Asbestos Matters - no other matters just Asbestos Matters

We are excited to launch a comprehensive 4-part blog series designed to help you understand your responsibilities in managing asbestos. Navigating asbestos management can indeed feel like a 'minefield', especially for employers and building owners with extensive health & safety duties aimed at protecting employees from various hazards.

From slips, trips, and falls to work at height, electrical hazards, and confined spaces, the list of potential dangers in a workplace is extensive. When you add asbestos to this list, the complexity increases. However, it's crucial to ensure your building or workplace is safe from harm for your workers or contractors engaged in activities in your buildings.

Unlike immediate injuries caused by more apparent hazards, asbestos has a more insidious nature. The inhalation of asbestos fibres might not cause immediate physical harm, but over time — anywhere between 10 to 50 years — these fibres can cause significant scar tissue in the lungs, leading to severe lung function problems or even death.

It's imperative for you as an employer or building owner to manage the asbestos in your buildings effectively and proactively. But how is this achieved? The process starts with conducting the correct asbestos survey and concludes with a comprehensive management plan.

We invite you to read parts 2-4 of our series, where we aim to demystify the process and guide you through the complexities of asbestos management. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and tools to create a safe and compliant workplace.

At UKASL, we offer a range of online asbestos awareness courses and onsite training, all approved and accredited by IATP, RoSPA, and ASPS, and as UKATA training providers. We also provide specialised training like the 'Duty to Manage Asbestos (Appointed Person)' course for duty holders and the 'UKATA & IATP Non Licensed Asbestos Removal Course', ensuring you and your team are fully equipped to handle asbestos safely and comply with regulations.

Stay tuned for the next parts of our series, and learn how to navigate the challenges of asbestos management with confidence and competence.

Every year, over 4,000 workers are affected by asbestos-related diseases, leading to an alarming number of fatalities. These diseases are not just a concern of the past but continue to impact numerous lives, disproving the misconception that they are merely 'an old man's disease'. Families are still grappling with the consequences of exposure to asbestos.

For years, the Control of Asbestos Regulations have mandated employers and self-employed individuals to undergo statutory training to protect themselves and their employees from asbestos exposure at work. Since our inception in 2003, The Asbestos Specialists have led the way in asbestos-related training, consistently delivering the highest standard of training to our clients and their employees.

Our commitment to maintaining excellence and meeting client needs is central to our business growth strategy.

We now hold IATP approval

Quality has always been our guiding principle at The Asbestos Specialists, striving to uphold our status as the UK's leading asbestos training provider. We are delighted to announce our recent accreditation by The Independent Training Providers (IATP) following a successful audit of our Non-Licensed Works with ACMs and NNLW training courses. This latest endorsement adds to our existing accreditations with UKATA and RoSPA, affirming the quality of our online asbestos awareness training course.

Our Managing Director Les Cooper commented on this achievement:

“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."

If you require training in Non-Licensed Works with ACMs or Asbestos Awareness (available both face-to-face and online), do not hesitate to contact us for a competitive quote. An added benefit for clients who do not require a UKATA certificate is that our IATP-certified asbestos awareness course does not have an expiry date, as this is not a legal requirement.

Explore our range of courses, including our onsite asbestos awareness training, the 'Duty to Manage Asbestos (Appointed Person)' training course for duty holders, and our 'UKATA & IATP Non Licensed Asbestos Removal Course'. At The Asbestos Specialists, we are dedicated to equipping you with the knowledge and skills to safely manage and work with asbestos, in line with the highest industry standards.

In today's fast-paced business world, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount, particularly in employee training. Traditional training methods can be both time-consuming and costly. For organisations seeking to meet their health and safety obligations, online asbestos awareness training stands out as an advantageous solution. In this article, we delve into how online training can save time and money for your business while ensuring the highest standards of asbestos safety.

Flexibility in Scheduling

One of the main challenges with traditional training sessions is coordinating schedules. On-site training demands all employees to be available at a specific time and location, often disrupting regular work. In contrast, online asbestos awareness training allows for a flexible completion of courses, enabling employees to seamlessly blend learning into their daily activities.

Reduction in Operational Costs

Online training significantly reduces various expenses, such as fees for trainers, venue rentals, and material printing. With our online asbestos courses, these overheads are nearly eliminated, offering digital access to all study materials and assessments, thus cutting costs further.

Consistency in Training Quality

Uniformity in training quality is crucial for adhering to health and safety regulations. Our online asbestos awareness training ensures every participant receives the same high-quality resources, a consistency that can be challenging to achieve with varying on-site training methods and expertise.

Easy Updates and Compliance Tracking

Asbestos management laws and best practices are constantly evolving. Online courses are readily updated to reflect these changes, ensuring your staff are trained according to the most current guidelines. Additionally, digital records simplify compliance tracking, making audits and inspections more efficient.

Customised Learning Paths

Online training platforms often allow for the customisation of learning paths to suit individual or organisational needs. Tailoring modules to your industry makes the training process more relevant and efficient.

Why Choose Our Online Asbestos Awareness Training?

Our courses, designed by leading asbestos specialists, comply with all UK regulations, including the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. They feature interactive modules and realistic scenarios, providing a comprehensive and user-friendly learning experience.

The training is self-paced, enabling employees to complete modules at their convenience. Our advanced Learning Management System makes tracking progress and compliance straightforward. Opting for our online asbestos awareness training is a practical, efficient choice for any business committed to asbestos safety and awareness.

Today marks a significant milestone for the Asbestos Specialists! We are thrilled to announce our membership with The British Safety Council.

The Vision of The British Safety Council:

The British Safety Council is committed to ensuring that nobody is injured or made ill at work. Their mission is to help employers achieve the highest Health and Safety standards as required by law, thereby protecting both staff and the business's bottom line.

Their approach involves offering the right courses to those in need, leveraging insights from a global network of Health and Safety professionals. The British Safety Council is dedicated to campaigning and influencing for better Health and Safety, motivated by the well-being of people, not financial profit.

Comment from UK Asbestos Specialists Managing Director, Les Cooper, on joining the British Safety Council:

"With my over 20 years of experience in occupational health & safety across various sectors, I have always valued the exceptional work of The British Safety Council in promoting safe working environments. Our membership is a declaration of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, a journey we started in late 2010."

A statement of dedication...

"This membership not only signifies our commitment to advancing health & safety in our workplaces but also provides us with a vast resource of information and support in all areas of occupational health & safety."

At UKASL, we are dedicated to offering high-quality asbestos awareness training and expertise. Our courses are approved and accredited by IATP, RoSPA, ASPS, and as UKATA training providers, we maintain the highest standards of training and information, vital for managing asbestos safely and effectively.

To learn more about our courses and how we can help you manage asbestos, visit our course pages:

- Online Asbestos Awareness Courses
- Onsite Asbestos Awareness Courses
- Duty to Manage Asbestos Training
- UKATA & IATP Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal Course

Our partnership with the British Safety Council further strengthens our commitment to providing top-tier training and support, ensuring the highest standards of health and safety in workplaces dealing with asbestos.

Asbestos is a topic laden with myths and misconceptions, often perpetuating a dangerous ignorance about its risks. Debunking these myths is crucial for informed decision-making, especially in fields requiring regular interaction with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Myth 1: Asbestos Is Banned, So It's No Longer a Problem

While it's true that the UK banned the use of asbestos in 1999, many older buildings still contain it. Until these structures undergo complete asbestos abatement, the threat remains.

Myth 2: All Asbestos Is Dangerous

Asbestos is hazardous when its fibres are airborne. Intact, well-maintained ACMs generally do not pose immediate risks. However, disturbances during renovations or deteriorations can release fibres, making awareness training vital.

Myth 3: Masks Offer Complete Protection

Ordinary dust masks offer little to no protection against asbestos fibres. Specialised respirators and protective gear are necessary, knowledge of which is imparted in quality training courses like our Online Asbestos Awareness Training.

Myth 4: It’s Easy to Identify Asbestos

Asbestos can't be identified by visual inspection alone. Professional testing is the only reliable method, reinforcing the need for proper training to manage potential risks.

Myth 5: A Little Exposure Won’t Hurt

Asbestos exposure has a cumulative effect. Even minor, repeated exposures can lead to severe respiratory conditions over time. It's crucial not to underestimate the risks involved.

Empower Yourself with Knowledge

Understanding the realities of asbestos is the first step towards effective management and safety. As property managers, or indeed anyone likely to come into contact with ACMs, you owe it to yourself and others to be as informed as possible. Our Online Asbestos Awareness Training is designed to debunk myths and equip you with the practical knowledge required to navigate the complexities of asbestos management safely.

In conclusion, asbestos awareness training is not a checkbox to tick off but a vital investment in safety and compliance. Whether you are battling myths or upholding your legal responsibilities as a property manager, our online training serves as a comprehensive solution to your asbestos-related concerns. With flexible learning schedules and up-to-date information, there has never been a better time to invest in your safety and peace of mind.

In today's competitive and fast-paced construction landscape, safety should never be compromised. One crucial aspect often overlooked is asbestos awareness training. While asbestos use has significantly declined due to its health risks, it remains a present danger in older buildings and construction materials. This makes asbestos awareness not just beneficial but indispensable for anyone involved in the construction industry.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used for its strength and fire-resistant properties. However, when its fibres become airborne and are inhaled, they can lead to severe health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. This makes it imperative for construction workers to understand the hazards associated with asbestos and how to deal with them safely.

Regulatory Compliance

In the UK, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 stipulates that employers must provide adequate training to workers who are likely to be exposed to asbestos. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines or even legal repercussions, making asbestos awareness training not just an ethical but also a legal requirement.

The Role of Online Asbestos Awareness Training

While traditional training programmes are still prevalent, online asbestos awareness training courses are increasingly becoming the norm. They offer flexibility, allowing participants to complete the course at their convenience. This is particularly beneficial for construction firms operating on tight schedules.

UKASL’s online asbestos awareness training modules are designed to impart comprehensive knowledge tailored to the unique needs of construction professionals. By investing in our training, you not only ensure compliance with legal standards but also equip your workforce with the skills needed to identify and manage asbestos-related risks effectively.

Skill Building and Practical Benefits

A well-rounded asbestos awareness training programme focuses on:

• Identifying different types of asbestos and their uses


• Understanding the health risks associated with asbestos exposure


• Recognising asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the workplace


• Implementing safe work practices to minimise risk

These skills not only protect your employees but also safeguard your business from potential liabilities.  UKASL provides comprehensive accredited and approved online and onsite asbestos awareness training throughout the UK and our mobile internet technology will allow you or your employees to access the court at home, office or even on the move using 5G and wifi technology.

Just recently implemented and still going through a transitional time scale to allow compliance, we thought it would be a good idea to let our extensive list of corporate clients know about the main changes to the Construction Design &
Management Regulations (CDM).

1.

The Regulations have created a new position/role called the “Principal Designer’. The role of principal designer doesn’t have to be an individual; it can also be an organisation. To fulfil the role of the Principal Designer, the person or the organisation must be a designer on the project and be in a position to have control and influence over the design. The Principal Designer will have the authority to influence the management of health and safety on the CDM project.

It is anticipated that the Principal Designer will be an existing member of the design team and will have responsibility for the pre-construction phase of the project.

2.

With these new Regulations the role of the CDM Co-ordinator is to be removed. The ‘old role’ of the CDM Co-ordinator will be split between the Principal Designer, the client and the Principal Contractor.

3.

An important note to make is that under CDM 2015 the client is given more responsibility. These additional responsibilities/duties are intended to reflect their ability to set standards for a project and to increase their influence on the health and safety aspects throughout the life of a CDM project.

4.

Without many of the older exemptions its important to know that all of CDM 2015 will apply to projects, this is whether or not they are notifiable.

5.

Under the new CDM 2015 Regulations the notification requirements have been revised. Now its important that you know that the project needs to be notified to the HSE where it is scheduled to last more than 30 working days and have more than 20 workers on site at the same time (this is at any point in the project), or where it exceeds 500 person days. This change will mean that fewer projects will require the project notification. With regards to the notification it is now the client’s duty to ensure that this happens, if appropriate. The application of the notification will no longer give rise to any additional duties.

6.

In the previous CDM Regulations of 2007, only notifiable projects will have required a CDM co-ordinator, now however under the new CDM 2015 Regulations a principal designer MUST be appointed whenever there is more than one contractor working on a project.

7.

The previous duty laid down within CDM Regulations 2007, which applied to those appointing Duty-holders to ensure their competence is now amended. The requirement in CDM Regulations 2015 is now to ensure that they have the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and (where appropriate) organisational capability to fulfil the role that they are being appointed to.

8.

CDM 2015 will apply to all clients i.e. anyone for whom a construction project is carried out and so domestic clients will now also have duties under the Regulations (although those duties will differ from the duties on commercial clients). Domestic clients will be able to delegate their duties to a contractor or the principal designer.

Our Management of asbestos training courses will of course reflect these changes, we will also include these changes in our Management refresher courses, and our industry leading Duty to Manage Asbestos courses which are available online or at venues across the UK. If you need more information, just give our professional training advice team a call!

Trade Associations sit at the heart of their industry and offer many benefits to members. These benefits include money saving activities such as free advice on many issues, access to special rates through affinity services and regulatory cost avoidance, which can often cost a significant sum of money on the open market.

Associations are seen as the voice of their sector and able to represent all their members at every level. Associations therefore provide government and other authorities with the peace of mind that they are getting a fully considered view of what is good for the sector. This is an extremely powerful asset for members and as the membership base grows so does the Trade Association’s authority.

Associations are trusted and central to their industry. This means they can uniquely offer a wide range of information and services nobody else can easily provide in a range of communications methods.

This can include collation of sensitive information to provide an industry wide statistical report service, or the management of a consumer code of conduct. Associations are often in a position to offer specialist advice, particularly of a technical or legal and commercial nature, which are not necessarily readily available to small and medium sized organisations.

Some will also offer a consultancy service or an expert witness service on behalf of members if necessary. Associations often undertake specific projects, which benefit members or the industry as a whole.

Members would have an excellent opportunity to become involved first hand and influence the outcome of these projects should they choose to. Associations facilitate the opportunity for members to network with their peers at conferences, Exhibitions and other events whilst they are learning about issues which may affect their business.
Associations provide immediate updates regarding changes in industry technical standards, policy and news which are disseminated to members and provide an early warning system with advice on how to deal with the issues which may be encountered as a result.

Associations often offer commercial benefits through negotiated deals with approved suppliers. Some Trade Associations negotiate excellent deals with suppliers for products, which their members may wish to utilise. Typically these may include preferential rates for insurance, road recovery for fleet vehicles, health and safety and employment law services. Enhancement of a company’s reputation often follows joining a Trade Association. For many industries, membership of the industry association is seen as a badge of quality, particularly for those industries which are heavily regulated such as the asbestos awareness and asbestos removal industries.


UKasl are now fully audited by IATP for Non Licensed Removal and On-line Asbestos Awareness. Please see page 4: http://www.iatp.org.uk/location-results/

A ‘trade association’, also known as an ‘industry trade group’, ‘business association’ or ‘sector association’, is an organisation founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry sector.

As far back as 2007 The Asbestos Specialists were involved in the first attempt by training providers, in conjunction with the Health & Safety Executive to raise standards in the asbestos training industry with founder member status of The Asbestos Training Providers Working Group (ATPWG). This working group established a code of conduct which training providers committed to prove competence and improve the standards of training offered.

The Asbestos Specialists were one of the founder members of the two main trade associations, (IATP and UKATA) which promote high level of standards to their members by way of stringent entry requirements. These trade associations liaise with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) on a regular basis, keeping up to date with legislation and guidance changes.

Although close contact between these two trade associations (UKATA & IATP) and the HSE is maintained, neither association is ‘favoured’ or endorsed by them. Trade associations are not government bodies, nor are they to act as enforcement; they promote through the membership a higher level training standards to benefit those who undergo the training from the members of that respective trade association.

There are NO current legal requirements or PLANNED legal requirements for asbestos training providers to be a member of ANY trade association such as UKATA or IATP to be able to offer or carry out asbestos training courses. We as a training provider are members of both of these associations, we are audited by these organisations and these audits will show that we are a ‘competent’ training provider in the delivery and content of various courses we offer.

What does this mean to you?
Well simply put it means you can be assured that the courses we offer either by way of our online systems or face to face are of the highest standard giving you peace of mind and ensuring your employees get the training they need to keep them safe from the hazards of asbestos whilst working on site.
Take a look around our site, choose your course, give us a call, we are here to advise you and help you make the right choice!

Historically training your employees in any form has always been seen as an expensive, time consuming and at sometimes-inconvenient burden on even the smallest of organisations. As the UK comes out of one of the hardest recessions in history and companies are finding their way into profitability again, training is just another consideration for budgetary considerations.

The traditional method of classroom-based training is now beginning to be seen as an unsatisfactory and non cost effective means of education for employees………now alternatives are available. When setting training programmes and allocating budgets for training, companies need to consider the cost of training against other areas of expenditure within the business.

So what is the alternative?
In recent times it has become evident that e-learning can play a significant role in organisational learning strategies and in turn can have a major impact on company performance. E- Learning’s ability to reduce costs and provide a more efficient delivery of learning is fast becoming a necessity for many organisations. This is backed by the HSE’s recent recognition of e-learning as a viable delivery method for Asbestos Awareness Training.

So what are the benefits of e-learning?
• Self-paced 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
• Self-paced 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
• There is no travel time.
• No subsistence costs.
• Training at times to suit you.
• No downtime.
• Proven increased knowledge retention.

The Asbestos Specialists have developed an innovative UKATA approved Asbestos Awareness e-learning course, replicating the classroom-based training they provide both in technical content and style. The course is both cost effective and operationally beneficial to organisations with the assurance that the content is both engaging and of the highest industry standards. If you have a requirement for asbestos awareness training, there’s no one better placed to help you comply with your legal duties than The Asbestos Specialists………we know training, so you’ll know asbestos.