What is Asbestos Awareness Training and who requires it?

Posted 3 years ago

In the UK, the HSE states that the number of asbestos-related deaths is around 5,000 per year.

With that said, it’s evident that people who might be exposed to asbestos at work need training to understand the risks associated with asbestos and how to prevent it from causing harm.

What is Asbestos Awareness Training?

Asbestos Awareness Training is for any level of employee who might be exposed to asbestos as part of their job. It should not be confused with training for asbestos removals, which should only be carried out by licensed professionals.

It is the lowest level of safety training surrounding asbestos and it is intended to train people in the risks surrounding asbestos, how to avoid disturbing asbestos, and the nature of asbestos fibres.

Essentially, it should provide learners with the basic knowledge needed to keep themselves, colleagues, and others safe from asbestos.

Is it a legal requirement?

Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 specifically states that:

Every employer must ensure that employee[s] are given adequate information, instruction and training where that employee is, or is liable to be, exposed to asbestos, or if that employee supervises such employees.

Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Regulation 10

So, employers have a legal obligation to consider which type of asbestos training is suitable for their employees.

The regulations describe ‘Category A’ awareness training as a legal requirement for anyone who may encounter asbestos but is not required to work with it.

Generally, the following roles may require this type of training:

Plumbers
Roofers
Construction & demolition workers
Plasterers
Carpenters

Who do the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 apply to?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 covers the main laws concerned with controlling and preventing exposure to asbestos.

The regulations apply to anyone who is responsible for the maintenance and repairs of non-domestic premises. This means that the regulations apply to all building owners. Additionally, employers also have a legal duty under the regulations to oversee any work which is liable to expose their employees to asbestos.

Employers must carry out a risk assessment that identifies the presence of asbestos and they must implement adequate control measures. They must also have a written plan of work for any work that could see someone disturb asbestos.

Online Asbestos Awareness Training

Here at iHasco, we offer an online Asbestos Awareness Training course. It’s designed for anyone who might potentially come into contact with asbestos at work.

The course, which is divided into two sections, covers key areas surrounding asbestos awareness and how to safely work in places where asbestos is present.

The IOSH and IATP approved course can be completed in just 35 minutes, and it provides the user with a printable certificate upon completion.

You can claim a free, no-obligation trial to the course today!