There are four types of asbestos training:
- Asbestos awareness training (category A)
- Non-licensed asbestos work training (category B)
- Licensed asbestos work training (category C)
- Asbestos supervisor and manager training.
Here we discuss what each type of training covers and who it is suitable for:
Asbestos awareness training (category A)
Asbestos awareness training is for employees who may come into contact with asbestos indirectly but not work with it.
The aim is to ensure workers avoid disturbing asbestos by understanding what asbestos is, the health risks it poses, how to avoid disturbing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), and what procedures to follow if they encounter asbestos.
The course is suitable for:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Painters and decorators
- Maintenance workers
- General contractors.
This training does not qualify workers to remove or handle asbestos materials. The goal is to ensure workers can recognise ACMs, report potential hazards, and avoid disturbing them.
Non-licensed asbestos work training (category B)
This level of training is for workers who may come into direct contact with asbestos materials but do so in a manner that does not require a formal license from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
This work involves lower-risk activities such as minor repairs or encapsulation of ACMs.
Training includes detailed procedures for safe work practices with asbestos, use of protective equipment and controls to prevent exposure, and decontamination procedures.
This training applies to workers conducting tasks like:
- Removing small amounts of non-friable ACMs (materials that do not easily release fibres when disturbed).
- Drilling holes into asbestos materials.
- Replacing asbestos roof tiles or cement panels.
Licensed asbestos work training (category C)
This is the most advanced level of asbestos training and is required for any worker or contractor handling high-risk asbestos removal or abatement tasks.
Licensed asbestos work involves dealing with friable ACMs (asbestos materials that crumble easily). With friable ACMs, asbestos fibres are more likely to be released into the air posing a greater health risk.
Workers in this category must be trained and certified by an official body and are required to work under a licence from the Health and Safety Executive.
Licensed asbestos work includes:
- Removal of sprayed asbestos coatings.
- Large-scale asbestos insulation removal.
- Removal of asbestos lagging or insulation boards.
- Working with friable materials that are in poor condition and likely to release fibres.
Asbestos supervisor and manager training
For supervisors and managers overseeing workers involved in any form of asbestos handling or removal, specific training is necessary to ensure they can competently manage asbestos-related projects.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that work is carried out safely, risk assessments are conducted, and that all safety protocols are followed.
Training includes:
- Managing asbestos risks on site.
- Ensuring legal compliance and adequate documentation.
- Implementing safety protocols and supervising workers.
- Conducting proper asbestos removal procedures, ensuring air quality testing, and overseeing disposal processes.
Is asbestos awareness training a legal requirement?
It is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, that all employees who are at risk of exposure to asbestos containing materials (ACMs) undergo asbestos awareness training. Asbestos is a well-known carcinogen responsible for diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and heart disease.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states the importance of ‘taking measures to prevent exposure to asbestos in place and during asbestos removal’ which includes providing asbestos awareness training.
Preventing exposure through awareness, regulation, and proper safety practices is widely recognised as the most effective strategy for reducing asbestos-related diseases.
Who is responsible for providing asbestos training to staff?
Employers are responsible for providing their staff with asbestos training at the appropriate level, so they can protect their own safety and that safety of others.
What does asbestos awareness training teach you?
Asbestos awareness training provides learners with an understanding of the risks associated with asbestos and how to avoid exposure.
Training covers:
1. Understanding asbestos
What asbestos is, the different types (for example, chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite), and why it was used in building materials.
3. Where asbestos is found
What asbestos is, the different types (for example, chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite), and why it was used in building materials.
5. How to avoid exposure
Practical advice on how to avoid disturbing ACMs, including recognising the signs of potential asbestos presence and reporting any suspected asbestos hazards.
2. Health risks
Information about the serious health hazards related to asbestos exposure, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
4. Asbestos regulations
Overview of relevant legislation and guidance, such as the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and employer and employee responsibilities.
6. Emergency procedures
Steps to take in case asbestos is accidentally disturbed, including evacuation protocols, sealing the area, and contacting specialist asbestos contractors.
Awareness training does not qualify individuals to work with asbestos, but how to avoid exposure.
How often should you do asbestos awareness training?
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 does not state how often asbestos awareness training should be repeated.
However, the Health and Safety Executive advises that ‘some form or refresher should be given, as necessary, to help ensure knowledge of asbestos awareness is maintained’.
Why choose Praxis42 Asbestos Awareness training?
- Developed by experienced health and safety consultants, our Asbestos Awareness training ensures a comprehensive understanding of asbestos hazards and safe working practices. The course is fully accredited by the IATP who have independently audited the course for your peace of mind.
- The course is delivered through eLearning, allowing for flexible, self-paced study that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. With a mobile-enabled platform, it suits busy schedules, ensuring that employees can complete the training without disrupting their workflow.
- Course modules are engaging and interactive, catering to different learning styles so all participants can retain knowledge and apply what they have learned to the workplace.
To learn more about our Asbestos Awareness training, please visit our website or contact our friendly team on 0203 011 4242 or info@praxis42.com.
Adam Clarke
Managing Director (Consulting)
