If you are an employer with staff who are liable to encounter, and potentially disturb, asbestos during their normal work activity, then you must make sure that the correct level of information, instruction and training is given to ensure they can work safely.
The Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012 apply to employers, employees, self-employed persons and duty holders and cover all work with asbestos containing materials. Regulation 10 of CAR states that “every employer must ensure that adequate information, instruction and training is given to employees who are liable to be exposed to asbestos”. This includes maintenance workers and others who may come into contact with or disturb asbestos.
Workers must be shown how to identify asbestos containing materials (ACMs), to avoid accidentally damaging them and releasing deadly fibres into the air. If someone can spot a potential ACM, and has been shown the appropriate action to take, they can work safely. Asbestos awareness courses are designed to give your workers the appropriate level of knowledge so that they can avoid work on dangerous materials.
Some examples of professions where this would be applicable are;
- 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
It’s important to note that a one-off training course will not make a worker competent. Competency can be achieved over time through experience and implementing skills learned during training. Although not a legal requirement, we would always recommend that workers are given regular refresher training to enhance and develop their skills. We have some excellent E-Learning modules available that have been approved by the Independent Asbestos Training Providers (IATP) and we like the fact that the training is presented using a blended approach.
E-learning can complement face to face training. For example, a trades business may opt for a face-to- face asbestos training session initially and then refresh those skills in year two by using an e-learning training course.
If you are unsure as to the training you should provide to your employees then get in touch with us here, we’d be more than happy to guide you in the right direction!
