Asbestos is still the single biggest cause of work related deaths in the UK, decades after it was banned from new use. It is present in huge numbers of older buildings, and disturbing it during maintenance or refurbishment releases fibres that can cause fatal disease years later. This guide explains what asbestos awareness training is, who needs it, and what the law requires.
Why asbestos is still a danger
Asbestos was widely used in construction until it was fully banned, so any building constructed or refurbished before the ban may contain it. It is only dangerous when disturbed, but that is exactly what happens during drilling, cutting or demolition. Because asbestos related diseases take years to develop, the risk is easy to underestimate, which is why awareness is so important.
What is asbestos awareness training?
Asbestos awareness training helps workers recognise where asbestos might be, understand the risks, and know what to do if they encounter it. It does not qualify anyone to work with or remove asbestos. Its purpose is to prevent accidental disturbance by helping people avoid it and take the right action.
Who needs asbestos awareness training?
Anyone whose work could foreseeably disturb asbestos should have awareness training. This includes a wide range of trades such as builders, electricians, plumbers, joiners, decorators and maintenance staff, as well as those who supervise them. If your work takes you into older buildings, awareness training is highly likely to apply. Our Asbestos Awareness course gives workers the knowledge to recognise and avoid the risk.
What the law requires
The Control of Asbestos Regulations require that anyone liable to disturb asbestos during their work receives suitable information, instruction and training. Employers carry the duty to provide it, and enforcement bodies treat asbestos failures very seriously given the potential consequences.
Frequently asked questions
Is asbestos awareness training a legal requirement?
Where work could disturb asbestos, the law requires suitable information, instruction and training, and employers must provide it.
Does asbestos awareness training let me remove asbestos?
No. Awareness training is about recognising and avoiding asbestos. Working with or removing asbestos requires separate, higher level training and, for many jobs, a licensed contractor.
How often should asbestos awareness training be refreshed?
Refresher training is recommended regularly, commonly on an annual basis, to keep knowledge current.
Keep your workers safe from asbestos
Awareness is the first line of defence against a hidden killer. Give your team the training to recognise and avoid asbestos.
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