A common question asked in the health and safety industry is how often my employees need asbestos awareness training. Is it every month, year, or every few years? With there being no definitive legal requirement, every company is different. However, recommend your organisation needs training every year. This is certainly the case if you are trying to re-qualify for SSIP accreditation such as CHAS, Safe Contractor or Constructionline.
Who needs asbestos awareness training?
Asbestos awareness training isn’t for everyone. Training is usually for practical and hands on occupations that involve working in houses or commercial buildings. These include:
- Carpenters
- Plumbers
- Painters and decorators
- Electricians
If you are involved in any of the occupations above, then you definitely will need training. Failing to do so can put you or others in danger. An organisation failing to do so are liable to punishment such as fines or even imprisonment.
Always be prepared, make sure you and your organisation are prepared. Our courses below offer full training. It covers all necessary areas to make sure you and your organisation stay compliant.
What does asbestos awareness training involve?
Asbestos training will prepare you to correctly identify and avoid handling any dangerous materials. It will involve a number of key learning outcomes and skills.
The course will involve:
- Recognising the type of asbestos
- Identifying asbestos containing materials (ACM) in the home
- Safely using protective equipment
- Learning about the dangers of asbestos and when it becomes harmful
- Recognizing the rights and responsibilities of both employees and employers
With the health and safety industry constantly changing, it is important to constantly review your training to stay up to date with the newest practices. For example, a new piece of protective equipment could be added as an essential.
Also, your legal duties as both an employee and organisation, will be gone through during the training. It will ensure your business is fully compliant and go through the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Do I need a certificate?
Most training courses will provide you a certificate once completed; however, you don’t necessarily need this to be able to handle asbestos. HSE states that “a certificate is not proof of competency to do the job, but… a certificate shows the individual has had training”.
This basically means it demonstrates that you have been adequately trained to deal with the risks faced during the course of employment.
Also, certificates have expiry dates, so be aware of that. Asbestos Awareness Certificates usually last a year, and that’s another reason we recommend updating your training.
Need Asbestos Awareness then give OJ Safety a Call on 0800 634 9247 or email admin@ojsafety.co.uk