Commodious is an Independent Asbestos Training Providers (IATP) member, so we are often asked questions about Asbestos Awareness Training. In this article, we have compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions we receive and provide you with all the asbestos awareness answers.
Are you looking for Asbestos Awareness Training? Commodious offers an IATP-accredited Asbestos Awareness Course for just £10 + VAT. Click here to learn more about this course, buy it now, or access a free trial.
What is Asbestos Awareness Training?
Asbestos is a hazardous mineral that, until 2000, was commonly used in building materials such as cement products, ceiling tiles, pipe insulation and floor tiles. The dangers associated with asbestos are such that it is subject to its own legislation: the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. These regulations make training mandatory for anyone who is likely to be exposed to asbestos fibres while at work. View our Frequently Asked Questions about Asbestos article here to learn more about asbestos.
Asbestos Awareness training is an introductory level of asbestos training. It gives people the information they need to identify and avoid asbestos while working. It does not qualify a person to work with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) or carry out a risk assessment. For more information on this training, click here to view our asbestos awareness certificate.
What is Included in Asbestos Awareness Training?
Asbestos Awareness training should make you aware of the following:
- the dangers of asbestos.
- the legal and regulatory framework that underpins asbestos management.
- the appearance of asbestos and asbestos-containing material.
- the likely areas where asbestos can be found.
- the precautions to take before working on the fabric of a building.
- what to do if they discover or disturb asbestos.
Is Asbestos Awareness Training a Legal Requirement?
Yes, regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 makes it a legal requirement to provide 'adequate information, instruction and training' to employees who are 'liable to be exposed to asbestos' or anyone who supervises such employees.
Asbestos awareness training is required for those employees that may encounter asbestos-containing materials but do not work directly with them, such as construction workers, electricians, plumbers, and roofers. It must provide learners with the information they need to identify different types of asbestos and avoid work that may disturb asbestos.
How Many Modules Are There in an Asbestos Awareness Course?
The number of modules in an asbestos awareness course will vary depending on the training provider and how their training is delivered.
Commodious' Asbestos Awareness course contains two modules: one containing background information, such as the history of asbestos and the illnesses caused by exposure to asbestos, and another on how to manage the risks associated with asbestos.
How Long Does an Asbestos Awareness Course Take?
On average, the Commodious Asbestos Awareness Course takes 40 minutes to complete. But there is no time limit, so that you can learn at your own pace. The Course is mobile and tablet friendly, so you have the freedom to take the training whenever and wherever you want. We will give you access to the course materials for 12 months so you can revisit the information.
How Long Does an Asbestos Certificate Last?
An asbestos certificate usually has no official expiry date, but this does not mean that a person's training remains valid indefinitely. It is typical for asbestos awareness training to be carried out annually, with some accreditation schemes such as CHAS requiring that this is the case.
However, it is not a legal requirement with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It says there is no legal requirement to repeat an entire formal awareness training programme every twelve months. It adds that some form of refresher should be provided to help ensure knowledge of asbestos awareness is maintained.
How Often Should Asbestos Awareness Training Be Done?
While the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 does not explicitly state how often asbestos awareness training should be completed, they say that 'information, instruction and training must be provided at regular intervals'.
Because of the dangers of asbestos, it is usual for workers to receive annual training to refresh their knowledge and keep it current.
How Much Does Asbestos Awareness Training Cost?
The price of an asbestos awareness course can vary significantly and depends on the training provider and their delivery method.
At Commodious, we provide our IATP-accredited asbestos awareness online course for just £10 + VAT. It is also available in our great value bundle deals, reducing costs for individuals and organisations with significant training requirements.
Do I Need Asbestos Training?
If you are an employee, your employer will decide if your role requires Asbestos Awareness training. If you are self-employed, it is up to you to make sure you have the right level of understanding to protect yourself and make sure that you do not put others at risk whilst you work.
Occupations likely to come across asbestos and require asbestos awareness training are:
- Maintenance workers
- Utility workers like electricians, plumbers, telecommunication engineers and gas fitters
- Painters and decorators
- Construction workers
- Shopfitters
- HVAC engineers
- Demolition workers
- Alarm installers
- Computer and data installers
- Architects and Building surveyors
Who Can Deliver Asbestos Awareness Training?
Asbestos Awareness training should only be delivered by trusted training organisations or those accredited by a trusted authority, such as the Independent Asbestos Training Providers (IATP) or the United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association (UKATA).
Are you looking for Asbestos Awareness Training? Commodious offers an IATP-accredited Asbestos Awareness Course for just £10 +VAT.
