What type of information, instruction, and training is necessary to work with asbestos?

Workers and supervisors must be able to recognize asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and know what to do if they come across them in order to protect themselves and others.

There are three main levels of information, instruction and training. These relate to:

• Asbestos awareness
• Non-licensable work with asbestos
• Licensable work with asbestos.

“Attending a training course on its own will not make a worker competent. Competence is developed over time by implementing and consolidating skills learnt during training, on-the-job learning, instruction and assessment. It is important that the level of information, instruction and training is appropriate for the work and the roles undertaken by each worker (and supervisor). Using a training needs analysis (TNA) will help to identify what topics should be covered to ensure workers have the right level of competence to avoid putting themselves or others at risk” (Health and Safety Executive).

Asbestos Awareness in the Workplace

Information, instruction, and training for asbestos awareness is intended to give employees who may come into contact with asbestos the training and education the need to minimize risks from such exposure. If a worker is planning to carry out work that will disturb ACMs, advanced and reoccurring information, training, and exercise will be needed. Examples of some professions that are at a high risk of exposing workers to asbestos are listed below, but it should be noted many other professions can involve asbestos products so care and proper training are always needed:

• Building maintenance workers
• Electricians and Plumbers
• Joiners and Drywallers
• Painters and decorators
• Construction workers
• Roofers and Tile-workers
• Pipe and Insulation fitters
• Heating and ventilation engineers
• Technical engineers
• Architects and Building surveyors
• HVAC installers and repair teams

Educational training for employees regarding asbestos awareness needs to include the following:

• Ways to identify asbestos and materials that may contain asbestos
• Education on the effects asbestos has on the human body after exposure
• The types, uses and likely occurrence of asbestos and asbestos materials
• The general procedures on what to do with an asbestos related emergency
• How to avoid the risk of exposure to asbestos and avoid worsening effects
• Who to report to with questions or concerns regarding asbestos while on the jobsite
• Why it is important to be safe when working and why everyone needs to be protected

Contact Our Asbestos Representatives Today

There are many ways people have been exposed to asbestos but the workplace is the number one place of exposure and contamination and some of the most at risk occupations still present a risk today. If you or a loved one has been affected by asbestos, you do not have to fight alone or suffer in silence. We are here to put our years of real world case experience to work so contact us today and let our team of experienced experts go to work for you on your case and fight for your rights!