Asbestos Awareness – Why Proper Training Matters
A recent prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights the serious consequences of failing to meet asbestos training requirements. A waste and recycling company was fined £36,000 after repeatedly failing to provide adequate welfare facilities and asbestos awareness training for its employees.
The HSE investigation found the company had previously received enforcement action on several occasions over an 11-year period, demonstrating the regulator’s commitment to holding organisations accountable where health and safety standards fall short.
While the fine serves as a stark reminder of the financial and reputational consequences of non-compliance, the key message for employers is clear – asbestos training is not optional, it is a legal requirement.
Why Asbestos Training Matters
Despite being banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos remains present in millions of buildings. Anyone involved in construction, refurbishment, maintenance, demolition, installation work, building management, and waste management could encounter asbestos-containing materials during their work.
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations, employers must ensure that anyone who could come into contact with asbestos during their normal work activities receives appropriate training. This includes employees, supervisors, and contractors.
Without the right knowledge, workers may unknowingly disturb asbestos-containing materials, releasing fibres into the air and put themselves and others at risk of serious long-term health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and ultimately death.
Annual Refresher Training
Asbestos training should not be viewed as a one-off exercise. The HSE states that workers’ knowledge should be refreshed at least once a year, as a minimum, to ensure it remains up to date and effective.
In practice, annual asbestos refresher training is widely recognised as the best way to maintain awareness, reinforce safe working practices, and ensure employees continue to understand their responsibilities when working in buildings that may contain asbestos.
Regular refresher training also helps employers demonstrate ongoing compliance and commitment to protecting their workforce.
Who Needs Asbestos Awareness Training?
Asbestos awareness training is typically required for anyone whose work could foreseeably disturb the fabric of a building, including:
- Construction workers
- Maintenance operatives
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Heating and ventilation engineers
- Decorators
- Joiners and carpenters
- Facilities and property managers
- Supervisors overseeing building work
- Waste management companies and their operatives
Duty holders and those responsible for managing asbestos within buildings may also require additional training to support their legal responsibilities.
How BSA Can Help?
Keep your workforce safe, compliant and informed with BSA’s expert Asbestos Awareness Training and refresher courses.
Whether you’re training new starters, refreshing existing knowledge, or strengthening your asbestos management arrangements, our experienced trainers can help.
Get in touch today to discuss your training requirements and ensure your team can work safely and confidently.