Who is required to take asbestos awareness training? 

Asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals that can be found in many older buildings. The material was often used in construction work before the risks were discovered. Exposure to asbestos presents a health risk, which is where asbestos training comes into play.  

Asbestos Awareness training is for anyone who is at risk of encountering asbestos, but does not cover how to remove asbestos, which requires a higher and more complex level of training.  

Who is asbestos awareness training suitable for?

While there are many occupations that may benefit from it, below are some common examples of who is required to take asbestos awareness training: 

• Construction workers 
• Contractors 
• Building and facilities managers 
• Painters 
• Cleaners 

Essentially, anyone who could be exposed to asbestos as part of their job or in the workplace, needs to have the right training and be able to easily recognise asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). 

How do I know if someone needs higher level training?  

While anyone who may be at risk of coming into contact with asbestos should carry out asbestos awareness training, it is not solely suitable for those who actively work with asbestos. For example, those who need to handle ACMs directly, or manage asbestos-related projects, will need a higher level of training to cover their specific requirements.  

This will involve information and training surrounding: 

• Safe work practices and control measures 
• PPE 
• Waste handling procedures 
• Legal requirements 

What does asbestos awareness training cover?  

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 sets out the expectations for employee asbestos awareness training, meaning that workers and supervisors who may be at risk of exposure to asbestos must know what to do if the situation arises.  

Asbestos awareness training covers: 

• Understanding the risks associated with asbestos exposure
• Recognising how to work safely with asbestos
• The history of asbestos regulations
• How to identify the control measures including asbestos imagery

The legal framework behind asbestos training  

Asbestos awareness training is often mandated by national and regional regulations, which requires employers to train those in the workplace who may be at risk of exposure to asbestos. While there is no legal requirement to repeat a course, it's advised that refresher training is carried out on an annual basis or more frequently if specifically required.   

Providing certification is also not a legal requirement, though this is often done to confirm attendance and for record keeping purposes, not for proof of competency.  

You can find further information on the legalities surrounding asbestos awareness training below: 

• The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (legislation.gov.uk) 
• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (legislation.gov.uk) 

What are the benefits of asbestos awareness training ?

The key benefit of asbestos awareness training is that it reduces the risk of exposure and related health risks for your workforce. Exposure to asbestos does not always result in immediate health issues – the impact can take years to become apparent which is why the right training is so important.  

Other benefits include: 

• Provides workers with the risks associated with asbestos so they know how to act accordingly 
• Offers guidance on how those potentially at risk can protect themselves and others 
• Gives workers the confidence and knowledge to handle situations correctly 

There are also unseen benefits that come with carrying out asbestos awareness training. For example, complying with regulations and protecting your workers will heavily reduce the risk of legal liabilities.  

The cost-benefit analysis of asbestos awareness training  

While the cost of investing in asbestos awareness training may be a concern, the potential costs of non-compliance could far outweigh the training fees. 

The true financial burden lies with non-compliance. The cost that can come with the exposure of asbestos and a lack of training includes  legal fees which can skyrocket if workers become ill due to exposure, and often leads to lawsuits and settlements further down the line.  

A recent news article reported that a company director must pay more than £90,000 after workers were exposed to asbestos during the demolition of a hotel in Cornwall. But the financial repercussions go beyond fines: 

• Addressing asbestos on-site after an incident can be a logistical nightmare, involving expensive removal procedures, project delays, and even halting work altogether. 
• Damage to business relationships can often be irreparable, with word of mouth often causing further harm to the reputation of the company.  

The costs associated with online access to asbestos awareness training will vary depending on the training provider and content, but it's important to understand that you are equipping your workforce with important training they require to navigate potential asbestos hazards safely and efficiently. This kind of training will protect both your employees, and your business. 

It’s also worth noting that not all training providers are the same and it’s crucial to ensure your content is credible and trusted. You may also want to consider investing in a full and comprehensive catalogue of Health and Safety eLearning to ensure your workers are fully informed on the correct regulations and actions surrounding all types of scenarios. 

While opting for just an asbestos awareness course on its own may be cheaper upfront, the long-term benefits of providing your workforce with an extensive list of courses may well offset this.  

Getting asbestos awareness training for your workers   

As we have discussed within this article, for those who are potentially going to encounter asbestos in their day to day working environment, the need for asbestos awareness training is paramount. If someone is directly encountering asbestos as part of their job, they will have additional training requirements beyond awareness and identification training. 

Once you understand the training requirements relevant to you and your workforce, the next step is to get in touch with a reputable training provider. At The Access Group, we are industry leaders in Health and Safety training, with asbestos awareness training being one of the many courses included. Our wide range of resources can help your worker be prepared and safe in the workplace.