Asbestos management and asbestos awareness training in the workplace is absolutely vital
It is estimated currently that some 5,000 people a year are dying from the effects of exposure to asbestos.*
Asbestos remains one of the UK’s biggest occupational health risks. Despite being banned in 1999, asbestos is still present in many buildings constructed or refurbished before the year 2000. Because asbestos fibres are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, exposure can occur without immediate warning — which is why asbestos management in the workplace is absolutely vital.
The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2012 places legal responsibility on anyone who owns, occupies or controls a building to identify and manage any asbestos within it. This is commonly referred to as the “duty to manage asbestos”. Failing to comply can result in enforcement action, prosecution, heavy fines and serious reputational damage.
It is essential that staff and contractors are not only informed of any asbestos present, but also understand how to manage asbestos safely and protect themselves from potential exposure. Proper asbestos awareness training and asbestos management training courses help ensure everyone understands their responsibilities.
Without appropriate asbestos training, employees may unknowingly disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), putting themselves and others at significant risk.
Understanding the legislation surrounding asbestos, the risks associated with exposure, and the correct procedures to follow is critical. SAMS offers both e-learning and classroom-based asbestos training courses, including asbestos awareness training online and specialist asbestos management courses, helping organisations remain compliant and confident in managing risk.
We also support companies in developing and implementing robust asbestos management plans tailored to their premises and operational needs.
Effects of asbestos
Exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to severe and often fatal health conditions. Diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer may develop decades after the initial exposure. In many cases, symptoms do not appear until 20 to 30 years later, meaning individuals may be unaware of the harm caused until it is too late.
Asbestos-related illnesses are entirely preventable when asbestos is properly identified and managed. This is why training asbestos awareness and implementing effective asbestos management in buildings is not simply a regulatory requirement — it is a critical health protection measure.
How SAMS can help
SAMS supports small and medium-sized businesses with practical asbestos management solutions. We assist in the development of asbestos management plans, risk assessments and associated documentation to ensure compliance with current legislation.
Our team understands that every building and organisation is different. We work collaboratively with duty holders and facilities managers to create clear, workable systems that ensure asbestos is properly identified, recorded, monitored and managed over time.
We are accredited by UKATA (UK Asbestos Training Association) to deliver IATP asbestos awareness training and UKATA asbestos awareness online courses to individuals who may encounter asbestos during their work activities.
In addition, we offer asbestos training for managers, asbestos managers courses, and duty to manage asbestos courses for those with higher levels of responsibility. These asbestos management training courses are designed to provide a deeper understanding of compliance obligations, record-keeping, monitoring procedures and safe systems of work.
Asbestos Management Plans
An effective asbestos management plan is a legal requirement for non-domestic premises. SAMS works with organisations to establish comprehensive asbestos management programmes that clearly outline roles, responsibilities and control measures.
Our asbestos management in buildings course and managing asbestos course options provide structured guidance on how to create, maintain and review an asbestos register, assess risks, and implement ongoing monitoring procedures. This ensures that asbestos-containing materials remain in good condition and are not disturbed during maintenance or refurbishment work.
We also provide associated assessments and asbestos training courses to ensure employees, contractors and managers are fully aware of their responsibilities. By combining consultancy support with asbestos awareness training courses and asbestos management courses, we help businesses achieve both compliance and confidence.
Please contact us for further information.
Asbestos Classroom Training and E-Learning Courses
SAMS understands that organisations require flexible training solutions. That is why we offer a combination of classroom-based asbestos training classes and asbestos online training, allowing businesses to choose the format that best suits their workforce and operational demands.
Our UKATA accredited Asbestos Awareness online training is ideal for organisations, sole traders and contractors who may encounter asbestos during their work. This asbestos awareness training course online covers identification of asbestos types and properties, common locations of ACMs, the risks of asbestos exposure, entry routes into the body, associated health effects, asbestos legislation and emergency procedures.
Online asbestos training is a convenient and cost-effective way to meet the requirements of Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the Approved Code of Practice L143 ‘Managing and working with asbestos’. It ensures that employees receive consistent, compliant asbestos awareness training regardless of location.
For those requiring a more interactive learning environment, our classroom based UKATA accredited Asbestos Awareness course expands on the core knowledge delivered through e-learning. This half-day asbestos training course provides opportunities for discussion, scenario-based learning and enhanced understanding. It is particularly suitable for asbestos worker training where practical awareness is essential.
By combining asbestos awareness training, asbestos management courses and professional consultancy support, SAMS provides a comprehensive solution for managing asbestos safely and compliantly.
* Source: HSE.gov.uk