Asbestos Training Providers

The current asbestos regulations, published in 2006, make explicit requirements for all building maintenance staff and their employers to have asbestos training to ensure they reduce the risk of exposure from accidental disturbance of asbestos in buildings they happen to work within.

The regulation (Reg 10, Information, Instruction and Training) states:

(1) Every employer shall ensure that adequate information, instruction and training is given to those of his employees –

(a) who are or who are liable to be exposed to asbestos, or who supervise such employees, so that they are aware of –

(i) the properties of asbestos and its effects on health, including its interaction with smoking,
(ii) the types of products or materials likely to contain asbestos,
(iii) the operations which could result in asbestos exposure and the importance of preventive controls to minimise exposure,
(iv) safe work practices, control measures, and protective equipment,
(v) the purpose, choice, limitations, proper use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment,
(vi) emergency procedures,
(vii) hygiene requirements,
(viii) decontamination procedures,
(ix) waste handling procedures,
(x) medical examination requirements, and
(xi) the control limit and the need for air monitoring,
in order to safeguard themselves and other employees; and

(b) who carry out work in connection with the employer’s duties under these Regulations, so that they can carry out that work effectively.
 

(2) The information, instruction and training required by paragraph (1) shall be –
(a) given at regular intervals;

(b) adapted to take account of significant changes in the type of work carried out or methods of work used by the employer; and
(c) provided in a manner appropriate to the nature and degree of exposure identified by the risk assessment, and so that the employees are aware of –
 

(i) the significant findings of the risk assessment, and
(ii) the results of any air monitoring carried out with an explanation of the findings.
 

GBNS provide various training sessions for businesses, so that the companies can conform to current legislation whether it is for asbestos awareness or for the removal of non-licensable Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM’s). The training courses are bespoke to the customer’s specific requirements, basing the training on their premises or services and making sure all their staff and other contractual personnel understand the systems they are putting in place.
 

Asbestos Awareness Training

Asbestos awareness training is required to be given to employees whose work could foreseeably expose them to asbestos. In particular, it should be given to all demolition workers and those workers in the refurbishment, maintenance and allied trades where it is foreseeable that their work will disturb the fabric of the building because ACMs may become exposed during their work. Exemption from this requirement would apply only where the employer can demonstrate that work will only be carried out in or on buildings free of ACMs. This information should be available in the client’s asbestos management plan.
 

Training provided by GBNS covers the following topics as required in Regulation 10 in appropriate detail, by means of both written and oral presentation and by demonstration:
 

(a) the properties of asbestos and its effects on health, including the increased risk of lung cancer for asbestos workers who smoke;
(b) the types, uses and likely occurrence of asbestos and ACMs in buildings and plant;
(c) the general procedures to be followed to deal with an emergency, for example an uncontrolled release of asbestos dust into the workplace; and
(d) how to avoid the risks from asbestos, for example for building work, no employee should carry out work which disturbs the fabric of a building unless the employer has confirmed that ACMs are not present.
 

The awareness training is available with two options which cover the similar criteria but with varying course duration dependant on the depth of training required. With an extended session, the course will end with a multiple choice examination and issue of certificate of attendance and understanding, if passed.

 

Removal of Non-licensable ACM’s Training

This course covers a brief awareness of asbestos and then continues with training of the use of equipment, RPE, PPE, approved working practices from the HSE and more. This course includes practical training when necessary, and a written test at the conclusion to show understanding of the course. The training course runs for the whole day and a certificate of attendance and understanding is issued, if passed.
 

Refresher Training

Annual refresher training can be provided on all courses relaying any changes in legislation, work methods or if new staff has been employed. There is no legal obligation to carry out yearly awareness refresher training, unless the above applies, however refresher training for the removal of non-licensable ACM’s legally has to be carried out annually.
 

Benefits to Customer:

• HSE are now prosecuting organisations without clear management systems for asbestos, which must include training for all staff who may be involved or come into contact with asbestos; failure can lead to fines, improvement and prohibition notices and even jail.
• Asbestos training gives reassurance to staff that management are committed to control of asbestos.
• Savings can be made from training to avoid damage and delay to projects and ongoing site management.
• Potential reduction in insurance premiums due to improved risk management systems.

For further information and detail of these courses please contact Geoff Cockel on 01371 810700 or email.