Asbestos information, instruction and training
The Importance of Asbestos Awareness Training for Safe Work Practices
Every employer must ensure that anyone who is likely to disturb asbestos during their normal work, or who supervises those employees, receives the correct level of asbestos awareness training. This is critical so that they can work safely, competently, and without posing a risk to themselves or others.
What Kind of Information, Instruction, and Training is Required?
Workers and supervisors must be trained to recognise asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and understand what to do if they come across them. This is essential for protecting themselves and others.
There are three key levels of asbestos training that relate to:
- Asbestos awareness
- Non-licensable work with asbestos (including Notifiable Non-Licensed Work - NNLW)
- Licensable work with asbestos
Attending a course alone will not make a worker competent. Competence is developed over time, through practice, on-the-job learning, and consistent application of the knowledge gained during the course.
Tailoring Training to the Role
The level of training should match the specific roles and work each worker undertakes. Using a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) helps identify the key topics and ensure workers develop the right level of competence.
Asbestos Awareness
Asbestos awareness training gives workers the information they need to avoid work that might disturb asbestos. It is essential for any role that could disturb the fabric of a building or other asbestos-containing items. However, this training is not sufficient to allow workers to handle asbestos-containing materials.
Examples of roles that need asbestos awareness training include:
- General maintenance workers
- Electricians, plumbers, joiners, and roofers
- Painters, decorators, and plasterers
- Construction workers and shop fitters
- Gas fitters, heating engineers, and demolition workers
- Telecommunications and alarm installers
- Architects and building surveyors
Training should cover the following:
- The properties of asbestos and its effects on health, especially for smokers
- The types, uses, and occurrence of asbestos in buildings and plants
- Emergency procedures in case of asbestos dust release
- Methods for avoiding asbestos exposure
Online learning (or e-learning) is an increasingly popular method for asbestos awareness training. The HSE recognises this as a valid method, provided it meets the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the Approved Code of Practice L143.
Non-Licensable Work (Including NNLW)
Workers performing non-licensable tasks (or Notifiable Non-Licensed Work) require a higher level of training. This could include activities such as drilling into asbestos-containing materials, removing asbestos floor tiles, or repairing asbestos cement roofing. The training should include:
- Risk assessments for asbestos exposure
- Safe work practices and proper use of protective equipment
- Waste handling and emergency procedures
- Legal requirements and notifiable work conditions
Employers should provide the following information:
- Risk assessments and plans of work
- Air monitoring results, if applicable
- Maintenance records for control measures
- Face-fit test results for respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
Licensable Work with Asbestos
Most high-risk asbestos work requires a licensed contractor. Only workers and managers who have undergone specific training and have the right equipment can handle licensed asbestos work. Guidance for this training is found in the HSG 247 and Approved Code of Practice L143.
Refresher Training for Asbestos Awareness
While there is no legal requirement to refresh asbestos awareness training every 12 months, refresher training is recommended as needed. This can be delivered via e-learning, safety updates, or toolbox talks.
Refresher Training for Licensable and Non-Licensable Work
Refresher training for workers doing licensable or non-licensable work should be provided yearly or more frequently if necessary. It should include practical exercises on procedures like decontamination, use of RPE, and controlled removal techniques.
Certificates of Training
While there is no legal requirement for certificates, many training providers issue them. These certificates serve as evidence of training but are not proof of competency. Employers should keep a record of all asbestos training received by each worker.
Information for Safety Representatives
Employers should consult with safety representatives about asbestos training. If air monitoring shows that asbestos limits have been exceeded, employers must provide information on why this happened and what remedial actions were taken.
Training for Non-Employees
If asbestos work is being carried out on-site, employers have a duty to inform non-employees about the location of work, any risks, and changes to fire exits or other thoroughfares.
Selecting a Competent Trainer
Employers must ensure that training providers have adequate practical experience in the asbestos sector. The responsibility for selecting a suitable trainer lies with the employer.
