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Asbestos Matters - no other matters just Asbestos Matters

Established in 2006, Asbestos Matters is the most informative and independent news page for the asbestos
training related sector.


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The True Cost of Asbestos Awareness Training – What’s Included?





The True Cost of Asbestos Awareness Training – What’s Included? | UKASL




The True Cost of Asbestos Awareness Training – What’s Included?



Searching for the best value asbestos awareness course? Sensible. Prices vary a lot, and the cheapest option isn’t always the bargain it looks like. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’re paying for, what’s usually included, and how to keep costs down without compromising quality or compliance.



What Drives the Price?



  • Delivery method: Online (self-paced) is typically cheaper than classroom/onsite.

  • Accreditation: Recognised approvals (e.g., IATP, RoSPA) add assurance and are often required by clients/frameworks.

  • Support & admin: Learner support, certificate handling, and company reporting/MI.

  • Assessment & re-sits: Whether test attempts and re-sits are included.

  • Volume: Discounts for teams or multi-course bundles.



Typical UK Price Ranges (Guide)


(These are typical market ranges, not a quote. Always check what’s included.)



  • Online Asbestos Awareness (Category A): approx. £15–£45 per learner

  • Classroom/Onsite Awareness (per person): approx. £60–£150 (depends on group size/location)

  • Private Group/Onsite Day Rate: often £400–£1,200+ per session (capacity and travel vary)



What’s Usually Included



  • Full course content aligned to HSE expectations for awareness (Category A)

  • Assessment/exam (typically multiple choice)

  • Digital certificate on successful completion

  • Evidence trail (timestamps, scores) for audits and supply-chain checks

  • Basic learner support (email or chat) and password reset/account help



Hidden Costs to Watch For



  • VAT: Check if prices are shown ex. or inc. VAT.

  • Re-sit fees: Are extra attempts charged?

  • Certificate charges: Is the digital certificate included? Any fee for re-issues?

  • Time away from work: Classroom means travel, mileage, and downtime.

  • Minimum numbers/Call-out: For onsite training, small groups can push up the per-head cost.



Why Online Often Saves Money



  • No travel or venue costs: Learners complete the course wherever they are.

  • Less downtime: Courses can be done in short sessions around shifts/jobs.

  • Instant results: Immediate certificates keep projects moving.

  • Scales well for teams: Bulk enrolments and central reporting cut admin time.



Quality & Compliance Still Matter


Saving money is great; saving money while staying compliant is the goal. Look for:



  • Recognised approvals: IATP and/or RoSPA for asbestos awareness.

  • Clear syllabus mapping: Properties of asbestos, ACM recognition, avoiding disturbance, emergency actions.

  • Proper assessment: A test that validates learning (not just a tick-box).

  • Audit-ready records: Useful when clients or frameworks ask for proof.



How UKASL Keeps Costs Predictable



  • IATP-approved and RoSPA-assured awareness courses

  • Instant digital certificates included

  • Bulk enrolment & MI for businesses (easy reporting)

  • Online first for speed and lower total cost of training



Quick ROI Sense-Check


If a one-hour online course prevents just a single near-miss or day of downtime, it’s paid for itself several times over — and then some. Cheap and credible beats cheap and questionable every time.



Next Steps







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How to Choose the Right Non-Licensed Asbestos Training in 2025





How to Choose the Right Non-Licensed Asbestos Training in 2025 | UKASL




How to Choose the Right Non-Licensed Asbestos Training in 2025



If your team may disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) during work — but the tasks don’t require a licensed contractor — you’re looking at non-licensed or notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW). Picking the right training isn’t just a tick-box; it’s how you keep people safe and jobs compliant.



Non-Licensed vs Notifiable Non-Licensed (NNLW): What’s the Difference?



  • Non-licensed work covers lower-risk tasks on certain ACMs where the material is in good condition and fibres are unlikely to be released if proper controls are used (e.g., lifting intact floor tiles, drilling through textured coatings with control measures).

  • NNLW is still non-licensed, but must be notified to the enforcing authority because the risk is higher (e.g., more frequent work, poorer-condition ACMs, or methods likely to release more fibres). Extra record-keeping and health surveillance can apply.



If you’re unsure which category your work falls under, get competent advice — or ask us and we’ll help you assess it.



Who Needs Non-Licensed/NNLW Training?



  • Trades: electricians, plumbers, joiners, decorators, roofers, flooring installers

  • FM/maintenance teams: caretakers, voids teams, responsive repairs

  • Supervisors and managers who plan or oversee work on ACMs

  • Duty holders and coordinators involved in RAMS and notifications



What a Good Course Should Cover



  • Risk basics: asbestos types, health effects, recognising ACMs

  • Task categorisation: licensed vs non-licensed vs NNLW

  • Controls and methods of work: wetting, shadow vacs/H-class extraction, mini-enclosures, RAAC and common building scenarios

  • RPE/PPE: selection, pre-use checks, face-fit considerations, maintenance

  • Decontamination and waste: decon procedures, double-bagging, carriage and disposal rules

  • Emergency actions: accidental disturbance, incident response, reporting

  • Paperwork: risk assessments, plans of work, NNLW notifications, health surveillance records

  • Assessment: competence checks via test and (ideally) practical elements



How to Choose the Right Provider in 2025



  • Approval you can show clients: Pick an IATP-approved provider so buyers and principal contractors recognise the qualification instantly.

  • Course fit: Make sure content aligns to the tasks you actually do (e.g., textured coatings, floor tiles, cement sheets).

  • Format: Awareness can be online; non-licensed/NNLW typically includes practical elements — check there’s hands-on or realistic demonstrations.

  • Certification speed: Instant digital certificates keep projects moving and satisfy site gate checks.

  • Refresher plan: Expect annual refreshers (or sooner if risks or roles change). Providers should help schedule and evidence this.



Benefits of Choosing an IATP-Approved Provider



  • Credibility: Independent audit/verification of training quality

  • Compliance confidence: Courses mapped to HSE expectations for non-licensed/NNLW

  • Supply-chain acceptance: Recognised across construction, FM, local authorities and housing providers

  • Operational convenience: Online theory where appropriate, with practicals delivered efficiently for teams



How Long Does the Certificate Last?


There’s no fixed legal expiry, but competence must be maintained. In practice, most clients expect a certificate dated within the last 12 months, especially for NNLW. Refresh sooner after incidents, method changes or long gaps in exposure.



Get Your Team Ready


UKASL delivers IATP-approved non-licensed and NNLW training for individuals and teams, with clear methods of work, practical demonstrations and instant certification.







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IATP vs UKATA Asbestos Awareness – Which Certificate Is Right for You?





IATP vs UKATA Asbestos Awareness – Which Certificate Is Right for You? | UKASL




IATP vs UKATA Asbestos Awareness – Which Certificate Is Right for You?



If you’re booking asbestos awareness training, you’ll quickly see two familiar names: IATP and UKATA. Both are widely recognised in the UK, and both can help you demonstrate compliance. So which certificate is right for you or your team? Here’s the practical, no-nonsense comparison.



At a Glance: The Key Differences











































Area IATP Asbestos Awareness UKATA Asbestos Awareness
What it is Approval/verification of training providers via audit; courses mapped to HSE expectations for awareness (Category A). Trade association with set syllabuses and provider membership; courses mapped to HSE expectations for awareness (Category A).
Recognition Widely accepted across construction, FM, maintenance and public sector frameworks. Widely accepted across construction, FM, maintenance and public sector frameworks.
Course formats Online or classroom, depending on provider; assessment usually multiple-choice. Online or classroom (via approved providers); assessment usually multiple-choice.
Certificate Instant digital certificate from the provider; employer verification via provider records. Certificate issued by the approved provider; employer verification via provider or UKATA checks.
Refresher expectation Typically every 12 months (best practice/risk-based). Typically every 12 months (best practice/risk-based).
Who usually requests it Main contractors, FM firms, local authorities, housing and education. Main contractors, FM firms, utilities, large construction frameworks.


What Employers and Clients Actually Check


On site, gatekeepers want three things: proof you’ve completed a current asbestos awareness course; that it aligns to HSE guidance; and that it’s from a credible provider. Many buyers accept either IATP or UKATA. Some frameworks or clients name a preference in their pre-qualification paperwork — so if a tender specifies one, use that to keep life simple.



Which Should You Choose?



  • Choose IATP if your client accepts IATP or “equivalent” and you want a fast, flexible online route with instant certification.

  • Choose UKATA if your buyer or framework specifically asks for UKATA, or your supply-chain policy calls it out by name.

  • Either is fine if there’s no named requirement — focus on provider quality, support and certificate turnaround.



What Good Asbestos Awareness Training Covers



  • Asbestos properties and health risks (including routes of exposure)

  • Common asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and where they’re found

  • How to avoid disturbing ACMs during typical tasks

  • Emergency actions if suspect materials are damaged or discovered

  • Roles, responsibilities and basics of the Duty to Manage



Online vs Classroom: Which Format Works Best?


Online is ideal for individuals and dispersed teams who need speed, flexibility and minimal downtime. Classroom/onsite suits groups who want Q&A, supervisor discussion, or site-specific emphasis. Both formats can meet HSE expectations when delivered by an approved provider and assessed properly.



Common Questions


Is one certificate “more valid” than the other?


For awareness (Category A), both routes are broadly accepted by UK employers. Follow your client’s specification where it exists; otherwise choose on convenience and provider quality.



How often do I need a refresher?


Best practice is every 12 months, or sooner if your role, risks or procedures change. Many sites will ask to see a certificate dated within the last year.



Does awareness allow me to remove asbestos?


No. Awareness (Category A) helps you recognise and avoid asbestos. Working on ACMs requires additional training (e.g., Non-Licensed or Licensed) and different refresher expectations.



Get Certified with UKASL


UKASL delivers IATP-approved and RoSPA-assured asbestos awareness training online — quick to book, easy to complete, with instant digital certificates. Need UKATA specifically? Talk to us and we’ll advise on the best route for your project or framework.



Start your asbestos awareness course today.






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Asbestos Refresher Training – Who Needs It and Why It Matters





Asbestos Refresher Training – Who Needs It and Why It Matters | UKASL




Asbestos Refresher Training – Who Needs It and Why It Matters



Whether you work in construction, maintenance, facilities management, or any trade with potential exposure to asbestos, your knowledge must remain current. That’s where asbestos refresher training comes in. Even if you’ve passed your awareness course before, skills fade — and so does awareness of updated regulations.



Is Refresher Training a Legal Requirement?


Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations, refresher training is required whenever there is a need to maintain competence. The law doesn’t fix a time limit, but the HSE recommends annual refreshers for most workers who could encounter asbestos.



Some roles or accreditation schemes (e.g., UKATA, IATP, CHAS) make annual training mandatory as part of their compliance requirements.



Who Should Take Asbestos Refresher Training?


Refresher asbestos awareness is generally recommended for:



  • Tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians, joiners, and decorators

  • Construction site workers and supervisors

  • Facilities and maintenance staff

  • Duty holders and property managers under the ‘Duty to Manage’ regulations

  • Anyone with Category B (Non-Licensed Work) asbestos qualifications



When to Refresh Sooner Than Annually


You should not wait for the 12-month mark if:



  • Your role changes to involve more frequent asbestos exposure risks

  • New equipment, materials, or working methods are introduced

  • An incident, near miss, or safety audit flags knowledge gaps

  • Regulations or best practice guidance is updated



Why Refresher Training Matters



  • Reinforces key safety behaviours — helps prevent costly mistakes on site

  • Updates your knowledge — keeps you aligned with current legislation

  • Protects your health — asbestos-related diseases can be fatal and preventable

  • Maintains employability — many contracts require proof of recent training



Choosing the Right Refresher Course


When selecting a course, check for:



  • Accreditation: Look for UKATA, IATP, or RoSPA approval to ensure quality

  • Relevance: Content should reflect your work type (awareness vs. non-licensed removal)

  • Convenience: Online courses are ideal for quick completion; classroom options suit team delivery

  • Assessment: A short test confirms competence and issues a fresh certificate



UKASL Refresher Options


We offer online and onsite asbestos refresher training designed for individuals and teams. All courses are RoSPA-assured and IATP-approved, with instant certificate downloads on completion.



Book your refresher asbestos awareness training today and stay compliant, safe, and informed.





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Do Asbestos Awareness Certificates Expire? Your 2025 Guide





Do Asbestos Awareness Certificates Expire? Your 2025 Guide | UKASL




Do Asbestos Awareness Certificates Expire? Your 2025 Guide



Short answer: there’s no fixed legal expiry date for asbestos awareness certificates under UK law. But most employers still expect a 12-month refresher. Here’s how the rules, best practice, and real-world expectations line up in 2025.



The Legal Position (UK)


The Control of Asbestos Regulations require employers to make sure anyone who may encounter asbestos receives adequate information, instruction and training. The law does not set a specific expiry period for asbestos awareness (Category A) certificates or mandate annual retraining.



However, regulators expect training to remain current and effective. If work practices change, new risks emerge, or performance dips, employers must provide refresher training at an appropriate interval.



Industry Best Practice in 2025



  • Annual refresher is the norm: Most organisations schedule a 12-month refresher cycle to keep knowledge sharp and satisfy client pre-qualification checks.

  • Risk-based frequency: High-risk roles (frequent refurbishment, responsive maintenance, unknown premises) may justify more frequent updates; low-exposure roles may extend intervals if competence is evidenced.

  • Format can be flexible: Refresher training can be delivered online if it properly reinforces key knowledge and confirms understanding.



What Employers and Clients Expect


Regardless of the strict legal wording, many employers, principal contractors and scheme auditors ask for proof of training within the last 12 months. That expectation often appears in:



  • Site induction and permit-to-work checks

  • PQQs and supply-chain audits

  • Framework and insurance requirements



Bottom line: if you need site access or work on managed estates, assume you’ll be asked for a certificate dated within the past year.



How Long Is My Certificate “Valid” For?


Technically, it remains valid until your competence can no longer be assured. Practically, treat it as 12 months unless your employer’s risk assessment says otherwise. Some accreditation schemes and providers explicitly mark certificates with 1-year validity as part of their rules; others don’t put an expiry date on the document but still recommend yearly refreshers.



When Should I Refresh Sooner?



  • You’re moving into a role with more frequent disturbance risks.

  • You’ve had a long gap since last asbestos-related work.

  • There’s been a near miss or incident on your team.

  • New materials, procedures or legislation have been introduced.



Awareness vs. Working with Asbestos


Category A (Awareness) training helps you recognise asbestos and avoid disturbing it. It does not qualify you to work on asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). If your job involves disturbing ACMs, you’ll need additional training (e.g., Non-Licensed or Licensed) and different refresher requirements.



What a Good Refresher Covers



  • Properties, risks and health effects

  • Common ACM locations in buildings

  • How to avoid disturbance during typical tasks

  • Emergency procedures if ACMs are found or damaged

  • Updates to guidance, procedures or employer controls



Renew Your Training with UKASL


Need to renew? UKASL offers RoSPA-assured and IATP-approved asbestos awareness courses online. Most learners finish in under two hours with an instant digital certificate. Easy for individuals; scalable for teams.



Book or renew your asbestos awareness training.





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Asbestos Awareness Test – What to Expect and How to Pass





Asbestos Awareness Test – What to Expect and How to Pass




Asbestos Awareness Test – What to Expect and How to Pass



The asbestos awareness test is a key part of completing your training and gaining certification. Whether you’re taking it online or in person, knowing the structure and types of questions you’ll face can make all the difference to your confidence and results.



Why the Test Matters


The test ensures you have understood the core principles of asbestos awareness and can apply them in real-life situations. Passing demonstrates compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations and helps employers meet their legal obligations.



Test Structure and Format


While the exact format may vary depending on your training provider, most asbestos awareness exams follow a similar structure:



  • Number of questions: Typically 15–30 multiple choice questions

  • Time limit: Often 20–40 minutes

  • Pass mark: Usually 80% or higher

  • Question style: Multiple choice, true/false, or short answer



Example Question Topics


You can expect questions covering:



  • Identifying common asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)

  • Health risks from asbestos exposure

  • Legal duties of employers and employees

  • Safe working practices to avoid disturbance

  • Emergency procedures if asbestos is discovered



Tips for Passing the Test



  1. Review the course materials thoroughly: Focus on the key facts and examples given in training.

  2. Pay attention to regulations: Many questions relate directly to legal requirements.

  3. Practice with sample questions: These help you get used to the format and timing.

  4. Read each question carefully: Avoid rushing — some answers are similar and require close attention.

  5. Stay calm: Anxiety can affect your concentration. Take a deep breath and pace yourself.



After the Test


If you pass, you’ll receive your asbestos awareness certificate, which is valid for the recommended duration set by your accrediting body. If you don’t pass first time, most providers allow you to retake the exam after additional study.



Final Thoughts


The asbestos awareness test is straightforward if you’ve engaged with your training. By preparing well and understanding the topics in advance, you can approach it with confidence and ensure you meet your compliance requirements.





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New Approval for our training courses.





The Asbestos Specialists Achieve IATP Accreditation | UKASL




The Asbestos Specialists Achieve IATP Accreditation



Every year, over 4,000 workers in the UK are affected by asbestos-related diseases — many of which prove fatal. These illnesses are not confined to the past, nor are they simply “an old man's disease”. Families continue to deal with the devastating consequences of asbestos exposure to this day.



To protect workers and the public, the Control of Asbestos Regulations require both employers and self-employed individuals to complete statutory asbestos training. Since our founding in 2003, The Asbestos Specialists have been committed to providing expert asbestos-related training to help meet this legal requirement.



Delivering high-quality, reliable training remains central to our business — and to our mission of keeping workers safe from harm.



Now Fully Approved by IATP



We are proud to announce that The Asbestos Specialists have recently been accredited by the Independent Asbestos Training Providers (IATP), following a successful audit of our Non-Licensed Works (NLW) and Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW) training courses.



This new endorsement joins our existing accreditations from UKATA and RoSPA, further strengthening our position as a trusted training provider. It also confirms the high quality of our online asbestos awareness training courses.



Our Managing Director, Les Cooper, commented:




“We are extremely pleased to have passed another stringent audit of our first-class training courses. IATP is a forward-thinking asbestos training approval organisation. We look forward to collaborating with them to enhance standards within the asbestos training industry.”


Training Available Online or Onsite



We offer a wide range of asbestos training courses, including both online and face-to-face delivery. For clients who do not specifically require a UKATA certificate, our IATP-certified online asbestos awareness course is a cost-effective solution — with no legal expiry date.



Explore our full range of training options:





At The Asbestos Specialists, we remain committed to providing expert training and support to help your team work safely and legally when dealing with asbestos. Whether you're looking for individual certification or company-wide compliance, we're here to help.






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A portrait of the ‘magic mineral’:





5 Surprising Facts About Asbestos | UKASL




5 Surprising Facts About Asbestos



Often referred to in graphic, ominous terms like “the hidden killer” or “deadly fibre”, asbestos still causes alarm when discovered in workplaces or homes — and for good reason. Despite legislative controls introduced from the 1930s onwards, asbestos remains the leading cause of work-related deaths in the UK and continues to affect lives globally.



Here are five surprising — and sobering — facts about asbestos that you may not know.



1. Asbestos Is a Natural Product – and Still Mined Today



Unlike many hazardous substances found in the workplace, asbestos isn’t man-made. It’s a naturally occurring silicate mineral made up of long, thin fibres, either soft and silky or needle-like, depending on the type. These fibres are extracted from rock and have been mined for centuries — and in some countries, they still are.



Russia, China, Brazil and Kazakhstan continue to mine asbestos, and up until 2011, so did Canada. In 2009 alone, over two million tonnes of asbestos fibre were mined globally.



2. Asbestos Is a Group of Six Minerals



Asbestos is not a single material — the term actually refers to six separate minerals, all with similar properties: strong, heat-resistant and chemically stable. The three types most commonly used in the UK were:




  • Chrysotile (white asbestos)

  • Amosite (brown asbestos)

  • Crocidolite (blue asbestos)



All six forms have been proven to cause long-term harm to human health. When inhaled, the microscopic fibres can become lodged in the lungs, leading to incurable diseases decades after exposure.



3. Asbestos Has Been Used for Nearly 5,000 Years



Archaeological evidence shows that asbestos was first used around 2,500 B.C. in Finland, where it was mixed with clay to strengthen pottery. Ancient civilisations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Persians also used asbestos, praising its fire-resistant properties as something close to magical.



But the industrial-scale use of asbestos didn’t begin until 1858, when the Johns Manville Company began mining asbestos for use in insulation in New York. From that point on, it became a staple material across multiple industries.



4. Asbestos Was Once Used in Cigarettes and Fake Snow



It’s hard to believe now, but in the 1950s asbestos was used in cigarette filters. Between 1953 and 1957, over 13 billion Kent Micronite cigarettes were sold worldwide — with blue asbestos used in the filter material to reduce heat and tar intake.



Earlier still, during the 1930s to 1950s, asbestos was used as fake snow in Christmas decorations. It was even used on Hollywood film sets, including The Wizard of Oz, because of its fire-resistant properties. The material we now associate with fatal illness was once marketed as a festive, family-safe product.



5. Asbestos Exposure Kills Someone Every Five Hours



As early as the 1930s, doctors understood the connection between asbestos exposure and a condition known as asbestosis. Since then, we’ve identified additional illnesses, including mesothelioma — an aggressive cancer of the lung lining caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure.



According to the British Lung Foundation and the HSE, over 2,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year in the UK. Someone dies every five hours due to asbestos-related disease. And the outlook isn’t improving: the HSE’s Projection of Mesothelioma Mortality in Great Britain predicts around 91,000 deaths from asbestos exposure between now and 2050.






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Companies and individuals should join Trade Associations because…





Why Trade Association Membership Matters in the Asbestos Industry | UKASL




Why Trade Association Membership Matters in the Asbestos Industry



Trade Associations sit at the heart of their industries and offer a wide range of benefits to members. These benefits include access to expert advice, regulatory guidance, discounted services, and enhanced professional reputation — all of which can be invaluable, especially in highly regulated sectors like asbestos awareness and removal.



Key Benefits of Trade Association Membership



For businesses operating in the asbestos industry, the advantages of joining a recognised trade body are significant. These include:




  • Free advice on compliance, legislation and best practice

  • Affinity services offering members-only discounts on essentials like insurance and HR support

  • Regulatory cost avoidance by ensuring your business stays compliant and avoids fines or enforcement



These support services often replace costly consultancy fees and give SMEs access to resources typically only available to larger organisations.



Representation and Influence



Trade Associations act as the voice of their sector. They speak on behalf of members at a national level — whether that’s to government, regulators, or public bodies. As membership grows, so does their influence. This offers peace of mind to policymakers who know they are hearing a well-represented industry perspective.



As a result, members gain indirect influence over sector-wide policy decisions and contribute to shaping the future of their industry.



Access to Expertise and Data



Associations are uniquely placed to gather and distribute valuable industry data, such as technical updates, legal advice, or statistical reports. They often provide:




  • Specialist technical, legal or commercial advice

  • Consumer codes of conduct or dispute resolution frameworks

  • Expert witness services for members when needed



In an industry like asbestos removal, where compliance is everything, this kind of guidance can be mission-critical.



Networking, Learning and Visibility



Membership opens the door to conferences, exhibitions, and working groups, giving you the opportunity to:




  • Meet industry peers and potential collaborators

  • Stay informed about upcoming regulatory or technical changes

  • Take part in projects that shape industry best practice



This helps position your business as active, informed, and forward-thinking — something clients and partners take seriously.



Commercial Deals and Cost Savings



Many associations negotiate deals with suppliers on behalf of their members, including:




  • Fleet recovery and vehicle services

  • Business insurance

  • Health and safety packages

  • Employment law support



These offers can lead to substantial long-term savings for small and medium-sized enterprises.



Reputation and Industry Credibility



Membership of a reputable Trade Association is widely recognised as a mark of quality and professionalism — especially in industries where safety and compliance are non-negotiable. For asbestos-related businesses, this reputation boost can help secure contracts and reassure clients that they’re working with an accredited provider.



UKASL's Ongoing Commitment to Compliance



We’re proud to confirm that UKASL is now fully audited by IATP for Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal and Online Asbestos Awareness training.



View our listing on the IATP website here:
http://www.iatp.org.uk/location-results/






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When an Inspector calls....





The Health & Safety Executive (HSE): Who They Are and What They Do | UKASL




The Health & Safety Executive (HSE): Who They Are and What They Do



In this series of blogs, we’re exploring the role of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) — who they are, what they do, and how they work to protect you, your employees, and the wider public from accidents and ill health in the workplace.



The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the national independent regulator for work-related health, safety, and illness in Great Britain. Established in 1975, the HSE operates in the public interest to reduce workplace fatalities and serious injuries across all sectors. It is responsible for enforcing health and safety legislation in most UK workplaces, with the exception of those regulated by Local Authorities.



Its core aim is to secure the health, safety, and welfare of people at work while protecting others from risks arising from work activities.



The HSE’s Mission



"The prevention of death, injury, and ill health to those at work and those affected by work activities."



This clear mission underpins the HSE’s role in preventing harm and creating safer working environments across every industry.



What Powers Does the HSE Have?



The HSE has wide-ranging legal powers to inspect workplaces, issue warnings, enforce compliance, and take formal legal action where necessary. Inspections may be carried out unannounced — either as part of a routine check or in response to a reported incident.



Inspectors have authority to take the following actions depending on the severity of the issue:



1. Informal Warning


For minor breaches, inspectors may issue an informal warning — usually verbal — outlining what needs to change in order to comply with the law. This is often used to encourage improvements without resorting to formal enforcement.



2. Improvement Notice


If a more serious breach is found, an improvement notice may be issued. This requires the employer to make specific changes within a set time frame (usually at least 21 days). Failure to comply can lead to prosecution.



3. Prohibition Notice


If there’s an immediate risk of serious injury, the inspector can issue a prohibition notice. This stops work on the spot and prevents it from continuing until the danger is properly dealt with.



4. Prosecution


For severe or persistent breaches, the HSE can prosecute individuals or organisations. This can result in large fines, prison sentences, or both. Recent cases have included:




  • A £160,000 fine for a fatal fall due to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

  • A £30,000 fine for failing to safely plan and carry out lifting operations under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.



What Does This Mean for Employers and Employees?



For employers, it means you are legally responsible for ensuring your workplace meets all applicable health and safety laws. This includes carrying out risk assessments, implementing safety procedures, and keeping them under review.



For employees, the HSE acts as an independent authority that helps protect your right to a safe working environment. If your workplace falls short, you have the right to raise concerns — and the HSE has the power to step in.



Stay Informed and Protected



Staying on top of your health and safety responsibilities is essential. At UKASL, we’re committed to helping you stay compliant with up-to-date training and advice. Keep an eye on our blog series as we continue to explore the work of the HSE and what it means for your business.



Stay tuned — and make sure your workplace stays safe.






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