Maintaining a COR
The COR is valid for three years from the date of issue, providing that all maintenance requirements are met. The date the audit is completed on-site is used as the COR issue date.
To maintain a COR, an employer is required to carry out an internal audit the following calendar year, and a second internal audit the calendar year after that. For example, if a certification audit was carried out at any time in 2013, the employer would need to submit a maintenance audit at some point in the 2014 year and another in the 2015 calendar year. Employees of the COR holder may carry out internal audits provided that they are certified by Enform as Internal (Maintenance) Auditors.
Internal audits are subject to the same Quality Assurance (QA) Review as external audits. However, since internal audits provide an opportunity for employers to ensure all aspects of their health and safety management system are being maintained, there is no requirement that a passing mark be obtained.
To renew a COR, an employer will arrange for an external audit and have it completed and reviewed by Enform prior to the expiration date of the COR. The same standard for a passing mark is required to renew a COR as to acquire a COR.