Asbestos awareness training is essential in the workplace, especially when working on buildings constructed before 2000. With asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) responsible for 5,000 deaths each year in the UK, employers are legally required to train staff on asbestos awareness.
But how do you select the right course for your organisation? With two major training associations – the United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) and the Independent Asbestos Training Providers (IATP) providing their own asbestos awareness training – it can seem a confusing choice.
Here we discuss the advantages of both the IATP and UKATA asbestos awareness course online to help you to choose.
What is asbestos awareness training?
Asbestos awareness training helps managers, supervisors and workers understand the risks from ACMs in premises, plants and equipment. This training minimises the risk of exposure and reduces potential harm.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has a simple syllabus for asbestos awareness. It recommends that asbestos awareness courses should cover:
- Asbestos properties and their effects on health, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, which range from lung scarring to lung cancers.
- The types, uses and likely occurrence of asbestos and asbestos materials in premises and plant.
- General procedures to manage an emergency, such as the uncontrolled release of asbestos dust into the workplace.
- And how to avoid the risk of exposure to asbestos.
Why does asbestos awareness training matter?
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must protect employees’ health and safety by ensuring that adequate information, instruction, supervision and training is provided. They also need to ensure that organisations or individuals who work for them in their supply chain, such as contractors or partners, are competent.
Health and safety training can take many forms and, while it is not prescriptive, some topics, such as asbestos awareness, may have suggested guidance or a syllabus.
It is worth knowing that there is also no prescribed way to undertake refresher training or requirements around how often refresher training takes place. It is down to employers to establish a training regime based on evidence that safe systems of work are being applied to work activities.
Is eLearning effective?
The Health and Safety Executive recognises that online training is an effective way to deliver asbestos awareness training.
Online training is a viable way to train employees on asbestos awareness training provided it meets the requirements of Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the supporting Approved Code of Practice L143 Managing and working with asbestos.
What is the difference between an IATP and UKATA asbestos awareness course online?
There is no difference between an IATP and UKATA asbestos awareness course online. Both are recognised accredited bodies, and they offer high quality courses that will fulfil your legal obligations for asbestos awareness training.
Both UKATA and IATP accredited courses are widely accepted across industries in the UK and are compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
There is no significant difference in the content between UKATA and IATP accredited courses. Both cover essential asbestos awareness topics, including identifying asbestos, understanding health risks, and the legal responsibilities surrounding asbestos in the workplace.
What are the benefits of Praxis42 IATP Asbestos Awareness Training?
Our Asbestos Awareness training is approved by both the IATP and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), which has global recognition. Developed by our in-house chartered safety practitioners and eLearning experts, it is an engaging course that exceeds the recommended Health and Safety Executive syllabus.
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, employers have a duty to provide asbestos awareness training to employees who may come into contact with asbestos. Our course supports employers to fulfil this legal obligation by ensuring employees have the knowledge to keep themselves and others safe.
Find out more about our IAPT Asbestos Awareness course online on our website, or talk to our friendly team on 0203 011 4242/info@praxis42.com
Adam Clarke
Managing Director (Consulting)
