Unravelling Asbestos Training: How Many Different Types of Training Are There for Asbestos?
Asbestos remains a significant health hazard in the UK, particularly in buildings constructed or refurbished before the year 2000. For anyone working in these environments, understanding the risks and knowing how to mitigate them is not just good practice – it’s a legal requirement. But with different roles and levels of exposure, a common question arises: how many different types of training are there for asbestos?
At SAMS Ltd, we understand the complexities surrounding asbestos safety, and we’re here to demystify the training landscape. While the specific categories might seem varied, they generally fall into distinct tiers based on the level of interaction an individual will have with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
The Foundational Layer: Asbestos Awareness Training
For the vast majority of individuals who may encounter asbestos in their work, Asbestos Awareness training is the crucial first step. This is precisely where our flagship offering, the UKATA Asbestos Awareness online course, shines. This type of training is designed to make individuals aware of the dangers associated with exposure to airborne asbestos fibres, occurring through unknowingly coming into contact with materials containing asbestos.
So, how many different types of training are there for asbestos when it comes to basic awareness? Essentially, this is the foundational tier. Our online course, newly updated with in-house video tuition led by our Managing Director Lee Sadd, provides comprehensive coverage of essential topics, including:
- Types and properties of asbestos: Understanding the different forms asbestos can take.
- Uses of asbestos and likely locations of ACMs in buildings and plant: Identifying where asbestos might be present.
- The risks of asbestos, entry routes in the body and the health effects: The serious health implications of exposure.
- Asbestos legislation: Key legal obligations and regulations.
- Emergency procedures: What to do if asbestos is disturbed.
This course is ideal for a wide range of professionals, including plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters and decorators, IT installers, demolition workers, and anyone whose work might disturb the fabric of a building. It equips them with the knowledge to identify potential ACMs, avoid disturbing them, and understand when to seek expert assistance.
Our UKATA Asbestos Awareness online course is a flexible and cost-effective solution, taking approximately two hours to complete. Upon successful completion, you can download your UKATA certificate immediately. We offer competitive pricing with significant discounts for bulk licences, making it an excellent choice for organisations looking to train their staff efficiently. Moreover, our unique organisational section within our Learning Management System (LMS) allows companies to monitor staff progress and access all certifications, streamlining compliance management.
Beyond Awareness: More Specialised Asbestos Training
While Asbestos Awareness is critical for prevention, it’s important to understand that it does not train individuals to work with any Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs). For those whose roles require direct interaction or removal of asbestos, more specialised training is required. This brings us back to the question: how many different types of training are there for asbestos when dealing with hands-on work?
Generally, further training types are categorised by the nature of the work with asbestos:
- Non-Licensable Work with Asbestos: This training is for individuals undertaking tasks that involve minor work with asbestos, such as drilling small holes in asbestos insulating board (AIB) or cleaning asbestos cement. While not requiring a full HSE license, this work still carries risks and requires specific training to ensure safe practices. This training is typically hands-on and classroom-based.
- Licensable Work with Asbestos: This is the most stringent level of training, reserved for those undertaking high-risk activities involving asbestos, such as the removal of sprayed asbestos coatings, asbestos insulation, or asbestos insulating board. This type of work requires a license from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and involves extensive practical and theoretical training to ensure the highest safety standards are met.
Therefore, when considering how many different types of training are there for asbestos, we move from general awareness to increasingly specialised, hands-on courses designed for specific levels of interaction and risk.
Why Annual Refresher Training Matters
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that asbestos training needs to be taken on an annual basis for individuals who are most likely to come into contact with asbestos through their job. This highlights the ongoing importance of maintaining up-to-date knowledge and vigilance. Our UKATA Asbestos Awareness course, being fully audited and registered by the United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association, is an excellent choice for both initial training and annual refreshers, ensuring continuous compliance and safety.
In conclusion, when asking how many different types of training are there for asbestos, the answer depends on your role and potential exposure. For the vast majority, Asbestos Awareness training is essential. For those directly handling or removing asbestos, more specialised and often licensable training is required. At SAMS Ltd, we are committed to providing accessible, high-quality UKATA Asbestos Awareness training to help individuals and organisations meet their legal obligations and, most importantly, stay safe from the dangers of asbestos. Explore our online course today and empower your team with vital asbestos awareness.