The importance of attending an Asbestos Awareness Course

Asbestos, one of the most dangerous substances used in the construction industry, has several useful properties and can be found in buildings across the country. However, inhaling these fibers can cause severe lung diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer and deadly mesothelioma. While asbestos is banned in new buildings in many countries, it still has a significant presence, especially in older buildings and certain industrial settings. This is why attending an Asbestos Awareness Courses should be seen as not only beneficial, but essential for those who may encounter this material.

Here we will explore what asbestos is, what a Category A Asbestos Awareness Course entails (https://www.haswelltraining.co.uk/courses/asbestos-awareness) and who should be taking these courses to support workplace safety.

So, what is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of tiny fibers that when airborne can be inhaled. It’s resistance to heat, fire and chemicals made it a popular choice for insulation, roofing, flooring and other building materials throughout the 20th Century. However, it was later discovered that the microscopic fibers could embed themselves in the lungs, leading to life-threatening illnesses.

Even through Asbestos has been banned or strictly regulated in parts of the world, it’s not uncommon for some older buildings to still contain it. This means that renovation, demolition, or simple repairs in older buildings could unknowingly disturb asbestos, releasing its fibers into the air.

The most at-risk industries are:

• Construction

• Demolition

• Maintenance Workers

• Plumbers

• Electricians

What is an Asbestos Awareness Course?

An Asbestos Awareness Course is designed to educate workers about the dangers of Asbestos and how to avoid disturbing it in their working environments.  However, this course does not allow you to then remove Asbestos.

This course covers:

1.      Understanding What Asbestos Is:

Delegates learn about the different types of Asbestos and where they are commonly found in buildings. This knowledge is critical for potential risk areas. Delegates will learn how to identify Asbestos.

2.      Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure

Understanding the long-term health effects of Asbestos, such as lung disease cancers, reinforces the importance of taking safety measures seriously. Delegates will use real-life examples of asbestos exposure incidents which illustrates the impact on individuals and communities. You will engage in group discussions and role-playing scenarios to better understand how to identify Asbestos and manage risks.

3.      Legal Responsibilities

This course outlines the UK asbestos regulations and legal obligations for employers and workers, ensuring that everyone knows their roles in maintain a safe work environment. This includes the duty to report any findings of asbestos or suspected asbestos to the appropriate authorities.

4.      Preventing Exposure

Delegates are taught how to avoid disturbing Asbestos-containing materials by recognizing signs of its presence, adhering to safety protocols and knowing when to stop work and consult a specialist. You will learn procedures for identifying asbestos-containing materials in buildings and guidelines for conducting inspections and risk assessments. Delegates will also learn about the appropriate PPE, emergency response and health monitoring protocols.

5.      Emergency Procedures

In case of an accidental Asbestos disturbance, this course covers the necessary steps for safety managing the situation, including isolating the area, notifying supervisors and contacting professionals who specialise in Asbestos removal.

The benefits of an Asbestos Awareness Courses:

• Improved Workplace Safety: Workers who are aware of the risks of Asbestos are better equipped to avoid exposure.

• Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations: In the UK, Asbestos awareness is a legal requirement for people who may encounter asbestos as part of their job. Ensuring delegates are trained to not only keep them safe but, also helps the businesses avoid costly fines or legal issues.

• Early Detection of Potential Hazards: By being able to recognize potential asbestos-containing materials, workers can report them early, allowing for professional assessment and remediation before they become a danger.

• Cost Savings: Prevention is always more affordable than cure. By taking steps to avoid asbestos exposure through awareness training, businesses can avoid the steep costs associated with asbestos removal, compensation claims, and medical expenses.

• Enhanced Professional Skills: For workers, completing an asbestos awareness course is a valuable addition to their skillset, making them more knowledgeable, employable and safer in their daily operations. Delegates gain knowledge that sets them apart from the job market, demonstrating their understanding of safety protocols and health risks as well as gaining a broader skill set.

With 5000 UK deaths each year due to Asbestos. Category (A) Asbestos Awareness training not only saves lives – it also contributes to healthier, more responsible work environments.

Additional Course Information:

• Cost: Our half day Asbestos Awareness Course costs £90 per person + VAT.

• In-House Certificate – You will need to attend this course every 3 years to ensure you are up-to date with new regulations.

• This category A course does not allow you to remove Asbestos however, it does provide you with a greater understanding of the potential risks which can be involved in exposure to Asbestos.

If you would like to take part in an Asbestos Awareness course, then please get in touch Contact Us | Haswell Training