Asbestos isn’t a problem from the past. For anyone working in buildings constructed or refurbished before 2000, it’s a very present risk, and one that still claims the lives of around 5,000 people every year in the UK, according to HSE figures. The problem is that asbestos isn’t always obvious. It was used in an enormous range of building materials, from floor tiles and ceiling panels to pipe lagging, textured coatings, and roofing felt. You can’t identify it by looking at it. You can’t smell it. And by the time the damage is done, it’s too late to undo it. This is where Asbestos Awareness courses are greatly beneficial.
The tradespeople most exposed to asbestos risk aren’t typically those working on specialist removal projects. They’re the plumbers, electricians, joiners and general maintenance workers who disturb materials without realising what’s in them. Drilling into a wall, cutting through a ceiling or ripping out old flooring in a pre-2000 building all carry potential risk if the presence of asbestos hasn’t been properly assessed beforehand.
This is why the duty to manage asbestos exists. Building owners and employers have a legal responsibility to identify whether asbestos is present, keep a record of its location and condition, and ensure that anyone working in the building is made aware of it before they start.
Understanding how to check whether an asbestos survey has been carried out, knowing what materials are most likely to contain asbestos and recognising when to stop work and seek advice are all basic but critical skills. They aren’t complicated, but they do need to be taught properly.
Asbestos awareness training isn’t about turning tradespeople into removal specialists. It’s about making sure they have enough knowledge to protect themselves and avoid disturbing materials that should only be handled by licensed contractors.
If you work in older buildings regularly, or if you employ people who do, asbestos awareness isn’t optional. It’s a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 for anyone liable to disturb asbestos during their normal work.
Acadame delivers asbestos awareness training for individuals and teams, with options including classroom courses, onsite delivery and eLearning. Whether you need to get one person certified or train an entire workforce, the team can help you find the right solution. Get in touch today to find out what’s available.
