Asbestos remains an issue for many workplaces throughout the UK. Where people may potentially encounter dangerous asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), it is important for them to have adequate training. In this article we’ll look at 3 reasons why your workplace should have asbestos awareness training.
1) Risk Awareness
Though asbestos is now banned for new constructions in the UK, many relatively recent buildings (pre-2000) still contain significant amounts of asbestos. Up to the turn of the century it was used for insulating walls, pipes, ducts, and many other components. It therefore still poses a risk to human health if not managed properly.
Though the duty to manage asbestos falls on the owner or manager of a non-domestic building, those who are employed in such premises still need to know the risks of exposure and how best to act to avoid them. Proper training in asbestos awareness can help to avoid exposure to these hazardous airborne asbestos fibres.
2) Safe Working
Employers need to provide appropriate information, instruction, and training in asbestos awareness to promote safe working. Asbestos poses a risk when damaged or disturbed, so employees must appreciate the need to avoid work that may disrupt the fabric of the building or provoke contact with any ACMs to avoid risk.
It is important to note, however, that asbestos awareness training in itself does not prepare employees or contractors to carry out work with ACMs. If remedial or removal work is planned that is likely to disturb asbestos, further information and training will be required before proceeding. Often it is necessary to use licensed asbestos removal contractors.
3) Employee Reassurance
Where a building may contain ACMs, employees will rightly be concerned for their safety when working there. Asbestos awareness training can help to reassure them that their safety is taken seriously and that appropriate measures are being taken to address risks.
Who Needs Asbestos Awareness Training?
Anybody who works in or occupies a non-domestic building that may contain asbestos should have asbestos awareness training.
Is Asbestos Awareness Training Mandatory?
Yes, appropriate asbestos awareness training is a legal requirement under Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Asbestos Training From OMC Consultants
And proper training can save lives by teaching trainees about the effects of asbestos on health. It will also cover topics such as the properties of asbestos, its types and uses and the likelihood of its occurrence in buildings and equipment.
OMC Consultants offer full training in asbestos awareness for your workplace. We can provide training on-site and tailor it to your site’s needs. For more information, please get in touch with our team today.
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