Can You Do Asbestos Awareness Online?

When it comes to working with asbestos, there are certain kinds of training one needs to undergo. This is usually for your safety and that of others working with you. Usually, this training is in three categories based on the level of interaction you have with the material. There is an asbestos non-licensed class for individuals working with non-licensed asbestos material, asbestos awareness training, and an asbestos licensed program for people working with licensed asbestos materials. 

In general, asbestos awareness is training given to workers and supervisors on how to work with asbestos. It is intended to provide them with as much knowledge as they need to avoid practices that could disturb the material, and maintain a safe workplace. Having this training also gives workers knowledge about practices that could ruin the asbestos materials and subsequently jeopardize construction activities. For those who are wondering whether they can undergo an Asbestos Awareness Training Online, or not, the answer is yes! 

Over the years, asbestos training has become mandatory in certain regions and they are offered online within the duration of hours to months with a certificate afterward.

What Does The Asbestos Awareness Certificate Cover and Who Is It For? 

The asbestos awareness training is aimed at people in the maintenance and construction fields, that is, plumbers, electricians, general maintenance, and anyone else that may work closely with Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs). Managers, supervisors, and other people who influence how work is being carried out on the building are also in need of this training. 

Not until November 1999, asbestos was a widely used material in buildings. Therefore, any non-residential building that was constructed before this date most probably contains asbestos. As a result of this, a thorough asbestos survey or assessment is needed to know the extent and condition of asbestos in the building before work commences. This information should be provided by the duty holder of the building beforehand. 

Every asbestos awareness training covers major topics like the properties of asbestos, its types, uses, and its effect on health. It also goes further to train people on the steps to take during emergencies like an uncontrolled release of asbestos into the air. Asbestos Awareness Training should also be able to provide adequate knowledge on how to prevent the risks associated with ACMs during repair, building, or maintenance activities. 

Nevertheless, this training does not qualify partakers to handle asbestos-containing materials physically. It is only intended to help them avoid certain practices that could disturb the material. When it comes to handling asbestos materials physically, the workers should go further to receive training from people that are accredited by the United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association (UKATA). 

How Long Does the Certificate Last?

A UKATA accredited Asbestos awareness course can be completed in a matter of hours. However, it is recommended that you indulge in refresher training every 12 months. This will ensure that the knowledge you have of Asbestos awareness is maintained and improved. How frequently you should participate in refresher training depends on how often you work with ACMs. People who come across Asbestos frequently in the course of their jobs will undergo more asbestos refresher training than others. 

Now that you know what the program covers, the next step is to understand why Asbestos Awareness training is important. Below are some of the reasons why you should undergo asbestos awareness training from a well-accredited source. 

It Saves Life

One of the biggest industrial killers in the UK and beyond is asbestos. About an average of 20 people working in construction die every week from exposure to asbestos including, electricians, plumbers, and joiners. Asbestos awareness training gives these workers the right amount of knowledge to stay safe while working with asbestos materials. 

It is the Law

It is required by law for people who will come in contact with asbestos during their jobs to undergo asbestos awareness training. This ranges from the maintenance staff to the electricians, roofers, demolition workers, plumbers, laborers, telecom engineers, heating and ventilation engineers, painters, and many more. Asbestos awareness training also helps workers and managers know their legal obligations in a case where asbestos is discovered in the workplace. 

It Prepares Workers for Emergency Situations

Asbestos training helps prepare workers for emergencies. Here, workers are trained on how to swiftly and safely handle the situation and minimize the risk of exposure to this substance. 

The key to safe and effective work with asbestos materials is to ensure that every personnel on-site has undergone asbestos awareness training.