Asbestos is a hazardous material that can be found in many buildings and homes. It was widely used in construction until 1999, when it was totally outlawed. It is easy to dismiss asbestos as a problem from a bygone age, but this is a mistake. The official government position is that undisturbed asbestos should be left alone rather than removed. As such, many buildings constructed before the year 2000 still contain asbestos. Workers should be extremely mindful of this risk, as around 20 tradesmen a week die of past exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos awareness training is essential for anyone who works with or comes into contact with this material. This article will provide you with an overview of what asbestos awareness training is, why it’s important, and where you can get it.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in a variety of products for many years. As a building material, asbestos was extremely useful. It was strong, cheap, sound resistant, water resistant, fire resistant and excellent at heat insulation. As a result, it was used in almost everything. You would find asbestos insulating building, sprayed onto pipes, used in cement for roofing sheets, used for floor tiles, even in car brakes.
Undisturbed, asbestos poses little risk. However, when products containing asbestos are disturbed, tiny fibres are released into the air. When inhaled, these fibres can cause serious illness.
What are the dangers of asbestos exposure?
Asbestos exposure can lead to a number of serious health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Asbestos exposure is also linked to gastrointestinal cancer. Illnesses associated with asbestos often take many years to develop, but once they develop the deterioration in health is rapid.
Asbestos causes around 5000 deaths a year in the UK.
Who needs asbestos awareness training?
Asbestos Awareness courses are for workers who may come across asbestos in the course of their work. This level of training gives workers the information they need to avoid work that may disturb asbestos. It does not prepare workers to carry out work with asbestos-containing materials. If a worker is planning to carry out work that will disturb ACMs, further training is required.
The UK government’s website gives the following examples of employees who may need asbestos awareness training:
General maintenance workers
Electricians
Plumbers
Joiners
Painters and decorators
Plasterers
Construction workers
Roofers
Shop fitters
Gas fitters
Heating and ventilation engineers
Demolition workers
Telecommunication engineers
Fire/burglar alarm installers
Computer and data installers
Architects
Building surveyors
Contact with asbestos is a matter of life or death, so it is essential that staff have training on this subject. Fortunately, it’s easy to sign up for asbestos-related training, or to request it for your employees. To find our online asbestos awareness course, just click the link: Online Training – Portland Training.
If you or your staff will be working directly with asbestos, see our in-person NVQ in hazardous waste removal here: Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Removal of Hazardous Waste (Construction) – Licensed Asbestos – Portland Training.
What does asbestos awareness training involve?
Portland Training’s Asbestos awareness course covers: Recognising asbestos, where it’s used, minimising the risks and the legislation about working with asbestos.
How often do you need to renew your asbestos awareness certification?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, including your job role, the type of asbestos exposure you have, and your employer’s policies. However, it is generally recommended that you renew your asbestos awareness certification every three years.
Conclusion
Asbestos awareness training is important for anyone who might come into contact with asbestos. This type of training can help you identify asbestos-containing materials and understand the risks associated with exposure. It is important to remember that asbestos exposure can be dangerous, so it is important to take precautions to protect yourself. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
