What you will learn
In this online Asbestos Awareness Course (Category A) you will discover the risks and safe practices if you come into contact with asbestos, covering identification of the different types, correct handling procedures and ensuring legal compliance.
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Understand what asbestos is and why it was used historically.
- Be able to explain the health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
- Identify common locations where asbestos may be present.
- Recognise potential asbestos risk areas and manage related emergencies.
- Understand the key legal frameworks governing asbestos awareness and safety.
Modules
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1. Introduction
In this module, you will explore the importance of asbestos awareness and identify the groups of individuals/particular occupations who should be knowledgeable about asbestos and asbestos related materials.
2. What is Asbestos and Why was it Used Historically?
In this module, you will understand what asbestos is and find out why it was widely used in the past in the building trade. This knowledge is important when understanding the different types of asbestos and their historical application.
3. Why is Asbestos so Bad for your Health?
In this module, you will understand why asbestos poses significant health risks, which is vital to reduce your risk of exposure. You will examine who is most at risk from asbestos and explore why its dangers are often easy to overlook and difficult to detect.
4. Where can Asbestos be Found?
In this module, you will look at where asbestos may be located in a building and the sort of building materials and fixtures that may contain asbestos materials. We will also look at the scenarios that can cause asbestos to be released, the importance of knowing what materials you are dealing with and how likely they are to crumble and release deadly fibres.
5. Dealing with Asbestos Emergencies
In this module, you will evaluate the potential for asbestos release and interpret existing risk assessments. You will also get a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to respond to and manage asbestos contamination.
6. Asbestos Regulations
In this module, you will focus on the most important aspects of asbestos regulations and how it applies to you and the people you work with.
Who is this course for?
- Construction and demolition workers
- General maintenance workers and facilities staff
- Roofers
- Painters and decorators
- Plasterers
- Architects and building surveyors
- Alarm, computer and data installers
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning engineers
- Property owners, landlords and people working in older properties/buildings
- Tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters and joiners
- Anybody that would like to understand what asbestos is and its associated health risks if disturbed.
This online Asbestos Awareness Course (Category A) is suitable for anyone whose work may disturb the fabric of a building which may expose them to asbestos and those who supervise such employees. If you are self-employed, it is up to you to make sure you have the right level of training so you do not put yourself or others at risk. You can also take this course if you would like to understand more about asbestos and why it is hazardous when exposed.
Certification
This online Asbestos Awareness Course (Category A) is accredited by the IATP and The CPD Group.
Upon successful completion of this online course, you’ll be sent a personalised digital certificate as a PDF, enabling you to download and print it.
You can access a copy, reprint or download this certificate on our LMS (Learning Management System). This is your proof that you have been trained in health and safety best practices and achieved compliance. The certificates include a verification number so anybody can authenticate the certificate’s legitimacy.
Our certifications include a renewal date but there is no legal requirement to renew your training and certificate within a specific timeframe. However, we do recommend that you arrange refresher training after 2 years as regulations guidance do change. You should update your health and safety knowledge and skills regularly.
Genuine reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is asbestos awareness training (category A) mandatory?
It’s mandatory for employers to ensure that all employees who might encounter asbestos in their normal job duties or those who supervise such employees receive ‘adequate’ training. This training must provide sufficient information and instruction about recognising asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and where you may expect to find them. You will also need to understand the risks of being exposed to such materials and how to take the appropriate action if you do and ensure you comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
How often should asbestos awareness training be done?
While there is no set legal requirement to re-take your asbestos training every year, the Health and Safety Executive suggests that you refresh your knowledge regularly and keep up to date with any changes in safety or regulatory guidelines. We will send you a reminder to repeat your asbestos awareness (category A) training after 2 years.
What does asbestos awareness training teach you?
Asbestos awareness training is essential for ensuring safety and compliance in environments where asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may be present. Asbestos awareness training is typically mandatory for anyone who might encounter asbestos in their work, especially in industries like construction, demolition and building maintenance. The goal of training is to ensure that workers can recognise potential asbestos hazards and avoid disturbing ACMs, thereby preventing harmful exposure.
The Health and Safety Executive states that asbestos awareness training should include the following topics:
- The characteristics of asbestos and its impact on health, particularly the heightened risk of lung cancer for asbestos workers who smoke.
- The various types and uses of asbestos, along with its probable presence in buildings.
- Standard procedures for handling emergencies, such as an uncontrolled release of asbestos dust in the workplace.
- Strategies to prevent exposure to asbestos.
What asbestos training do I need?
Employers are legally obligated to determine the appropriate asbestos training for their employees, ensuring it meets the standards of being ‘adequate’. This involves selecting from three distinct types of asbestos awareness training depending on your employees’ roles.
- Asbestos Awareness Training (Category A) – This training focuses on recognising potential asbestos-containing materials and understanding the risks associated with asbestos exposure. It’s designed for individuals who don’t handle asbestos but may come into contact with it during their work.
- Training for Non-Licensed Asbestos Work (Category B) – This training is for workers who will conduct non-licensed work with asbestos. It covers safe handling practices, use of protective equipment and procedures for minimising asbestos release and exposure.
- Training for Licensed Asbestos Work (Category C) – This advanced training is for individuals who will engage in licensed asbestos removal or other high-risk work with asbestos. It includes comprehensive safety measures, asbestos handling techniques, decontamination procedures and emergency response actions.
The HSE provides more information about the different types of asbestos training on their website.
I work in a school. Is this the right asbestos awareness course for me?
We offer a specialised online Asbestos Awareness for Schools Course (Category A), which may be more suitable for your asbestos safety compliance training needs. This course provides information similar to that of the standard online Asbestos Awareness Course (Category A) but it includes relevant case studies and examples from schools to enhance its relevance. If you are a member of staff in a school, you may find our Asbestos safety and training in schools article of interest, which examines the best practices for effective asbestos safety management in schools.
I am a landlord, do you have any suitable resources I could use to find out more about my asbestos safety responsibilities?
Yes, we have created an article entitled Landlord asbestos responsibilities: A guide to asbestos awareness and compliance. This comprehensive guide outlines the legal framework, details how to conduct risk assessments for asbestos and describes the necessary steps to mitigate its potential dangers. We hope you find it useful.
