they become CHAS accredited.
Now, CHAS is not a guarantee that every job will be perfect and every installer will be an artist with a spirit level. But it is a strong signal that the company takes compliance and safety seriously and has documentation and procedures to back that up.
And when someone is coming into your home or workplace, drilling into your walls, using ladders, possibly removing old fittings – perhaps to install motorised blinds or motorised curtains for an office, that matters more than people think.
“It’s just blinds” until it isn’t
I have seen people treat blinds fitting like it is basically putting up a picture frame. But the risks are real.
A few examples that come up more often than you would expect:
- Falls from ladders during fitting, especially on staircases or awkward windows
- Fixings into plasterboard that cannot take the load, leading to blinds pulling out later
- Drilling into hidden pipes or cables, particularly in older properties or newly renovated ones where routes are not obvious
- Dust, mess and poor housekeeping on site, which becomes a slip hazard in offices and shops
- Unsafe handling of tools around customers, staff, or children
- Motorised blinds that involve electrical work, or at least routing cables safely and neatly
A proper contractor plans for these things. A “mate who fits blinds” sometimes just… doesn’t.
CHAS accreditation matters because it pushes contractors towards structured risk management. Not just reacting when something goes wrong.
What CHAS tells you about a contractor, in practical terms
CHAS accreditation is really a shorthand for several good behaviours. It indicates the company has been assessed against health and safety criteria, and can demonstrate competence in areas that clients care about, even if clients do not want to read a 40-page policy document.
Here is what it tends to reveal about how they operate.
1. They have actual health and safety processes, not just promises
Anyone can say “we work safely”. CHAS is about evidence.
A CHAS accredited contractor is more likely to have things like:
- Documented risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) where appropriate
- Safe working at height procedures (huge for blinds and curtains fitting)
- Training records, inductions and supervision processes
- Accident reporting procedures
- Ongoing review of their health and safety approach
And yes, for a straightforward domestic bay window, you might not see a big formal RAMS pack. But the culture still shows. The preparation. The way they set up. The way they talk you through what they are doing.
It is different.
However, it’s important to remember that not all blind fittings are created equal. For instance, fitting school curtains requires specific expertise due to the unique requirements of such environments. Similarly, school hall curtains or theatre curtains involve additional considerations that an unqualified individual may overlook.
Moreover, when it comes to care for commercial blinds, it’s vital to engage with professionals who understand the nuances involved in maintaining such installations.
2. Better site behaviour (which you will notice immediately)
You can often tell within five minutes if a contractor is organised.
CHAS does not magically create good manners, but companies that invest in compliance usually also invest in standards. That tends to mean:
- Turning up with the right kit, not improvising on your windowsill
- Proper ladder setup, not balancing on furniture
- Keeping walkways clear and cleaning up as they go
- Respecting building rules in commercial spaces, signing in, following access procedures
- Awareness of fire exits, alarm points, other trades, members of the public
If you are running an office, school, care setting, retail space or even just trying to keep your home calm. This is not a small thing.
3. They are more likely to be insurable and contract ready
CHAS is often part of a wider “we are ready to work professionally” package.
When a contractor is CHAS accredited, they are typically also prepared to provide:
- Public liability insurance details
- Employer’s liability insurance (if they have staff)
- Proof of training and competence
- Policies around working in occupied buildings
- Data protection awareness if they are handling customer details across larger projects
Again, not glamorous. But if something goes wrong, this is the stuff that decides whether it becomes a quick fix or a months-long headache.
Why CHAS is especially relevant for commercial blinds and curtains
In commercial settings, blinds and curtains are not just decorative.
They can be part of:
- Fire safety considerations (certain fabrics, certain environments) – fire-retardant curtains come into play here.
- Infection control and cleaning routines in healthcare – commercial curtains designed for such environments can be beneficial.
- Privacy and safeguarding in schools, clinics and care homes – hotel curtains or other tailored solutions could serve this purpose.
- Light control for screens and productivity in offices – electric curtains or motorised systems are ideal for this.
- Accessibility, especially with motorised systems
Commercial clients also tend to have stricter requirements around contractor management. They need contractors who can operate within site rules, provide documentation and coordinate with facilities teams.
CHAS matters here because it is widely recognised. It reduces friction. It makes it easier for the client to approve the contractor, and it usually means fewer delays.
And honestly, fewer awkward emails back and forth asking for “just one more document”.
Domestic customers benefit too, even if you never hear the word “CHAS”
Some homeowners assume CHAS is only for big sites and big contracts.
But think about what you actually want when someone comes into your house:
- Safe use of ladders on hard floors and stairs
- Care around kids, pets and fragile items
- Clean, controlled drilling with minimal mess
- A contractor who will not disappear if you raise an issue
- Someone who does not take shortcuts because “it’ll do”
A CHAS accredited company is not automatically perfect. But the accreditation is a signal they are set up properly and used to being accountable.
That is reassuring when you are handing over access to your home.
CHAS vs other “badges” you might see
This part matters because the industry is full of logos.
Some are meaningful. Some are basically marketing.
CHAS is not about craftsmanship directly. It is primarily about health and safety assessment and contractor competence around safe delivery.
That complements, rather than replaces, the other checks you should still make, like:
- Reviews and testimonials (especially with photos of real work)
- Product quality and fabric options
- Installation experience with your type of windows (bay, sash, skylights, very tall glazing)
- Warranty on both product and fitting
- Clear written quotation, including what happens if they find issues with the wall substrate
- For motorised blinds, experience with the specific system and safe cable routing
So you do not choose someone only because they are CHAS accredited.
You choose them because they are CHAS accredited and they can show you they know what they are doing with your specific project.
For instance, if you’re looking for expertise in installing school curtains track systems, or panel blinds for universities, or even roller blinds for schools, it’s essential to ensure that the contractors not only possess the CHAS accreditation but also have substantial experience in these specific areas.
Red flags CHAS helps you avoid
Let’s be blunt. Most people do not have time to vet contractors properly. They rely on gut feel.
CHAS is useful because it reduces the chances of running into a few classic problems:
- No clear safety approach, lots of improvising
- Poor working at height habits
- “We do not need insurance, we have never had an issue”
- Subcontractors who are not managed or supervised
- No process for reporting issues, snagging or making good
- Sloppy onsite behaviour that becomes your problem to clean up
And even if nothing dramatic happens, avoiding chaos is still worth it.
Questions to ask a blinds and curtains contractor about CHAS
If a contractor says they are CHAS accredited, it is fair to ask a couple of simple questions. You do not need to sound like you are interviewing them for a nuclear plant.
Try this:
- Are you currently CHAS accredited, and can you share your registration details?
- Will the installers coming to site be directly employed or subcontractors?
- Do you provide risk assessments or method statements for commercial jobs if required?
- How do you handle working at height for tall windows or stairwells?
- For motorised blinds, who is responsible for electrical connection if needed?
The tone matters. You are not trying to catch them out. You are trying to confirm they are professional.
A good contractor will answer calmly and clearly. If they get defensive or vague, that tells you something too.
If you’re considering commercial blinds supply and installation, ensure that the contractor meets these criteria for a smoother experience.
The bigger point: you are not just buying blinds, you are buying the install
People obsess over fabric samples, slat widths, blackout lining, wave heading, the colour temperature of the room. All valid.
But the installation is the part that can quietly ruin the whole thing if it is done poorly.
- A slightly misaligned roller blind will annoy you every day.
- A curtain track fixed into the wrong substrate will sag.
- A rushed fitter will chip paint, crack plaster or leave holes when they “adjust” something.
- An unsafe approach on site can lead to accidents, and then everything gets messy fast.
CHAS accreditation matters because it is one of the clearest early signals that a contractor is approaching the work with proper structure, accountability and regard for safety.
Not always, of course. But often enough that it is worth paying attention to.
Wrap up
If you are choosing a blinds and curtains contractor, CHAS accreditation is not a random logo. It is a practical filter.
It tells you the company has been assessed against recognised health and safety standards, and is more likely to have proper processes, proper documentation and proper onsite behaviour. Especially important in commercial spaces like hospitals where medical curtains are installed, but genuinely valuable for homeowners too.
So yes, check the fabrics. Check the finish. Check the lead time.
But also check how they operate.
Because the best looking blinds in the world – be it blackout curtains or room divider curtains – are not much comfort if the install is rushed, unsafe or a constant source of little problems you should not have had in the first place.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is CHAS accreditation and why is it important for blinds and curtains contractors?
CHAS stands for Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme. It is a recognised health and safety assessment used across the UK to prequalify contractors. For blinds and curtains contractors, CHAS accreditation signals that the company has been properly checked, runs their business with real health and safety systems and takes compliance seriously. This helps clients filter out unreliable or unsafe contractors without needing expert knowledge themselves.
Why should I avoid hiring unqualified individuals or ‘mates’ to fit blinds or curtains?
Fitting blinds and curtains involves risks such as falls from ladders, incorrect fixings that may fail, drilling into hidden pipes or cables, dust hazards and electrical work for motorised options. Unqualified individuals may lack proper risk management, training and safety procedures, increasing the chance of accidents or poor-quality installations. A professional contractor with CHAS accreditation plans for these risks to ensure safe and reliable fitting.
What health and safety processes can I expect from a CHAS accredited blinds and curtains contractor?
A CHAS accredited contractor typically has documented risk assessments and method statements (RAMS), safe working at height procedures, training records, induction and supervision processes, accident reporting protocols and ongoing reviews of their health and safety approach. Even for straightforward domestic installations, this culture of preparation leads to better communication, safer work practices and cleaner site behaviour.
How does CHAS accreditation affect the quality of onsite behaviour during blinds or curtains installation?
Contractors investing in CHAS accreditation usually demonstrate better organisation and professionalism on site. This includes arriving with the correct equipment rather than improvising, maintaining good housekeeping to reduce slip hazards from dust or debris, safely handling tools around people including children or pets and following planned procedures. Such behaviours enhance safety and client satisfaction immediately.
Are all blind fittings the same in terms of expertise required?
No. Different settings require specific expertise. For example, fitting school curtains or school hall curtains demands understanding unique environmental requirements. Theatre curtains have additional considerations too. Moreover, commercial blinds need specialised care for maintenance. Engaging professionals familiar with these nuances ensures proper installation and long-term performance.
Why is it important to choose a blinds contractor who understands electrical work for motorised blinds?
Motorised blinds often involve electrical components or require careful routing of cables to ensure safety and neatness. A contractor experienced with these aspects will manage electrical work competently while complying with health and safety standards. This reduces risks such as faulty wiring or exposed cables that could cause hazards in homes or workplaces.
