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Choosing the Right Asbestos Training Course: A Guide for Employers

Asbestos training is a key responsibility for employers in construction, demolition, refurbishment, and maintenance. 

Exposure to asbestos can pose serious health risks, including lung cancer, Asbestosis and other issues related to the lungs. Making sure employees are trained in identifying and safely managing asbestos is essential to maintaining a safe working environment.

By choosing the right asbestos training course, you not only meet legal requirements but also safeguard the health and wellbeing of your workforce.

At 3B Training, we offer a number of asbestos training options tailored to different roles, each designed to keep your team informed and protected.

How Many Types of Asbestos Training Courses Are There?

We offer two main types of asbestos training at 3B Training: UKATA Asbestos Awareness and UKATA Non-Licensed Asbestos Training. Each course meets specific needs depending on your team’s roles and their likelihood of encountering asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Our Asbestos Awareness training provides essential knowledge for those who may indirectly come into contact with asbestos, while the Non-Licensed Asbestos Training is tailored for workers who may handle ACMs directly but do not require a licensed contractor qualification.

UKATA Asbestos Awareness 

Asbestos awareness training is essential for anyone working in environments where they may encounter asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). This course educates workers on how to identify asbestos, understand the associated health risks, and steps to avoid disturbing it.

Through asbestos awareness training, employees gain the skills to recognise, avoid, and report ACMs, which helps reduce the risks of asbestos exposure across all work sites. This training is crucial in building a culture of safety, ensuring that workers remain vigilant and informed.

UKATA Non-Licensed Asbestos Training

The Non-Licensed Asbestos Training course is designed for individuals who may need to work with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) without the requirement of holding a licensed asbestos handler certification.

This training is essential for roles such as electricians, plumbers, decorators, and other tradespeople who may encounter asbestos during work. It prepares employees to recognise and safely manage non-licensed asbestos risks, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Types of Asbestos Awareness Training Offered by 3B Training

In House UKATA Asbestos Awareness Course

We offer the UKATA Asbestos Awareness training as an in-house course, designed specifically for your company. This can be delivered at one of our training venues or a location of your choice.

For larger groups of operatives, we can customise the course content to align with your company’s specific needs. The interactive format fosters discussions about your internal processes, making the training highly relevant and engaging.

Benefits of Choosing In-House Training

  • Customisable Content: We tailor the course content to address the specific site requirements and operational needs of your team, making the training more relevant and actionable.
  • Team Engagement: The classroom setting encourages group discussions, allowing employees to share insights and raise questions about asbestos safety in the context of your company’s daily operations.
  • Convenient Scheduling: Delivered on-site or at our venue, the in-house course offers flexible scheduling to fit around work priorities, minimising disruption while ensuring critical asbestos awareness training is completed.

Our in-house course pricing is tailored based on factors like location, group size, and delivery method. To receive a personalised quote, simply fill out the enquiry form on our In-House Asbestos Awareness Page, and a member of our team will get back to you promptly.

Online Asbestos Awareness Course 

The UKATA Asbestos Awareness Online Course is an accredited and accessible solution for those who need flexibility in completing their training. Ideal for busy professionals, this course allows employees to progress at their own pace and from any location with internet access.

The format ensures that even remote or field-based employees receive consistent, high-quality training in asbestos awareness without the need to attend an in-person session.

Benefits of Choosing an Online Asbestos Awareness Course

  • Flexibility: Employees can complete the training on any device, at any time, allowing them to fit it around their work schedule.
  • Cost Savings: With no need for travel, the online course is a cost-effective solution, particularly for teams in multiple locations.
  • Consistency: The online format delivers a standardised level of training, ensuring all employees receive the same thorough, high-quality education.

You can buy eLearning licences on our website now or enquire to take advantage of our larger tiered discounts on our UKATA Asbestos Awareness Online Course page.

asbestos training online

Type of UKATA Non-Licensed Asbestos Training Offered by 3B Training

Our Non-Licensed Asbestos Training is delivered as an in-house course, with the training carried out in a classroom.

To enquire about our in-house asbestos training, please complete the enquiry form on our course page and our team will be in touch shortly.

Benefits of Choosing Non-Licensed Asbestos Training

  • Hands-On Approach: This practical training equips employees with the skills and confidence needed to handle non-licensed asbestos tasks safely and effectively.
  • Safety Protocols: Covers essential topics such as proper use of PPE, safe handling techniques, and compliant waste disposal methods to minimise asbestos exposure risks.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Includes procedures for decontamination and managing asbestos-related incidents, ensuring employees are fully prepared for unexpected situations.
  • Compliance Assurance: Provides a thorough understanding of legal responsibilities, helping employees carry out their roles in line with industry regulations.

Course Content in the UKATA Asbestos Awareness Course

Core Modules in the Asbestos Awareness Course

Our UKATA Asbestos Awareness Course consists of four essential modules that give participants a solid understanding of asbestos-related risks and safe practices:

  • Module 1: Properties and Health Risks of Asbestos – This module introduces the different types of asbestos, their properties, and the serious health risks associated with exposure, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
  • Module 2: Identifying Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) – Participants learn where asbestos is likely to be found in buildings, especially in older structures, to better identify and avoid these hazards.
  • Module 3: Avoiding Asbestos Risks – This module covers best practices for avoiding exposure, including emergency procedures and safe responses to accidental asbestos disturbance.
  • Module 4: Asbestos-Related Legislation – An overview of the UK regulations surrounding asbestos management, focusing on employer and employee responsibilities under the law.

Asbestos Awareness Test and Certification

At the end of the course, learners must complete a multiple-choice test that assesses their understanding of the material covered in each module. Learners must answer 12 out of 15 questions correctly to pass.

Upon successful completion, they receive a UKATA asbestos awareness certificate. The certificate is valid for 12 months, which verifies their knowledge and compliance with asbestos safety regulations.

Course Content in the UKATA Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal Course

Core Topics Covered in the Non-Licensed Asbestos Course

Our UKATA Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal Course provides participants with comprehensive training on the safe handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Key topics include:

  1. Asbestos Awareness Training – Delivered in accordance with UKATA document MS001, this section refreshes participants on asbestos risks and safety protocols.
  2. Additional Legislation – An overview of relevant asbestos-related laws, ensuring participants understand their legal responsibilities when working with ACMs.
  3. Building Mini-Enclosures (Optional) – Training on constructing mini-enclosures for containment purposes (EM 3).
  4. Use of Class H Vacuum – Instruction on the proper use of H-class vacuums for safe asbestos removal (EM 4).
  5. Wetting Control Measures – Guidance on using wetting techniques to minimize the release of asbestos fibers (EM 5).
  6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Training on selecting and correctly using PPE and respiratory protective equipment (RPE) (EM 6).
  7. Cleaning and Decontamination – Practical guidance on safe cleaning methods (EM 7) and personal decontamination procedures (EM 8).
  8. Waste Management – Instruction on proper handling and disposal of asbestos waste (EM 9) and issuing statements of cleanliness (EM 10).
  9. Risk Assessment and Plans of Work – Developing and implementing risk assessments and work plans tailored to asbestos-related tasks.
  10. Emergency Procedures – Steps to take in the event of accidental asbestos exposure or disturbance.

Practical Elements

  • Using H-Class Vacuums
  • Applying PPE and RPE
  • Implementing Wetting Techniques
  • Bagging and Safely Disposing of Waste
  • Building Mini Enclosures (Optional)
  • Executing Decontamination Procedures

Assessment and Certification

To successfully complete the course, learners must pass a written assessment, demonstrating their knowledge of the covered material. Upon passing, they receive a UKATA certificate valid for one year, confirming their competency in non-licensed asbestos removal practices.

Key Factors for Employers When Choosing Asbestos Training

Identifying Employee Roles and Exposure Levels

Employers need to assess the roles within their organisation to determine the appropriate level of asbestos training for each employee. For roles with indirect exposure, such as maintenance staff and general labourers, asbestos awareness training is recommended.

However, for tradespeople and others who may handle ACMs directly, non-licensed asbestos training provides the necessary skills for safe and compliant asbestos management.

Delivery Format: Online vs. Classroom Training

If you decide Asbestos Awareness is the right course for your team, you can choose between the flexibility of online learning and the engagement of in-house classroom training. 

Online courses allow employees to complete their training at their own pace, ideal for companies with busy schedules.

For organisations requiring in-depth team interaction, in-house training offers the benefit of tailored content and hands-on discussions. 

Certification and Renewal Requirements

UKATA Asbestos Awareness certificates are valid for 12 months, with annual renewal necessary to maintain compliance. Regular refresher training helps employees stay updated on the latest regulations and reinforce safe asbestos management practices, contributing to a safer workplace and ongoing regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Training

How Long Does an Online Asbestos Awareness Course Take?

The online asbestos awareness course is designed to be efficient, taking around two hours to complete. Learners can work through the material in multiple sessions, making it convenient to fit around busy schedules.

What Are the Requirements for Accessing the Online Course?

To access the course, you’ll need a computer or tablet with a stable internet connection and audio capability. While the course can be completed on various devices, we recommend using a tablet or computer for the best experience.

Is Asbestos Awareness Training Mandatory?

Yes, asbestos awareness training is mandatory for employees who may encounter asbestos in their work. UK health and safety regulations require this training to ensure workers understand how to recognise, avoid, and report potential asbestos risks on the job.

What Types of Jobs Require Non-Licensed Asbestos Training?

Roles that may come into direct contact with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) often require non-licensed asbestos training. These include trades such as plumbers, electricians, decorators, and others in similar fields who may need to handle ACMs safely as part of their work.

Can I Book Both Asbestos Awareness and Non-Licensed Training Together?

Yes, employers can book both asbestos awareness and non-licensed asbestos training together. These courses are delivered over 1.5 days, providing comprehensive training for teams needing both levels of asbestos safety and handling.

Get Started with Asbestos Training Through 3B Training

Ready to ensure your team is compliant and well-prepared? 3B Training offers comprehensive, UKATA-accredited asbestos training options, both online and in-house, to meet your specific needs.

Our flexible delivery options allow you to select the format that best suits your team’s schedule and training goals.

Please feel free to reach out for personalised guidance on selecting the right asbestos training for your team.

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