Why do I need Asbestos Awareness Training?
Workers and their supervisors must be able to recognise asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and know what to do if they come across them.
The best way to protect themselves, and avoid exposure to harmful material, is to undergo asbestos awareness training. It could save their lives. Courses run by the Asbestos Awareness Certificate Company educate those at risk from disturbing asbestos or an item that might contain it.
Why is asbestos dangerous?
Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause several serious diseases, most of which affect the lungs or their lining. These include mesothelioma and lung cancer, and other conditions such as asbestosis and pleural thickening.
Asbestos-related illnesses typically take years to develop, and the death rate increased annually for most of the past half-century. According to figures published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), over 5,000 people died from an asbestos-related disease in 2019.
Mesothelioma caused almost half of those.
Is asbestos awareness training a legal requirement?
In short, yes, it is.
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (Regulation 10) compels employers to arrange training for workers that are likely to be exposed to asbestos. The requirement also applies to their managers or supervisors.
Many people won't know what asbestos looks like, which is why our asbestos awareness courses, whether delivered on-site or via e-learning, provide the information and instruction that those individuals need to work safely.
Who needs asbestos awareness training?
Our courses, approved by the Independent Asbestos Training Providers (IATP) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), are for workers that might encounter asbestos but are not required to handle it as part of their day-to-day role.
You can find a list of job roles requiring asbestos awareness training here. Self-employed workers should make sure they have the right level of instruction to protect themselves and to minimise the risk to others.
