Asbestos awareness training UKATA Category A

Asbestos kills. You may think you’ve heard it all before – but it seems it’s still news to some people. Retail giant Marks & Spencer hit the headlines recently when it was fined £1m after contractors refurbishing one of its stores failed to follow asbestos guidelines, putting customers at risk. The judge was particularly critical of what he called the ‘tension’ between health and safety and profit: “The response from M&S was, in effect, to turn a blind eye to what was happening... it was already costing the company too much money.”

But it’s not just the big boys who fall under the spotlight of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – asbestos is potentially lethal, and they’ll go after any organisation, large or small, that they suspect of flouting the law, even unintentionally. Revisions in the HSE means that they will now be charging around £150 per hour for any action they feel is necessary, even if that is simply writing a letter of advice.

Asbestos awareness training is a legal requirement for all persons whose work activities could possibly expose them to asbestos. This is particularly critical for demolition workers and those in the refurbishment, maintenance and allied trades. Provide this training to your employees to ensure compliance with your statutory obligations under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 as well as the obligations sited in the Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974 (Ref: 2(c)): “the provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of his employees.”

Delegates will learn about:

• The uses and locations of asbestos materials in buildings and plant
• What the Control of Asbestos Regulations require
• The effects of asbestos on health, including the added danger of smoking
• The presence of other hazards such as work at height
• Emergency procedures for accidental disturbance of asbestos-containing materials
• General safe working practices and asbestos management requirements.

Who should attend?

The HSE states: “Asbestos awareness training is required to be given to employees whose work could foreseeably expose them to asbestos. In particular, it should be given to all demolition workers and those workers in the refurbishment, maintenance and allied trades where it is foreseeable that their work could disturb the fabric of the building because ACMs may become exposed during their work. Exemption from this requirement would apply only where the employer can demonstrate that work will only be carried out in or on buildings free of ACMs. This information should be available in the client’s asbestos management plan.”

It lists the following as persons who should attend an asbestos awareness course: general maintenance staff, electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, painters and decorators, joiners, plasterers, demolition workers, construction workers, roofers, heating and ventilation engineers, telecommunications engineers, fire and burglar alarm installers, computer installers, architects, building surveyors and other such professionals, and shop fitters (and managers of all the above).

Certification

All delegates will receive a CPD certificate, and delegates successfully completing the multiple-choice exam, will receive a UKATA Category A Asbestos Awareness certificate.

What previous delegates have said:

"Excellent benchmarking for the rest of us!"

"Very practical and thought-provoking."

"Very helpful and approachable."

Our trainer:

Matt Dawes is experienced in all aspects of asbestos consultancy: he has managed asbestos removal projects from inception to completion, and prepared relevant specifications, HSE notifications and tender documentation. He has full working knowledge of the range, locations and uses of asbestos-containing materials within a wide variety of property ages and types, and is familiar with the hazards and risks associated with asbestos exposure, current regulations, ACOPS and guidance notes. He is highly qualified, including the BOHS P405 Proficiency Certificate in the Management of Asbestos in Buildings.

In addition to his work as an asbestos trainer and consultant Matt previously worked for a housing association where one of his key responsibilities was the management of asbestos within c.5,500 properties.

HQN has a track record of helping organisations achieve real and lasting performance improvements. If you are interested in accessing this training package please contact us by emailing training@hqnetwork.co.uk